The Take Stock in Children Class of 2023.
Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly
Sixty-three students and their mentors proudly took the stage on May 20 at Marathon High School’s performing arts center as Take Stock in Children celebrated its 2023 graduating class.
As the number of students who have passed through its ranks rapidly approaches 1,000 throughout the Keys, the nonprofit aimed at providing scholarships and mentorship throughout high school for income-eligible at-risk youth announced total awards of $2.5 million for this year’s graduates.
The TSIC delegation achieved a collective GPA of 3.62 while completing 154 Advanced Placement courses and earning 53 dual enrollment credits for college courses. Nine students earned Bright Futures scholarships. They achieved all of this while honoring their commitments to stay crime- and drug-free, maintain a 2.5 GPA and meet with their assigned mentors once a week. Upon graduation, each student received a Florida Prepaid Project Stars scholarship to attend a Florida public university, college or vocational and technical school.
“We are very proud of the accomplishments of our Take Stock Class of 2023,” said program coordinator Chuck Licis-Masson. “Our dedicated team of coaches and volunteer mentors have been there every step for our scholars, encouraging and supporting them as they now begin their next journey of post-secondary education. We are confident they will achieve success.”
From the staff of the Keys Weekly Newspapers, congratulations to the Take Stock in Children Class of 2023.
Coral Shores senior Arlenis Pardo-Perez delivers a special vocal performance to close the morning’s ceremonies.Coral Shores senior Simon Gutierrez, right, takes the stage with mentor James Hager.Key West senior Bouchy Decembre showers praise on his mentor, Billy Muehlhauser, for acting as a father figure throughout his high school career. ‘He let me know that he will never let me fail again, and that I am not alone.’Key West’s Rodemaelle Cineus, second from right, receives her scholarship from Dr. Michael Brooks, left, Superintendent Theresa Axford and Monroe County Education Foundation President Bryan Green.School district Superintendent Theresa Axford addresses the graduates.Marathon’s Abrianna Marshall, second from right, receives her scholarship from, left, Superintendent Theresa Axford and Monroe County Education Foundation President Bryan Green.Coral Shores’ Jayden Ferrell, second from right, receives his scholarship from Dr. Michael Brooks, left, Superintendent Theresa Axford and Monroe County Education Foundation President Bryan Green.2003 Take Stock graduate Dr. Michael Brooks delivers a commencement address encouraging graduates on their journey to navigate the ‘uncharted waters’ of a self-driven post-graduation life.Coral Shores senior Gabriela Soca thanks those who helped her along her Take Stock journey.Take Stock in Children Program coordinator Chuck Licis-Masson greets the crowd.Coral Shores senior Arlenis Pardo-Perez delivers a special vocal performance to close the morning’s ceremonies.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Get Keys Weekly delivered right to your inbox along with a daily dose of Keys News.
Success! Please check your email for confirmation.
