Palmetto Panther’s Host “A Night in D9”
April 19, 2023
On Saturday, April 15, Miami Palmetto Senior High hosted Miami’s second annual “A Night in D 9.” Presented by School Board Member Luisa Santos, the event serves as a resource fair for South Florida, ranging from Pinecrest communities to Florida City communities.
First taking place in May 2022, a Night in D9 was originally hosted at Coral Reef Senior High School. This year, MPSH hosted with Panther Pride.
The resource fair showcased a variety of different schools, district programs, community organizations and local businesses, all while including food, games, performances and giveaways. Local organizations such as Tutoring for Tomorrow, The Lucy Project, Blue Missions, Miami Eco Adventures, Achieve Miami, Volunteering Miami and more attended and were stationed along the front courtyards of MPSH.
“It was really cool to see all the organizations that serve our community in one place. The tables next to Tutoring for Tomorrow were for the Nicolas Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine program and the YMCA, so I got to hear a little bit about those resources in our community which I didn’t know much about before,” MPSH junior and Tutoring for Tomorrow Treasurer and President-Elect Alexa Fein said.
The resource fair began at 3:00 p.m. and led into the awards ceremony that began at 5:30 p.m. Performances and entertainment from groups such as Bel-Aire Elementary School Drumline and Cheer Squad, MPSH Thespian Troupe 1298, Pinecrest City Music Project and more opened the fair.
There were volunteer teams assigned to specific event categories ranging from food and beverage to social media teams.
“Running the food and beverages section of the event was great since I had awesome helpers helping me out and so much food to give out. It was honestly the best feeling,” Event Food Lead and volunteer Sarimar Pichs said.
Along with the resource fair, A Night in D9 presented the District 9 Awards Ceremony. The ceremony held opening performances by both the Homestead Senior High Marching Band as well as MPSH’s Marching Band. The opening would then be followed by a Presentation of the Colors, Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem sung by MPSH Thespian Troupe 1298 and a welcome by M-DCPS Superintendent of School Dr. Jose Dotres and MPSH Principal Victoria Dobbs. Then, Santos gave a State of District 9 address, commencing the beginning of awards and performances, where MPSH Variations would perform, and many other arts groups displayed their talents.
“When everyone can see all the great organizations and resources available to them in the community, it really helps make the community feel more supportive and tightly knit. It’s amazing to see everything our community has to offer,” Fein said.
