In the world of the Student Government Association (SGA) lies not only an array of schedules for pep rallies and homecoming, but cabinets of hundreds of binders that align the shelf with vibrant spines that list all kinds of SGA events.
On Feb. 20 to Feb. 22, nine of these binders would be taken to Dr. Joaquin García High School for the annual Florida Association of Student Councils (FASC) convention where these project books would be graded in hopes of winning a medallion.
All the events SGA plans and puts on for the student body lead up this one weekend. After every event, SGA members create a detailed project report that gets placed into a big medallion book. This binder holds every event that every committee has ever completed in the course of one year. Falling in numerous categories including state project, fundraising, faculty and staff, community and school service, environmental, and health and safety.
In these same categories, smaller binders are created that hold a more detailed report of standout events such as new school dances and dodgeball tournaments with a twist.
Once the medallion book and projects books are complete, SGA advisors from all across the state of Florida come together at FASC to score these binders. The more points accumulated, the better the chances for the school to be awarded a medallion and trophies for the best projects in each category.
Each of the three days at the convention was packed with different events and keynote speakers. Students were sent back and forth across campus to the gymnasium, auditorium, or classrooms to work on team bonding activities and numerous leadership workshops held throughout the day.
Three of those workshops were led by five of Charter’s SGA officers. One dedicated to how to leave a legacy in leadership, another on how to properly use finances in student government, and one about the importance of mental health among growing teenagers.
For many, leading these workshops was the highlight of their trip. “We were in the room just cleaning up and we had an emotional moment after the workshops. We were really proud to represent our school at the state level and to have hopefully made an impact,” wholeheartedly expresses Sophomore Senator Shriya Sardesai.
A large part of the convention also consisted of dozens of campaigns made by schools across all six districts in hopes of being elected as the new state board. Skits, speeches, and campaign materials that ranged from pins to flags and bracelets were distributed among the 1,500 student attendees.
Once the final closing session was taking place in the gymnasium, SGA councils from across Florida sat close to their team awaiting the final award announcements in hopes their school placed.
Knees bounced up and down in anxiety, hands clasped together, and eyes stayed glued to the glowing screen in the front of the gym. After a few minutes, Pembroke Pines Charter High School appeared three times in bolded letters.
The first time for placing second place in the Fundraising category for the annual Snowball Dodgeball tournament. A second time for placing second place in community service for the Lotus House event where food distributions were done at the largest women’s shelter in the country. Finally, the most awaited one, Charter’s SGA placed a silver medallion for their large medallion binder.
“Hearing our names get called for awards was the most surreal feeling. Piecing together our hard work throughout the school year into one tedious binder felt so worthwhile as I shared many hugs and tears with my classmates,” expresses senior corresponding secretary Madison Jules.
From not being involved in the state level at all, to winning bronze last year, and now holding a silver medallion along with two trophies, this SGA is back on the map.
Along with these recognitions, two sophomore leadership students, Armani Hernandez and Sasmit Gonthi, got two resolutions passed. Hernandez in hopes of establishing gun control in Florida and Gonthi with the goal of improving school lunches. This is a huge step in creating real change through Florida legislation.
After hours of research and preparation to present this proposal to the FASC vice president, parliamentarian, and hundreds of other delegates, this proved hard work pays off. Sophomore Armani Hernandez describes the moment as, “A realization. Everybody who agreed with my claims genuinely helped my confidence and built me to become a better leader. I am hoping the resolution truly does go somewhere because it is a real-world issue.”
These awards and recognitions wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support from the SGA advisor, Mrs. Altimore, administration, and the 37 students who have made up the leadership class of 2025-2026. Seeing the “underclassmen fall in love with FASC,” as SGA 2nd Vice President Giana Marte states, made it all worth it.
It all comes down to one word: legacy. Pines Charter’s Student Government is back on all levels: county level, district level as the newly elected district six secretary, and on the state level. SGA is bringing home a medallion and is prepared to bring many more in the years to come.
“I hope our continuous accomplishments encourage those to never give up on what you’re passionate about and continue to grow SGA’s legacy at Charter,” proclaims Jules.
