Looking toward the future, the students of the Norman S. Edelcup/SIB K-8 School were asked what they wanted to be when they grew up on Wednesday, Dec. 20, as part of the school’s Career Day. Throughout the morning, various professionals across diverse industries visited Sunny Isles Beach’s school to speak about their careers. In attendance were several City of Sunny Isles Beach officials, including Vice Mayor Dana Goldman and City Commissioners Jeanette Gatto and Larisa Svechin.
Vice Mayor Dana Goldman visited several classes explaining the many jobs and roles she serves. As Vice Mayor of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Goldman elaborated on her years of involvement and engagement with the City before she became the important position of Vice Mayor.
“I always encourage any age to get involved and volunteer,” said Vice Mayor Goldman. “That was the starting place for me. I asked, ‘What can I do for the City?’”
City Commissioner Svechin discussed her role on the City Commission while encouraging student participation by asking thought-provoking questions. Commissioner Gatto spoke about her former career in the advertising business connecting the importance of math to every day tasks.
Additional City of Sunny Isles Beach employees joined the Commission to speak about their careers, providing a wide scope of topics for the students. Hans Ottinot, City Attorney, explained his responsibility in securing contracts for City parks, beginning with the first park, Samson Oceanfront Park, created in 2000.
Claudia Hasbun, Planning and Zoning Director, spoke about the City’s traffic issues in addition to fielding questions regarding climate change, the impacts of sea level rise on the barrier island of Sunny Isles Beach, and how this is reflected when individuals plan to construct buildings.
After discussing new technology initiatives the City is implementing, such as solar powered electric Soofa benches, Derrick Arias, Chief Information Officer, explained the new effort of bringing free WiFi to the beach; an initiative that brought cheers to the classroom.
Always a highlight of Career Day is the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department K-9 Unit demonstration. Vader, Vino and Rocko, three of the K-9s, showcased their crime-fighting prowess with their PD partners. Dozens of students watched in amazement as the K-9’s participated in a handful of daring scenarios.
Outside the school, eager students rotated through different truck stations listening to speeches and demonstrations from the Public Works department, Ocean Rescue, SIBPD and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Students took turns sitting in the back of a police car and later learning how to operate an Ocean Rescue ATV.
Though NSE/SIB K-8 students may not know exactly what they want to be when they grow up, Career Day certainly provided an inside look into the many aspects of the local Sunny Isles Beach government.
