IN PICTURES: MARATHON’S 2025 GRADUATES RAKE IN $2M IN SCHOLARSHIPS ON CLASS NIGHT

a group of people standing on top of a stage

The largest graduating class – 122 students – in Marathon High School history earned a Brink’s truck worth of cash at the school’s annual Class Night, held two days ahead of graduation on May 27. Following a traditional capping ceremony pairing graduates with special family members, mentors and friends, the evening moved to more than 70 scholarship presentations by local, state and national organizations. From banks to businesses, civic organizations and professional associations, MHS’ Class of 2025 earned well north of $2 million in scholarship funds to kickstart the next step in students’ academic and professional careers. Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly

Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.