Columbus Alumnus Danny Perez Sworn In as U.S. Ambassador to Brazil at His Alma Mater
- Joseph Busatto
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
by Oscar Pinto
Surrounded by family, friends, students, and members of the Columbus community, Daniel “Danny” Perez, a member of the Class of 2005, returned to the school he considers home to be sworn in as the United States ambassador to Brazil.
The ceremony was not just another day at Christopher Columbus High School. It marked a full-circle moment for Perez, who once sat in the same seats as the students watching him take the oath of office.
The Significance of the Accomplishment
Perez's appointment represents a notable milestone for both him and the Columbus community. President Donald Trump nominated Perez to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Brazil, and the U.S. Senate confirmed his nomination on Aug. 7, 2026.
Prior to accepting this new role, Perez served as speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, a prominent leadership position in Florida's government.
Faith and Brotherhood
The ceremony began with a prayer led by a priest from St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Columbus President Thomas Kruczek then stepped to the podium and spoke about the school’s mission and its lifelong influence on students.
Kruczek highlighted the question at the center of the school’s current marketing campaign:
“Who will you become?”
He told the students that Perez is an exemplary representation of what a Columbus education can help them achieve. Kruczek also expressed pride in witnessing an alumnus reach an extraordinary level of public service while remaining connected to the Columbus community.
Family
Following Kruczek’s remarks, he introduced one of the most significant individuals in Perez’s life: his sister, Ashley Perez-Biliskov.
She spoke about her brother’s perseverance, ability to connect with others, and qualifications for international diplomacy. Although she once could not have imagined her brother serving in this role, she stated that she could now think of no one better to represent the country.
“Obstacles are to climb and resistance is to push through. He will not quit,” Perez-Biliskov said.
She described her brother as someone who has “never met a stranger” because he always finds something interesting in every person he meets. This ability to listen, understand others and build relationships will be especially important as he navigates the complicated economic and political issues involved in foreign policy.
Perez-Biliskov also reflected on the challenges her brother has faced throughout his career.
“Danny was put through the crucible,” she said, explaining that he emerged stronger while maintaining the humility and wisdom to listen to others.
The Oath of Office
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle administered the oath of office. She opened her remarks by capturing the excitement of the occasion.
“It’s not a good morning. It’s a great morning,” Fernandez Rundle said.
She recognized Perez’s many supporters, including his friends, colleagues and especially his mother. She also spoke about the importance of Columbus in his life and how meaningful it was that he chose to hold the ceremony at his alma mater.
“It was a long, hard road that he paved,” Fernandez Rundle said.
Perez then repeated the oath of office, swearing to support and defend the U.S. Constitution as he accepted the responsibility of representing the country abroad.
“No One Achieves Great Things in This Life Alone”
Perez began his speech by thanking the senior class for sharing the special moment with him.
“No one achieves great things in this life alone,” Perez said.
Looking out at the students, he reflected on how he once sat in the same chairs, walked the same hallways and learned many of the lessons that helped shape the person he would become. As a Columbus student, he could never have imagined that a president would one day ask him to serve as a U.S. ambassador.
“Columbus is encoded in my DNA,” Perez said.
His words emphasized that the ceremony was about more than his individual success. It was also about the family members, friends, teachers, mentors and classmates who supported him throughout his journey.
His Mission in Brazil
Perez now faces an important assignment as the ambassador to Brazil, one of the world’s largest economies and a significant trading partner of the United States. In this role, Perez will manage complex diplomatic, economic, and political issues between the two countries.
He emphasized his responsibility to protect American citizens and promote U.S. interests in Brazil. Perez expressed gratitude to former President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their confidence in him and for the opportunity to serve the country.
While Perez expressed enthusiasm for the mission ahead, he acknowledged that leaving Miami-Dade County, along with his community and family, would be challenging.
“Thank you all for all your support and for being with me today,” Perez said as he concluded his remarks.
A Full-Circle Moment
The ceremony concluded with a video produced by CCNN, showcasing messages from Perez's former classmates, fellow alumni, friends, and family members. Among those who congratulated him were his wife and mother, who spoke about the individual behind his public accomplishments.
As those messages resonated in the room, Perez's journey came full circle. The student who once walked the halls of Columbus now prepares to represent his country abroad, carrying with him the values of faith, brotherhood, and commitment to service that have shaped his life.
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