FIU baseball coach Mervyl Melendez participated in the Miami Dade County Public Schools Principal Today program at Dr. Carlos Finlay Elementary Friday morning. Melendez greeted parents and students during the morning arrival, did the morning announcements, and visited some classrooms.

"It was a great honor being the Principal of the Day at Dr. Carlos J. Finlay Elementary," Melendez said. "The staff and students were amazing. I would like to give a big thank you to Principal Marie Orth-Sanchez for allowing me to spend time with her wonderful young students. I look forward to bringing my players to mentor the students soon."

Principal Today engages the private sector to take a leadership role in public education. The goal of the program is for each participant to translate their one-day experience into a long-term relationship that enhances the learning environment of their partner school and supports student achievement.

Melendez and his Panthers begin the 2017 baseball season against Jacksonville State at 7 p.m. on February 17 at the FIU ballpark.