At the crack of dawn, the Academy of Finance board faces the task of quenching the thirst of Coral Gables Senior High’s student body within first and second block. Preparing sultry drinks, the AOF board gets down to business in front of room 6203 attending to the buzz of students lining up for Friday coffee.
Amidst a world of finance, entrepreneurship and business, AOF intends to balance academia and enjoyment through interactive events for students to enjoy. Rolling in ideas as if they were cash, students can expect doors of opportunity and resources from AOF that will set them up for success. The dedication and commitment of the AOF board transform these ideas into reality that resonates with students.
Being an English for Speakers of Other Languages student at Gables, Mr. Diaz was focused on adjusting and learning the language. Missing out on activities as a Cavalier himself, Mr. Diaz ensures to provide opportunities for students serving as a bridge by posting fliers and informing others about the academy.
Understanding the struggles of overcoming language barriers, Mr. Diaz always felt the need to give back and do something for his students upon returning to his alma mater as an educator. Always a Cavalier at heart, Mr. Diaz values connecting with his students and encourages them to ask a plethora of questions. Looking for ways to help out students, the role of AOF adviser was the perfect fit for him.
Contributing his knowledge and experience in the business field, Mr. Diaz suggested AOF incorporate selling coffee on Fridays which was executed by the AOF board. Being the first and only academy allowed to sell coffee, the money will go towards funding all of AOFs’ activities. With a fee of $10 and pricey activities such as a carnival fair, the goal of selling coffee is to give more to the students. Priced at $2, students can choose from a variety of options: cold coffee, iced coffee and hot coffee, being completely accessible.
“[I want to accomplish] having fun; not everything is about business or money. You always have to know how to mix it to have fun and be professional. I want to make [AOF] successful. I want Coral Gables to know AOF and have everyone talk about AOF. Now everyone waits for the coffee on Fridays. I want Coral Gables to remember AOF. Expect AOF to be introduced to the world,” Mr. Diaz said.
Preparing students to tackle a realm of business, investing and professionalism, senior Kalel Sada jumpstarted the National Business Honor Society to teach Cavaliers the aspects of networking while also providing another means of promoting and fundraising activities for the academy. Instilling financial literacy, club members research companies, predicting and voting on stocks to invest in watching the growth and decline of potential income.
Targeting his aspirations to expand AOF towards the community, Sada offers community service projects through the club such as recruiting at local middle schools for AOF. Taking his initiatives one step further, Sada founded a Future Business Leaders of America Chapter at Somerset Gables Academy and is working on developing it to greater heights.
In charge of delegating tasks properly, senior Sada values an organized team with equally divided workloads. Learning from his previous years running events, senior Sada seeks room for improvement and minor adjustments.
Offering hands-on experiences, Sada plans to efficiently integrate innovation in AOF by marketing NBHS, hosting its Ed-Fed reality fair in December, simulating the interview process for junior internships, and hosting more AOF-wide meetings keeping the goal of delivering essential everyday life experiences from building a resume, interviewing, and working a corporate job in mind.
“[We continue doing these events] to keep students more engaged, bring students closer, and keep them motivated. [My vision towards improving AOF is] to have more real-world simulations, get students future-ready and to have fun while doing it. I want people to come out of [the academy] impacted by the activities that we provide them with,” senior Kalel Sada said.
Entering his last year at Gables, senior representative Nico Delagado looks forward to planning the Senior brunch with his fellow board members. Setting dates for senior events in stone, representatives mainly focus on maintaining communication and contacting owners of establishments. Starting off the school year right alongside his other senior representatives, Delgado has been planning months ahead to avoid problems with venues and other necessities.
Learning the ins and outs as a first-time board member, Delgado applies the leadership skills he has gained from being a part of other clubs and sports around campus. Proving essential to fulfill his role, Delgado intends to use his team-building skills to form bonds with others, further advancing AOFs’ cause.
Thinking outside of the box, Delgado values taking into account and understanding the perspectives of the senior class while taking feedback from other senior board members with utmost importance. Striving to guarantee memorable events enjoyed by all, AOF has provided Delgado a means of extending his involvement and delivering his own unique twist on senior events that cater to students.
“What I look forward to the most is giving back my experience and journeys to underclassmen in AOF. I also want to express the amount of benefits AOF brings to our futures like career-wise and College too. AOF has brought me so much love for the school. Thank you to my amazing friends and board members who have brought me friendships that will impact my life forever. Thank you, AOF,” senior Nico Delgado said.
Channeling her childhood love for event planning, junior representative Ava Jolibois contributes to the academy by working side by side with juniors on their internships and setting up treat days. A requirement to graduate with the AOF diploma, students gain work experience, time management, financial and social skills upon completing this initial work endeavor.
Walking juniors through the process of their internships as they get closer, Jolibois collaborates with them by bestowing them with her internship experience which has allowed her to gain a grasp of how to truly support them and answer any questions they may have.
“Since it’s not that time of the year yet where juniors have been talked about their internships yet we haven’t really talked much about it, but Ava is a wonderful person and very helpful. Whenever I have any questions, Ava makes it her mission to help and answer it. She is always there letting us know how to be ready for what’s coming next,” junior Loreana Rayo said.
Serving as an entertaining way to highlight the accomplishments of AOF students, treat days range from miniature desserts to AOF board members dressing up in costumes and blasting music to reward students who have paid their academy dues.
Brainstorming new ideas with the AOF board, Jolibois keeps an open mind appreciating the feedback from the team when sharing thoughts and finalizing plans. Looking forward to piquing the interest of students in the intricacies of the program, granting incoming freshmen a deeper understanding of AOF, and implementing more treat days, Jolibois is delighted to continue working on planning events and seeing students enjoy them.
“I think what sets us apart from the rest is how we actively try to get as many opinions about the ideas we have. We all come together and help improve or even constructively criticize our ideas to help better ourselves. Along with also trusting that our opinions are valid and to help improve,” junior Ava Jolibois said.
Ingeniously shaping the academy, the AOF board pours passion which can be felt by students alike and is reflected through their events. Fostering professional growth and community among students, each AOF board member brings new and compelling ways to encourage student involvement within AOF while recognizing their dedication and creating unforgettable bonding experiences with classmates. With exhilarating plans for the future, AOF students can expect more captivating events to come.
