Take Stock in Children of Monroe County celebrated the achievements of 69 graduating seniors on May 16, converging on Marathon High School to honor the Class of 2026.
With collective awards of $2 million in Florida Prepaid tuition and dormitory scholarships, made possible through the support of donors, community partners and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation, 40% of this year’s class will begin their post-secondary educational pursuits at a Florida college, while 60% will attend one of the 12 Florida universities.
Representing 10% of the entire Monroe County School District’s graduating class, the graduates earned a collective grade point average of 3.71, pursued 243 Advanced Placement courses and earned 372 dual enrollment credits.
The ceremony included remarks from three students – Coral Shores’ Pablo Marin, Somerset Island Prep’s Claudia Steling and Marathon’s Brenda Medina Collazo – a speech from Marianne Finizio, newly elected president of the Monroe County Education Foundation (MCEF), and remarks from Mr. Ed Tierney, Superintendent of Monroe County Schools.
“I am very proud of our Take Stock graduates and very appreciative of our volunteer mentors who have guided and supported them during their high school career,” said Finizio. “Their success is a testament to what is possible when our community invests in our young people and walks beside them on their journey.”
Take Stock in Children of Monroe County identifies students in middle and high school who show potential but face economic barriers to a college education. Students commit to maintaining strong grades, good behavior and staying drug- and crime-free. In return, they receive a volunteer mentor, college and career readiness support, and a Florida Prepaid scholarship upon high school graduation.
More information is at monroecountyedfound.com or from executive director Chuck Licis-Masson at 305-293-1545 or chuck.licis@monroecountyedfound.com.
Marathon Mayor Lynny Del Gaizo escorts her mentee Nqobile Masango. 
Marathon’s Tinashay Cunningham gets in a photo op with her mentor, Monroe County Education Foundation president Marianne Finizio. 
Key West’s Shnyka Blanc heads to graduation with mentor Marc Pierre. 
Nadjie Baptiste of Key West gets ready to take the stage with mentor Ebenson Michelin. 
Chuck Licis welcomes guests to the 2026 Take Stock in Children graduation. 
Coral Shores’ Pablo Marin delivers graduating remarks. 
Seava Lamontagne earns distinction as a Vista Foundation Named Scholar. Presenting her award are MCEF president Marianne Finizio, left, and schools superintendent Ed Tierney. 
Jessica Reyes Tito steps up for her diploma. 
Marathon’s Natalie Rodriguez graduates with the Class of 2026. 
Marathon’s Sophia Hutchins and mentor Hammer Runyon share a hug on stage. 
Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly
