As the early morning sun rose, teachers from every Pembroke Pines Charter campus poured into Pembroke Pines Charter High School’s (PPCHS) auditorium for the annual State of Charter. The State of Charter event brings together staff from Academic Village, FSU, East, West, and Central campuses to celebrate the start of a new school year. Teachers happily greeted coworkers after a long summer break while a DJ kept the atmosphere lively with upbeat music.
The loud, energetic theater soon quieted as Class of 2026 President Emmanuel Baptiste and senior Krystal Castro took the stage, introducing something never before seen at a State of Charter. Microphones in hand, the duo left the stage with a live camera following close behind, performing a ‘Man on the Street’. They asked teachers questions ranging from “What subject do you teach?” to “What do you like most about Charter?”
Following the interviews, PPCHS welcomed keynote speaker George Couros, an expert in leadership and teaching. Couros shared his ideas on how educators can become agents of change and leaders of innovation.
The celebration continued with recognition of teachers and staff for their years of service to the Charter system. This included Ms. Battle, Ms. Hyacinth, Ms. Phelps, and many others for 20 years of dedication. The entire Charter community also recognized Principal Mr. Bayer for 25 years of service to PPCHS.
“It was an incredible way to kick off the school year. I don’t think I truly appreciated the enormity of 25 years until I was up there on stage receiving the award,” Mr. Bayer said. “It was more emotional than I had expected — and I am so appreciative and proud of each of those years that made up this tremendous milestone.”
With such a powerful and uplifting start to the year, the outlook for 2025–2026 is looking bright.
