In Cooper City, residents are at the center of making our community "Someplace Special." To show appreciation, we spotlight a members of our Pool and Tennis Center as well as our many programs and activities. For April 2026, we are spotlighting Ariela Rodriguez Blanco. Hard working, talented, and positive, we are proud to recognize Ariela who is a member of the Cooper City Cyclones Swim Team and our Teen Council.
Tell us a little about yourself. What school do you attend and what grade are you in?
My name is Ariela Rodriguez-Blanco, I am 15 years old and attend Cooper City High School as a freshman. Whether it is by reading a book, volunteering, playing music, or something else, I love to keep myself busy.
How long have you lived in Cooper City and what do you enjoy most about living here?
I’ve lived in this special city for about 10 years. The sense of unity never fails to make me feel welcome. Cooper City has a uniqueness that very few have, it’s a warmth that makes everyone feel safe and at home with each other.
Can you tell us about your role as an Officer of the Teen Council and what projects or initiatives you are most excited about?
As the Co-Vice Chairperson of the Council, my job consists of keeping count of the events everyone volunteers for. Although it may sound straight-forward, it is important to maintain an organized record to keep an accurate account of each individual’s hours. In March [2026] we did a new event that served as a dog adoption, and it has definitely been my favorite volunteering event so far. It was like a mini farmer’s market mixed with puppies. The other event I am looking forward to is our Mother and Daughter Tea.
How did you get started with swimming and what do you like most about being part of the team?
I started taking swimming lessons at the Rock Creek Pool and Tennis Center when we moved here. Later on, I decided to join the team and 10 years later, I have never regretted my decision. It was never just something about the sport itself, but the team as well. There was never a day when I felt left out on the team. We have all grown up together and created this second family for each other.
How do you manage your time and stay motivated?
The key factor to managing multiple activities at once is time management. Without it, I struggle with getting things done on time. I have all of my important upcoming events, whether it is performances, competitions, or volunteering in my calendar, and I have constant reminders for them to make sure I never forget. When it comes to my schoolwork, I use an agenda to prioritize work by due dates and studying for exams. Whenever I volunteer for an event, I check to see if it is something I have time to do and will learn from to make sure my calendar is not full of a million events when I have an upcoming exam or show. With everything I have going on, I use the next event as an encouragement to push through and continue.
What has been one of your proudest accomplishments so far?
Last year I decided to join the high school swim team although I was not originally planning on doing it. Swimming was always a comfort for me, but I was not exactly at the level I wanted to be at. After months of consistency and hard work with the high school I felt like I was getting closer to my goal. Things finally paid off when I qualified for Regionals last November, and I have gotten a lot further than ever before.
What advice would you give to other teens who want to get more involved in their school or community?
You are not always going to see the impact immediately; good things take time. There is always going to be someone out there who appreciates what you are doing and the time you are taking out of your day to help. That person is the reason why your help matters; they are the reason why you should keep showing up. One day you are going to look back, either wishing you had kept going or living without regret over the decisions you made. Do not let it be the first option simply because you did not believe you were changing a thing.
What are some of your goals for the future?
In the near future I would like to work towards giving the Teen Council a larger role in our community. This program is already a wonderful organization, but it also has the potential of becoming so much more. I would like to encourage teens to lead and own community events, which will be more meaningful for both the city and the members. From a more personal perspective, I also wish to join a photography class. I have always been intrigued with the art of picture taking, but it was never anything serious. This creative space could serve as both a hobby and useful knowledge.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Teen Council or other youth programs, please see page for more information. If you are interested in becoming a member of Cooper City's Cyclones Swimming Team, please see page for more information.