To celebrate Pembroke Pines Charter’s 25th anniversary, beloved alumni returned home with their friends and family to reminisce on bittersweet high school memories at the alumni event.
Carrying on Charter’s legacy in their everyday lives, the alumni embody the vision of “Empowering students for the possibilities of tomorrow.” The reunion allowed the alumni to reflect on all their accomplishments since their high school graduation.
With a touching tribute, students, staff members, and alumni joined together to commemorate the life of Lorraine Vasquez, symbolizing the impact she had on Charter.
Her legacy lives on through her students, who pass forward every lesson she has taught. Senior Emma Ikner reflects on Vasquez’s memory with, “I had her my sophomore and junior year and she was genuinely one of the best teachers I ever had.”
Kicking off the event with a series of performances, the band, Bollywood dance team, and Latin dance team displayed their diligent efforts to craft impressive routines. Just outside the River of Grass, alumni could explore the variety of clubs PPCHS has to offer.
Reflecting on the growth of the PPCHS campus, principal Peter Bayer expressed, “The school has grown tremendously and I think the true indication of that is through school spirit, which started as the original senior prank.”
The annual tradition of senior shirt throwing has become integrated in Charter culture. Bayer expresses, “Every single graduating class ever since then has done the same thing, so it has now become more of a celebration.”
Walking further down memory lane, alumni were offered a multitude of arcade-style games to play in the gym. From basketball to whack-a-mole, jaguars were immersed into a world of nostalgia, while enjoying entertainment in the home of their pep rallies and sports tournaments.
The light hearted setting made future jaguars optimistic for their Charter career. Alumna Carine Aguiar expressed her excitement with, “I’m glad my kids are enjoying themselves today and I’m looking forward to my oldest daughter who’s saying ‘this is going to be my high school.’ It makes me feel proud.”
In the cafeteria, the Book Club and the CHAT Newspaper hosted interactive games of bingo, karaoke, and trivia for the families of the alumni. Returning to their second home, old classmates indulge in conversation over a delicious hotdog, pizza, or quesadilla, courtesy of the PPCHS lunch staff.
Rekindling old friendships, alumni were reminded of the familial bonds formed while attending Charter. The inclusive environment allowed all students a chance at success in their highschool career.
Alumnus Kevin Ferreira shared his experience with, “[Charter] allowed me to become more social. I am a shy, autistic, boy and I have trouble making friends, but I like this school because it helped me grow.”
Charter’s long-lasting traditions still hold as much sentimental value today as they did a decade ago. During a confessional interview, hosted by The CHAT, alumna Alexis Mariner shared a steaming hot secret: “No one’s supposed to know this, but I may or may not know who started the food fight and smoke bomb, our senior year, for our senior prank.”
The saying goes, “once a jag, always a jag” as this alumni event continues to cultivate a strong community at Charter.
