As the 2024-25 school year begins, a fresh class of Panthers come in and join the “claw” of students. Being part of the P-nation provides many opportunities to make new friends, join a sport and get involved in the Miami Palmetto Senior High community. One of the many opportunities at MPSH is being a part of the student council.
Each position on the freshman council plays a vital role in ensuring the school year goes smoothly for new students. The president, vice president, treasurers and secretary all put in the time and effort to fulfill their class’ needs and goals.
President: Alessandra Panosso
Panosso is looking forward to her position as President of the Class of 2028. She has many goals for her class, including starting a new heritage club for unrepresented heritages at MPSH and ensuring that her class receives the same amount of comfort as the upperclassmen.
“Once fundraisers start going out, I want to fund for more outdoor seating in the shade, besides the Paw-vilion,” Panosso said.
This year, Panosso will take on new challenges, such as AP courses and extracurricular activities.
“I’m in two APs, so maintaining my grades, friendships and being active in my education, but also in my social life, is a big challenge for me,” Panosso said. “I think time management plays a really important role in finding out how to balance both your classes and your extracurriculars.”
Panosso spends her time outside of school playing volleyball for the Miami Select team, as she has been doing for the past three years. She also enjoys playing guitar and cheering for the MPSH cheer team.
“I want to welcome everyone and make sure that they are having the best year they can have,” Panosso said.
Her bright ideas and vibrant personality bring a vivid understanding as to how effective of a president she will be throughout this school year.
Vice President: Matthew Meyer
Matthew Meyer is ready to take on the responsibilities of Vice President of the Class of 2028. He enjoys playing soccer for the Pinecrest Premier team, in which he has played for the majority of his life. Meyer plans on trying out for the MPSH soccer team and joining the Italian Honor Society to be further involved in his school community.
“I think my biggest challenge will probably be just being able to gain respect for freshmen among all the other classes,” Meyer said. “Showing that we can make changes and improve the school will help us get there.”
Meyer aims to improve school morale, make the school more inclusive and provide more opportunities for the freshman to lead.
Secretary: Ashley Lamchick
Ashley Lamchick is prepared to enhance the freshman experience for her class, and help her classmates adjust to the new environment.
“Some of my hobbies consist of swimming [and] playing basketball, along with other sports like tennis. I also like to hang out with friends and go to the beach in my free time,” Lamchick said.
Lamchick hopes to make the school a better place and to make the high school experience more enjoyable for everyone.
“I hope to get involved more and go out of my way to ask upperclassmen about different clubs and everything our school has to offer,” Lamchick said.
Lamchick is looking forward to the rest of the school year and going to this season’s football games. Freshmen face several challenges, such as taking rigorous AP courses and getting into the groove of a high school routine.
“High school is very different from middle school, and there’s just a lot to find out and discover for the next four years at Palmetto,” Lamchick said.
Lamchick uses her organization skills and diligence towards the Class of 2028.
Treasurers: Benjamin Debowsky and Allison Acosta
Benjamin Debowsky and Allison Acosta aim to increase student involvement in fundraising for student programs.
“I want kids to come to school ready to fundraise, because every single thing that they put in, they’re gonna get out of it,” Debowsky said. “So the more money we can fundraise, the better the programs will be.”
In his free time, Debowsky enjoys playing basketball and producing music.
“Working hard, studying and maintaining good time management are great ways to not fall behind from the shift from middle school to the high school workload,” Debowsky said.
His enthusiasm toward being on board gives a view into the positivity that is the freshman Class of 2028. Debowsky is filled with excitement for this upcoming school year.
“I feel like it’s a big melting pot of a lot of my friends. I’ve had friends from Southwood, from private schools and I feel like us all coming together here is super, super fun,” Debowsky said.
Allison Acosta is looking forward to hearing her class’ ideas and opinions. Whether it is a member of cabinet or a classmate, Acosta is ready to take input from her fellow freshmen.
“I love the Palmetto Panther vibe of the team. I feel, at least in our school, there’s a lot of spirit compared to other schools, it’s just such a special part of our culture,” Acosta said.
In her spare time, Acosta enjoys reading, swimming and playing flag football. She has played flag football for the past three years, throughout her time in middle school and will continue to pursue the sport during her time at MPSH.
“Accommodating to the high school environment and also getting harder classes at the same time can be a little bit challenging,” Acosta said.
The challenges of adapting to a new school schedule, taking new and more advanced classes and keeping up with social activities put a lot of pressure on freshmEn at MPSH.
“Not getting too much in your mind, and also having balance and just managing your time, in efficient ways, I think that’s the best technique to anything,” Acosta said.
Acosta and Debowsky look forward to spreading their school spirit in upcoming sporting events and showing off their panther pride at the upcoming Panther Prowl show.
This new school year will bring many new memories and opportunities for the freshmen to leave their mark on the school. Each member of the board is prepared and eager to begin their journey as the leaders of their class.
