TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN GRADUATES 81

By
Alex Rickert
-
a group of graduates sitting on a stage

The flagship program of the Monroe County Education Foundation, Take Stock in Children, celebrated a banner year of graduations on May 17 at the Marathon High School Performing Arts Center.

Escorted by their mentors, a record class of 81 Take Stock scholars took the stage – representing 12% of the Class of 2025 in the Keys – to commemorate years of determination and hard work in earning more than $2 million in awarded scholarships.

Take Stock in Children is dedicated to providing scholarships and mentorship to low-income students in Monroe County, ensuring that they have the opportunity to pursue higher education. Through community support and partnerships, the program empowers students to overcome barriers and achieve their academic and career goals. To learn more about Take Stock, contact Chuck Licis-Masson at chuck.licis@monroecountyedfound.com or call 305-293-1546.

Photos by ROSS SMITH/Keys Weekly

a group of graduates sitting on a stage
a group of people standing on a stage in front of a crowd
a couple of people that are standing on a stage
a couple of women walking across a stage
a couple of people that are standing on a stage
a group of women walking across a stage
a couple of women standing on top of a stage
a group of people walking across a stage
a couple of people that are standing on a stage
a group of people that are standing on a stage
a man in a graduation gown hugging another man on a stage
a group of people standing in front of a door
a group of graduates walking down a hallway
a woman standing next to a woman in a graduation gown
a group of graduates sitting on a stage
a group of people sitting on top of a stage
a group of people standing on top of a stage
a group of people standing on top of a stage

BY THE NUMBERS

$2 million
Scholarships awarded

POPULAR KEY WEST HAIRSTYLIST DETAINED BY ICE ON JUNE 12
Trending
POPULAR KEY WEST HAIRSTYLIST DETAINED BY ICE ON JUNE 12

3.65
Average GPA

221
Advanced Placement courses

256
Dual enrollment credits

131
College admissions

Alex Rickert
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.

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