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Commission honors local teachers, Underline sponsors and community partners
Summary
The commission proclaimed Roberto Ravello Teacher of the Year, honored Grammy Music Educator winner Jennifer Jimenez and presented recognition to restauranteur George Ramos and Underline sponsor Nikki Sposher for public‑space contributions and youth programs.
The meeting opened with several ceremonial presentations recognizing local educators and community partners. Mayor Javier Fernandez read proclamations honoring Roberto Ravello of South Miami Middle School as Miami‑Dade Public Schools Teacher of the Year and Jennifer Jimenez of South Miami Senior High as a Grammy Music Educator Award winner.
Ravello, who said he has taught civics for 22 years, described bringing civic projects into the classroom and plans for student visits to City Hall. He told the commission, "I've been at South Miami Middle School now for 22 years...that's what I teach my kids" (remarks accepting the proclamation). Jennifer Jimenez summarized the Grammy nomination process and the costs of expanding music programs and instruments; she told commissioners that instruments range from about $1,000 (flute) to $8,000–$10,000 (tuba) and requested help recruiting partners and donors. The mayor pledged $5,000 toward music education in the feeder schools.
The commission also presented certificates to longtime local restaurateur George Ramos for community partnership and to Nikki Sposher for sponsoring the Nikki Sposher Play Forest at the South Miami portion of the Underline; Underline CEO Euless Cleckley explained the project is a public‑private park and should be complete later in the year. Commissioners invited the recognized educators and their students to future meetings and to participate in civic programs.
