The start of the New Year means new resolutions to become healthier, smarter, and stronger. As we come into the year, the race for the presidency is coming into its last leg.  Republican candidates are dropping like flies and the real contenders are starting to arise. After the Florida Primary, Mitt Romney seems to be the lead contender for the Republican nomination; however, anything can change in an instant.

Besides keeping up to date with the presidential campaigns, this month I had my first exciting interaction with the United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. My Pembroke Pines Charter High School had the honor and pleasure of hosting a town hall style meeting with the Secretary. His presentation came as a surprise to most students at my school, as we only really heard about it the day before. Like any other high school, it didn’t take long for the news to spread and soon the whole school was talking about our moment in the spotlight. While most students were excited about the Secret Service at our school, I was just excited to hear what the Secretary of Education had to say about America’s education system. After piling into our school’s auditorium, everyone was excited to see the Secretary himself. After a few words from the class, President Eliza Barrocas and Mayor Ortis, the Secretary of Education was greeted by a standing ovation from the Class of 2012. After a brief speech, Secretary Duncan opened the floor to questions from students and faculty. One of the first questions, which hit close to home for Pembroke Pines Charter High School, was equal funding for public and charter schools in Florida. Secretary Duncan responded that there should not be a discrepancy between the two and what should matter is the education of children.  Throughout the entire event, I thought about the importance of these questions to the Class of 2012. With tuition rates skyrocketing, these are the things that will be affecting us just next year. I was glad to see that our government was taking initiative to help students continue their education. As much as students complain about going to school, it is one of the crucial things that will further our society.

After the question session had ended, and students were heading back to class, I feel as if Secretary Arne Duncan’s visit brought a sense of pride to our small school. Each and every school year, Pembroke Pines Charter administrators, teachers and staff put all of their effort into the betterment of their students, and for once it is great to see that being recognized.

By: Kimberly Willoughby