[ot-caption title=”PC’s Political Science Post-AP class has created various projects in the local community throughout the year dealing with politics and American government” (Mrs. Everett)”]

As citizens of the United States, we all have the opportunity to make a difference, but what we do with that opportunity is up to us. This year, Pine Crest’s very own Political Science Post-AP class took advantage of that special, aforementioned opportunity. [spacer height=”20px”]

Mrs. Everett, a Political Science Post-AP teacher at Pine Crest, assigned her class a mission: to change the world. “We have a remarkable opportunity, with the convergence of knowledge, enthusiasm, and time, to make change in our community,” she stated. As a result, I as well as my other two group members, Sydney Aronberg and Marvis Gutierrez, attended a Marine Advisory Board Meeting in Boca Raton on February 1, 2017. We were curious and determined to find out what occurs during local government meetings. [spacer height=”20px”]

During this meeting, we learned that although local government is often overlooked, it provides a vital service to the community. Projects large and small are devised and sustained at town hall meetings just like this one and they often help projects deal with complex issues, such as receiving state funding. [spacer height=”20px”]

One project that the Marine Advisory Board is currently dealing with is the Lake Wyman Restoration Project. People are concerned that the dock and the boardwalk are affecting the lake’s seagrass; however, there are currently no known reports. As a natural resource, Lake Wyman is used by the community for activities such as kayaking and boating. People can also access the lake by land and walk along the boardwalk where they are able to view many different species of plants and animals. [spacer height=”20px”]

In addition to the Lake Wyman Restoration Project, the board discussed issues with bridges and waterway signs maintained by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation. The board is looking into problems with the Camino Real eastbound sign and the Palmetto sign. These signs are indicators of slow-speed zones and are crucial for boater safety. One of the advisory board members also brought up a concern about the Hillsboro bridge, suggesting that its size should be increased in order to accommodate larger boats. [spacer height=”20px”]

These meetings can have a huge impact on the community and its waterways; however, only one citizen attended the meeting and provided input to the Marine Advisory Board. [spacer height=”20px”]

Civic engagement is our duty as citizens of our communities. To be a part of this people should actually call their local congressman, go to a town hall meeting, organize a beach cleanup, or attend a political rally like our Post-AP Government class did.  [spacer height=”20px”]

Source: Sun-Sentinel