Four outstanding seniors were recognized for their leadership accomplishments throughout their four years at Pembroke Pines Charter. Karina Garcia, Ava Mendez, Jaelyn Perez, and Alexia Rivera came together on a Tuesday evening along with their families for an evening of celebration for their efforts as Charter’s top leaders.
Student Government members held the gate wide open for the arrival of the senior leaders. As they entered into the cafeteria, they were greeted by their advisors and PPCHS Principal Mr. Bayer. As they entered the decorated room, they found their name tag and sat at their designated table along with their loved ones. Once every senior leader arrived, each family walked over to the display of food platters ranging from popcorn chicken to deli subs.
After indulging in some food and refreshments, the ceremony commenced, and Principal Bayer walked to the podium for the opening speech. Discussing the tradition behind selecting the outstanding seniors at Charter, he beamed in pride of the leaders standing before him. Once his speech was over, the advisor of each senior leader walked up to the podium to dedicate a speech of recognition and gratitude for the impact these students have had on their organizations.
To begin, Model UN advisor Mr. Schwartz began by dedicating a speech to Model UN president Karina Garcia. Then came class of 2025 student council and student government (SGA) advisor Mrs. Altimore who read two speeches about Class of 2025 President Ava Mendez and SGA president Jaelyn Perez. Last, but not least, Newspaper advisor Mr. Fagen shared his speech dedicated to Editor-in-Chief Alexia Rivera.
Karina Garcia- Model UN (MUN)
Karina Garcia has been nominated by her advisor Mr. Schwartz and has earned recognition after her outstanding performances in Model UN which she has been a part of for the past three years. Through MUN, she has helped lead workshops, weekly practices, mock conferences, and nearly triple the amount of members in the club. She helped create a lot of memorable “firsts,” through the first out-of-state competitions at Duke & NYU, along with Pembroke Pines Charter’s first-ever school conference: JAGMUN.
Earning 6 gavels throughout 3 different states (FIU (3X), Duke, NYU, UM), while also leading the team towards winning delegation awards at USF, NYU, UF, and UM (2x), Garcia has established herself as an exceptional leader.
Reflecting upon her work through these past four years, Garcia confidently explains, “As a senior, winning this recognition means so much knowing that I’m winning it alongside three other amazing leaders. It feels nice knowing that students—alongside the faculty—have recognized the impact MUN as an organization has had on the school, and I hope it encourages future Charter generations to continue these “firsts,” as they don’t have to be our “lasts.”
Ava Mendez- Class of 2025 Student Council
Senior Ava Mendez has been nominated by her advisor Mrs. Altimore and recognized for her outstanding leadership as Class of 2025 President for the last three years. Leading her student council and fellow peers to be able to successfully raise money for prom and other iconic school trips. She helped plan and host dozens of different sales and activities that involved and excited her entire class.
Mendez fundraised thousands of dollars throughout these past years and connected with many groups of people to create fun, lasting experiences that students wouldn’t forget. This has left a lasting impact on Pines Charter’s senior class of 2025.
Recalling the celebration she had for her efforts, Mendez wholeheartedly shares that, “it feels like all my hard work has finally paid off. I am now able to be seen as someone who makes a lasting impact on my school, which is a huge honor in my eyes. I am grateful that I was able to be seen as someone who is a notable leader among 437 students.”
Jaelyn Perez- Student Government Association (SGA)
Jaelyn Perez has been named an outstanding leader by the incredible leadership skills exhibited when leading the Student Government Associated. Nominated by her advisor Mrs. Altimore, Perez has dedicated countless hours to planning and executing the events that require the participation from the 2,000 students who are part of Pembroke Pines Charter.
Ranging from homecoming to pep rallies to dodgeball tournaments, Perez took the initiative to guide the SGA class to help produce these events for the enjoyment of everyone on campus. This year, she helped take SGA to the Florida Association of Student councils (FASC) for the first time since COVID and along with her class, brought home a bronze medallion. Establishing Pembroke Pines Charter in the county and state level, she has brought forth a new chapter for this student government.
Alexia Rivera- CHAT Newspaper
Taking leadership of the Charter High Academic Times (CHAT) newspaper has exemplified Rivera as a senior leader. Nominated by Mr. Fagen, her work leading the newspaper class has allowed the newspaper to make its name further known in local and state competitions.
Being part of the school newspaper for the past three years, hosting and attending workshops, and going to summer journalism programs at the University of Florida (UF), has allowed Rivera’s passion for journalism to be reflected on the digital and content staff. Her efforts have helped bring the CHAT to its highest potential and work to continue to be the #1 online publication in the state. After scheduling numerous guest speakers, networking at events, and attending the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA), Rivera’s journalistic drive has created a lasting impact.
As she recalls the time she has spent in the newspaper, she enthusiastically shares, “The CHAT means everything to me, and it has shown me what it’s like to have a passion for journalism. Being able to lead a team full of talented writers and young journalists inspires me in so many ways beyond words. Watching everyone grow into an amazingly talented staff is such an honorable experience especially knowing I was once in their shoes.”
After the speeches concluded and ending remarks were shared, cheers filled the senior square, applause vibrated throughout the walls, and hugs were distributed among the proud parents, siblings, and significant others that experienced this celebration. Leaders, families, and administration indulged in cake and refreshments as the night came to an end.
SGA was proud to have executed another successful annual ceremony. Senior leader co-committee head Xavier Ried-Morgan described it as “a perfect night where all the hard work of my team and I over the last few months truly paid off.”
These four outstanding senior leaders have officially left their mark at Pembroke Pines Charter. After dedicating their four years of high school to leading and executing events for their team and student body, they will now be hung on the honor wall in the Charter office. This serves as a token for their achievements and an honorable recognition for representing the class of 2025.
