Marco Charter Middle School Preparing for Gatsby Gala

Organizers at Marco Island Charter Middle School (MICMS) are busy putting the finishing touches on their Gatsby Gala fundraiser scheduled for October 18 at the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa. 

"At the Gatsby Gala, the evening will come alive with roaring 1920s jazz by Bob Leary and The Prohibitionists and a full casino experience with poker, blackjack, roulette, and craps,” said Fawna Michaels, director of finance and operations for the school. "Guests will indulge in an elegant plated dinner, dance, and mingle in true Gatsby fashion.” 

Michaels said much of the credit for the upcoming gala goes to the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. 

"These fundraisers wouldn’t be possible without our amazing PTO moms,” Michaels said. "Together we’ve focused on creating signature, all-island gatherings—fresh, unforgettable, and welcoming to anyone ready for a good time.” 

Michaels has a long history with the school.  

"I grew up on Marco,” Michaels said, "and I attended MICMS the first year it opened in 1998. I can’t believe how much our island has grown since. My hope is that our school continues to grow right alongside it: community-centered and fully supported. We have so much to offer the next generation, and with the island’s help, we can continue to give even more back.” 

Michaels feels that MICMS deserves recognition. 

 "Sometimes our middle school is easy to overlook between elementary milestones and high school headlines,” she said. "Yet MICMS quietly turns out championship athletes who make varsity rosters as freshmen. Academically advanced students enter high school with up to five credits, and club leaders who have broadened their horizons through educational travel across the country.” 

Michaels also points out the accomplishments of MICMS principal Margo Heidenrich, who is in her third year at the helm. 

"Under principal Heidenreich’s leadership, MICMS has consistently outperformed the district and the state on standardized tests,” Michaels said. “MICMS has held an A rating for 25 years, has earned eight consecutive Florida DOE School of Excellence designation, ranks among the top three percent in Florida and top six percent nationally (Niche), and has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report the past two years.” 

Michaels said MICMS has a top instructional staff, but the school needs help from the community. 

"Our teachers make miracles with what we have,” she said. “To sustain and stay ahead we need that extra push of community support. Every ticket, every sponsorship, every donation moves our kids and our school forward. For a charter middle school on a tiny island off the coast of Southwest Florida, what MICMS has achieved is absolutely remarkable. It’s time we show it off and welcome the community’s support.” 

Michaels said community members can help by donating, even if they’re unable to attend the gala, by scanning the QR code in the Be a Gatsby at Heart graphic that accompanies this story. Tickets and sponsorships are available by scanning the QR code in the Gala Gatsby graphic.