Ocean Studies Charter School Student of the Week

The Upper Keys Weekly is proud to partner with Ocean Studies Charter School faculty and staff in choosing “The Student of the Week.” Recipients are chosen on qualifications including academic standing, athletics, outstanding achievements, community involvement, individuality, and moral fortitude. We thank our future leaders and Ocean Studies for allowing us to share in a weekly dose of (insert school name) pride and for giving us a glimpse into their world.

Ally Simpson
Second grade

Who is your all-time favorite teacher and why?
Ms. Stephanie. She’s fun and she’s really silly. 

What is your favorite subject and why?
I like to learn math. I like solving plus and minus problems. 

What is the best rule at school?
Being kind because no one can bully you. 

What’s your favorite food for lunch?
Chicken with potato chips and water. 

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A veterinarian because I like animals and dogs. I have a dog. I got one for Christmas from Santa. He’s a black lab named Cole 

What is one favorite way you like to spend your spare time?
I spend it with my family. We play games. 

Will you make the Keys your permanent home in the future? Why or why not?
Yeah, no matter where you always see the water.

Jim McCarthy
Jim McCarthy is one of the many Western New Yorkers who escaped the snow and frigid temperatures for warm living by the water. A former crime & court reporter and city editor for two Western New York newspapers, Jim has been honing his craft since he graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 2014. In his 4-plus years in the Keys, Jim has enjoyed connecting with the community. “One of my college professors would always preach to be curious,” he said. “Behind every person is a story that’s unique to them, and one worth telling. As writers, we are the ones who paint the pictures in the readers minds of the emotions, the struggles and the triumphs.” Jim is past president of the Key Largo Sunset Rotary Club, which is composed of energetic members who serve the community’s youth and older populations. Jim is a sports fanatic who loves to watch football, hockey, mixed martial arts and golf. He also enjoys time with family and his new baby boy, Lucas, who arrived Oct. 4, 2022.