Class #41 Ambassadors Academy Graduates

The Key West Ambassadors Academy graduated its 41st class during this month's City Commission meeting. They join more than 600 citizens who now have a better insight to the workings of City government. Each class of the Key West Ambassadors Academy has been a special blend of dedicated, involved citizens.

During the City Commission meeting, Class Representative Harry Russell commended the City staff who made the class possible.

"It is a gem of a program that you as a city have to offer to citizens and stakeholders," said Russell, "to give us the opportunity to learn. The fun part of the program was being able to take filed trips. Wastewater was just one. We take a lot of things for granted as citizens, and behind the scenes there are a lot of amazing things happening."

Russell noted that the class project diaper and formula drive in support of Wesley House was a success, calling it a noble cause. He said the organization received an anonymous donation of $1000 numerous cases of diapers and formula.

Three current city leaders - Vice Mayor Clayton Lopez and Commissioners Sam Kauffman and Lissette Cuervo Carey - were elected after finishing this program. Other alumni have served as commissioners as well as sitting on a variety of other City boards.

The Key West Ambassadors Academy was established in 2003 by then City Manager Julio Avael. Class 42 is slated to begin in mid-January. Applications will be available the first week in December on the City's website.