Pine Crest School Students Receive 2023 Pinnacle Awards

Three Pine Crest students received 2023 Broward County Non-Public School Association Pinnacle Awards for their exemplary character and for setting an example for other students to follow. 

Pinnacle Awardees excel in one or more of the following areas: academics, community service, citizenship, fine arts, athletics, student activities, perseverance, effort, dedication, commitment to positive goals, improvement in performance, and attitude. Congratulations to this year’s Pine Crest recipients: Riley Gumbel ’30, Isaac Pack ’27, and Brandon Goldberg ’24.

According to teachers, Riley Gumbel ’30 is an exceptional Pine Crest Panther. She is kind, responsible, and highly respectful to her teachers and classmates. Riley is a true role model. Riley plays the violin in the orchestra, sings in the chorus and is very artistic. She can consistently be counted on to do the right thing, even when it may not be easy. 

Isaac Pack ’27 is described as a conscientious and hard-working student who is not afraid to take on challenges both inside and outside of the classroom. An elected member of the Middle School student council, Isaac is committed to making sure student priorities are met. He has scheduled meetings with the Middle School administration to share student ideas for positive change such as developing a “Reading Week” highlighting works of literature and authors and finding eco-friendly utensils for our cafeteria. 

Isaac enjoys being involved in extracurricular activities. He is a member of the school’s crew team, plays percussion for the jazz and concert band, and anchors the Middle School news network. Outside of school, he volunteers for the Miami Kosher Food Bank and the Calder-Sloan Foundation. Isaac also assisted Food Rescue US in collecting unused, excess food from grocers and restaurants to give them to families in need.

Brandon Goldberg ’24 is an excellent student who is hardworking, passionate, humble and kind. His teachers report that he is meticulous and focused with an incredible work ethic. He is steadfast in his commitment to his academic classes and is eager to share his talent. Brandon has earned national acclaim as an outstanding jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. 

His 2019 debut album, “LET’S PLAY!,” and his 2021 album, “In Good Time,” both received “Best New Release'' accolades from DownBeat. Brandon is the youngest recipient of the ASCAP 2022 Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award. He is a three-time winner of the DownBeat Student Music Awards in the jazz soloist and original composition categories. 

He has performed at the Newport, Twin Cities, and Monterey jazz festivals; and New York’s most notable jazz clubs, including Dizzy’s Club, Birdland Theater, and The Blue Note. This past summer, Brandon toured with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, playing at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. He was featured in two concerts at “Jazz at Lincoln Center” with his own trio in January 2023.

Brandon has used his talents to mentor younger students and to raise funds for charity concerts, including serving as music director for Pine Crest’s “Playing for Change” show. His unpretentious and friendly manner has enabled him to earn the appreciation of his peers and the respect of his teachers. 

Congratulations, Riley, Isaac, and Brandon!