The Aventura Marketing Council’s Student Connection graduation hosted by Florida International University‘s Biscayne Bay Campus marked the culmination of yet another stellar year dedicated to helping students from the AMC’s Dade Partner Schools keep their grades up, get diplomas and become future business leaders.
FIU Vice Provost Steven Moll along with AMC Education Committee Chair Eileen Glastein of Bnai Zion Foundation welcomed students and guests to the special occasion sponsored by Miami- Dade Commissioner Sally Heyman; the Florida Marlins Community Foundation; Wells Fargo Advisors and College Planning Specialists.
Appreciation was also expressed to honorary Student Connection Chair Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle; Superintendent Alberto Carvalho; Assistant Superintendent Enid Weisman; School Board members Dr. Martin Karp and Dr. Wilbert “Tee” Holloway; Region Director Paul Greenfield, principals, teachers, career specialists and guidance counselors.
A highlight of the Student Connection graduation was an inspiring “One-on-One” program providing students with the opportunity to meet role models including Michael Shear of Wells Fargo Advisors; Laurie Allen of South Florida Circus Arts School; Jeff Cross, National Football League alumni; Eric Beck of IT Doctors; plus special guest DJ Lorenzo of WEDR Radio.
During the event, stories of surmounting challenges and achieving success were shared with a common theme focusing on the importance of education, a positive attitude and working hard to achieve goals… philosophies shared by the Aventura Marketing Council, four-time winner of the annual Dade Partner of Excellence award and inducted into the Dade Partners Hall of Fame for four consecutive years.
Expressing the sentiments of all those who support the AMC’s Education Committee, Eileen Glastein noted, “If we can change even one child’s life, turning them towards a more positive direction, then we have succeeded!”
School Board member Dr. Martin Karp added, “The Student Connection program is so valuable for helping students learn beyond classroom walls and realizes if you do well in school, your future is that much more secure.”
Thanks to the collaborative efforts of a “winning education team,” Student Connection field trips are enjoyed by students from the AMC’s Dade Partner Schools: Ojus Elementary, Greynolds Park Elementary, Aventura Waterways K-8, David Lawrence Jr. K-8, Highland Oaks Middle School, Krop Sr. High, North Miami Beach Sr. High and Alonzo and Tracy Mourning Sr. High.
The Student Connection graduation’s grand finale featured the presentation of Jane Reno “Can Do” awards, named in memory of the mother of Janet Reno, the Student Connection program’s first honorary chair. Each year, Jane Reno “Can Do” awards are given to students who show the greatest turnaround during the school year.
FIU Vice Provost Steven Moll expressed congratulations, noting, “There are 8,000 students attending FIU’s 200 acre Biscayne Bay Campus – the only university next to a natural mangrove. It’s the most beautiful university in the U.S. mostly because you are here…we’re looking forward to seeing you back as FIU college students!”
Just before lunch prepared by Tropical Smoothie owner Michael Erber; with Blue Bell Ice Cream by David Horner and Sue Reddy Silverman, the AMC received accolades and another A+ for “constant support, encouragement and inspiration.”
Eileen Glastein said, “We’ve been building the bridges of understanding between the education and business communities for nineteen years and we invite any AMC member to join the Education Committee,” she said.
For information about the Aventura Marketing Council’s Education Committee and Student Connection program, call 305-932-5334.
