The start of the 2026-27 school year began before dawn at Marathon High School on Aug. 12.
The Class of 2027 held their annual Senior Sunrise breakfast at the school’s football stadium before taking over the MHS courtyard, applauded by their classmates and teachers, to start their final year as Dolphins under Principal Christine Paul. Parents filled their camera rolls with fervor documenting the “last first day,” with some seniors toting before-and-after signs with their baby pictures.
Across town at Stanley Switlik Elementary, fresh haircuts, hugs with friends and a few nervous goodbye tears with Mom and Dad all blended together as kindergartners through fifth graders returned to the halls. Principal Melanie Martinez was front and center, welcoming new students as the parade of cars rolled through the parking lot, while a full cohort of deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office kept crosswalks clear and speeds under control on the Overseas Highway.
The entire staff of the Keys Weekly Newspapers wishes all of our students, teachers, administrators and families a safe and happy year filled with the love of learning.
Photos by Ross Smith and Alex Rickert
