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Superintendent Theresa Axford and Board Chair Andy Griffiths would recognized the Marathon Rotary Club with the prestigious Community GEMS Award. They welcomed president Mike Puto on behalf of the Marathon Rotary Club. The club’s motto is service above self and the members certainly show this on a regular basis with our students. They have generously donated their time and money over the years to help schools be successful. One of the most recent demonstrations of their generosity was sponsoring the Stanley Switlik’s Positive Behavior Support Program for the 2022-2023 school year. Through a district and local grant collaborative, Rotary has donated $4,000 towards monthly rewards which recognize all students in the school that have worked together to earn class compliments throughout the month. These funds serve several purposes through rewarding good student behavior with fun activities and events. These celebrations help students become internally motivated and develop new skills for problem solving. The events hosted also provide access and opportunity to students that are not common in the community. For example, last month, students were treated to a live magic show. The use of positive reinforcement also assists students with making choices that better their futures.In addition to funding initiatives, many of the members also donate their time as mentors for our Take Stock In Children students and to help with local school activities. For creating so many great educational moments, the district is proud to award them with a Community GEM!Stanley Switlik Elementary Assistant Principal Sarah Adams, Principal Christine Paul and counselor Chris Willis were on hand to show their appreciation for the club. -
Plantation Key School Girl's Basketball Team and Coach Nelson
We are proud of this team for their spectacular sportsmanship at a recent local meet: Melanie Estevez, Ady McNew, Kayla Serota, Tristan Dellanos, Grace Maples, Addison Lamb, Josie Lyman, Su-Naaya Martin, Scotland McNew, Ashley Holcombe, and Coach Nelson.
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MHS Champions for Change, Marathon High School
With a mission to promote the prevention of destructive decisions and support students facing special circumstances on the Marathon High School campus and within the Middle Keys Community, Champions for Change members ongoingly work closely with the Monroe County Coalition, the City of Marathon City Council, and the MHS administration.
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Lyn Cox, Science Teacher – Marathon Middle & High School
Ms. Cox sponsors the MHS Drama Club and Thespian Honor Club. Each year she gives many, many voluntary hours to coordinating productions and ensuring students are confident to give an outstanding performance.
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Lazaro Lescano, Marathon Winn Dixie Store Manager
Our thanks to Mr. Lescano for assuring the ongoing Winn Dixie sponsorship for PBIS events and other programs at Stanley Switlik Elementary, and also the District STEM competition.
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Emory Carey and D’Jennyva “Jenny” Jean, Paraprofessionals – Key West High School
Emory and Jenny have encountered and pushed through many unique experiences, far surpassing the challenges of the pandemic, and always have a smile on their face, ready to greet the students and make every experience positive.
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Scheila Destin, Paraprofessional – Poinciana Elementary School
Scheila goes above and beyond on a daily basis assisting EL parents with document completion, translation services and assisting with questions parents may have about their child’s education.
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Jody Westbrooks, Teacher – Key West High School
Jody hand wrote and delivered uplifting and personal messages to each of his students before the winter holidays. His focus on building relationships has made a huge impact on his students and their success.
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Suanne Lee, Director Internal Services – District Administration
Suanne has received a commendation from FASBO (Florida Association of School Business Officials), which recognized her outstanding skills, knowledge and contributions. She currently serves on the Board of FASBO and demonstrates excellence at all levels.
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Sandy Archer, Community Representative & Volunteer – Head Start Program
Volunteer and retired teacher, Mrs. Archer has provided outstanding service as the community representative for the Head Start grant for the past 3 1/2 years.
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COMMUNITY PARTNER GEMS AWARD
Michael Halpern and Michelle's Foundation are recognized as Community GEMS for their outstanding long-term assistance to programs in our district.
