From the Desk of the Head of School: Honoring the 2026 Head of School’s Award recipient Miguel Dueñas '95

Miguel is winding down a transformative two-year term as chair of the RE Board of Trustees, and will move into the position of former BOT Chair. For the past decade he has served as treasurer, finance chair and vice chair of the board, all while working as chief executive officer of a Miami-based investment firm. Yet what truly sets him apart are his class and character.

Since Miguel became chair two years ago, we have met on a bi-weekly basis along with previous board chair Jonathan Fitzpatrick and vice-chair Ricky Stokes '94. During those meetings and myriad phone calls throughout the school year, he has displayed a combination of laser focus and uncommon kindness. Whether discussing the REimagination of our college counseling office, the cost-of-living (COLA) endowment for our faculty, or the final plans for the soon-to-be-built Sundheim Humanities Center, Miguel always does two things: He keeps us pointed in the right direction, and he puts people first.

Every decision comes down to this question: What is best for our students and faculty? 

Miguel embodies the lifelong connection that makes RE such a special place. His personal story is magical and almost unfathomable: he met his wife, Vivi (Mora) Dueñas '95, as an eighth grader in Mr. Kappelman’s science class. Although they did not date until later, the roots of their relationship formed over bunsen burners and lab reports.

Miguel’s twin brother, Alex Dueñas ’95, also married an RE alumna, Jolie Souto Dueñas '96. Both couples now have children at the school. Silvia Luna ’92, sister to Miguel and Alex, also attended RE. In just a few weeks, Miguel and Vivi will experience the ultimate RE full-circle moment as their eldest daughter, Alexa Dueñas ’26, will join them in our alumni ranks.

The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) emphasizes that the health of a school rests on the strength of the partnership between the head of school and the board chair. I have been remarkably fortunate in this regard. I began my tenure working with the inspirational Jonathan Fitzpatrick, and as Miguel prepares to conclude his tenure on June 30, I am energized to begin a new chapter with incoming chair Ricky Stokes. Ricky is another deeply engaged alumnus who understands the soul of this institution.

I will conclude with gratitude: Thank you to Miguel for always finding time for RE. Thank you for being a partner, a confidant, a leader. You have served with grace and a strategic mindset that will benefit our school community for decades to come.