On March 27, the Educational Coalition for Monroe County and its youth organization MHS Champions for Change hosted the second annual Countywide Leadership Summit at Marathon High School. Students from MHS, Coral Shores High School, Key West High School and the College of the Florida Keys Academy spent the day attending workshops on leadership and prevention topics, networking and talking about important topics. Deputy Superintendent Amber Acevedo opened the day with a message about leadership as acts of kindness, courage and collaboration before an address from Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Oscar Negron. Vive18 youth leadership and prevention speakers provided workshops and facilitated the summit. Representatives from AHEC, the Domestic Abuse Shelter, the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, the Monroe County Coalition and West Care’s Guidance/Care Center shared local resources with students. The event was made possible by Hawks Cay Resort and Villas, the Marathon Elks Lodge #2139, Marathon High School, the Monroe County School District, and the Rotary Club of Marathon under the direction of Christina and Martina Belotti. Pictured are students and chaperones with the Vive18 Team. CONTRIBUTED
