In a city brimming with potential, 28 student ambassadors from five local schools – McArthur, Somerset, Pembroke Pines Charter, Flanagan, and West Broward gathered on November 20th for a day of learning, leadership, and civic engagement. Hosted on behalf of the City of Pembroke Pines, this year’s Student Ambassador Day opened the doors to the intricacies of local government, offering students a rare opportunity to learn, connect, and envision their role in shaping their community’s future.
Participants got the opportunity to converse with other city officials, including Pembroke Pines Mayor Angelo Castillo, who challenged students to embrace their potential. One thing Mayor Castillo wanted to address was the misconception surrounding luck. “What people call luck is simply preparation meeting opportunity,” he shared. Knowing this, he encouraged students to “create [their] own luck”. “Everyone is called to fix a fracture in the world,” he added. As the students prepared to tour the Fire and Police Departments, his words motivated them by reminding them that leadership must first begin with intention and effort.
One fellow student ambassador, Jordan Ziadie from Somerset Academy High School, saw the mayor’s talk as especially enlightening. To him, it served as a reminder that “Finding your purpose is key. It’s what drives preparation and gives meaning to the work we do to make a difference.”
Commissioner Maria Rodriguez, the youngest and first Hispanic elected official in Pembroke Pines’ history, also addressed the students and shared her hopes for the next generation.
“As a commissioner, I think it’s super important to not only meet our younger people but also for them to see what the city is all about,” she said. “This program gives them an in-depth look at all of our different departments so that they are more trained and have a better understanding of exactly what a city does, what a municipal government does, and it opens their eyes to all the opportunities within our own cities.”
For her, the day also sparks an even deeper meaning. “I think it’s about putting that seed in the students so they can flourish and truly understand what community is about,” Rodriquez explained. “To me, government is a community value—it’s a tool we use to care for everyone, especially our most vulnerable, from our seniors in high school to our older seniors, ensuring that everyone in the community is cared for.
Throughout the rest of the program, the day’s mission remained clear: to inspire a generation of young leaders who see themselves not just as residents, but as active participants in shaping their city’s future.
When asked about the success of the program, Assistant City Director Jonathon Bonilla, believed that “100% objectives were complete”. Mr. Bonilla was the lead for the day’s event and is extremely happy with the program. He knows that “every school has its own identity [and] understanding what makes up that identity and finding common ground—that’s what is going to make the change here in the city of Pembroke Pines,” he noted.
The day concluded with recognition at the City Commission meeting. For the 28 student ambassadors, however, the day meant more than awards or acknowledgments. “It showed me that no matter how young you are, your voice and actions can make a difference,” said Jordan Ziadie. Overall, It was a reminder to all students that they have the power to shape the future of their community and beyond.
