Natalie Rodriguez, right, shares a special moment on stage with capper Niurka Perez.
Marathon businesses, civic organizations, colleges and nonprofits backed up the Brinks truck to the performing arts center at Marathon High School on May 26 for the school’s annual Class Night. Declaring the Class of 2026 ready for graduation two nights later, each senior chose a special friend or family member to officially place their graduation cap before standout athletes, scholars, workers and volunteers claimed a staggering $2.41 million in scholarships until late in the evening. Of the total, more than $936,000 came from local individuals, businesses and charitable groups.
“The generosity of this community is staggering,” said MHS college and career planning counselor Sean McDonald, who served as the evening’s coordinator and emcee.
Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
Yaemin Sierra, right, gets her cap from Monica Alvarez.Natalie Rodriguez, right, shares a special moment on stage with capper Niurka Perez.Grad Jeremiah Stastny, right, gets a photo op with capper Vanessa Nickolson.Grad Angel Cardona Quintana is capped by Oscar Cardona.Nqobile Masango gets her cap from Nonny Masango.Caidyn Young, right, earns a Proud Mom look from Chris Todd Young.Sandra Auch, left, gets in a photo op with graduate Aurora Auch. Incoming Class of 2027 vice president Mylana Loza accepts the senior class dolphin from the Class of 2026.For the second year in a row, Shynell McGuire accepts the Manager of the Year award from Athletic Director Lance Martin.Senior Trinity McLeod earns the 2026 Sportsmanship Award.Tinashay Cunningham accepts the Daughter of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award from Lisa Borden.The Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce board of directors and CEO Daniel Samess award $13,000 in college and vocational scholarships to 16 students.Bert and Milly Perez, both graduates of Marathon High and the owners of vacation rental management company KeysCations, award three $5,000 scholarships to Ayme Maradiaga, Ella Evans and Savannah Garcia. The couple sourced funds from local donors as well as contributions from rental owners.Real estate pro Sam Williams gets ready to award a $1,000 scholarship to Claudia Medina Benitez in memory of Marathon community pioneer William A. Parrish Sr.The Marathon Rotary Club’s Mike Puto, left, and President Mary Ann Royse are on deck to award $24,000 in Rotary scholarships.
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