The Miami Lakes Optimist Club recently elected its new board members and officers during a ceremony at Italy Today on Main Street.
Brain Hadley was elected president and Luis Arrojas was chosen as vice president.
Sandy Menesses was elected recording secretary, Karrisa Lao is the new corresponding secretary and Jim Hamilton was selected the club’s treasurer.
Board members include Alex Castroman, Alex Rodriguez, Rigo Cabrera, Stephanie Rugama, Javier Zapata and Danny DeVarona.
As the new president, Hadley said his plans for the Optimist Club includes working with the town to get Miami Lakes Optimist Park renovated and work with the town and residents to offer more programs and scholarships for kids.
Hadley, 36, also said he plans on increasing membership for the organization, which has about 44 members.
Immediately after he was elected president, Hadley said he created a membership committee to help increase membership by sponsoring membership drives and promoting the values of the Optimist Club to the community.
Hadley, a Miami Lakes resident who coaches the 10U Yankees, said the group is seeking to add at least 15 members by the end of this year.
“The plan is what it can do for them and what they can do for the Optimist Club,” Hadley said. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids, keeping them safe and off the streets. Hopefully, we can meet that goal.”