Marco Island Academy Hosts First Graduation in its New Home

There were laughs, tears, and cheers. Hope for the future. Cautionary advice. And plenty of thanks for the memories. On Friday, May 27, Marco Island Academy’s 72 member Class of 2022 became the first to graduate in the sparkling new school building.

"The Class of 2022 represents the best that youth has to offer,” said MIA principal Melissa Scott after the ceremony. “These young people are a beautiful combination of intelligence, hard work, spirit, character, leadership, kindness, caring, and sparkle. As they make their mark on the world, I hope they know they have transformed MIA into a home.”

Salutatorian Brenna White welcomed the crowd, followed by Scott’s opening remarks.

“The Class of 2022 has struck a significant chord with me,” Scott told the seniors, "settling into a new building which presented exciting opportunities yet new challenges. But what I loved most was simply spending time with you and watching you flourish in your role as seniors."

Skye LaButte delivered the valedictory address. LaButte, who graduated with a 5.5 weighted GPA, reflected on memories made on the wooden Champagne Pavilion on the former MIA campus, dealing with COVID, and how lucky she and her classmates were to attend MIA. LaButte will be attending the University of Florida this fall.

Popular teacher Michael Butler presented Quintin Fitton with the Faculty Award, much to the student body’s delight. “Quintin Fitton takes every opportunity life offers him and runs with it,” Butler said.

Scott then presented the Principal’s Award to her entire morning announcements crew, a group of students she affectionately refers to as her Breakfast Club, referencing the popular 1985 teen coming-of-age comedy drama. Scott’s version of the Breakfast Club are Phoenix Gutierrez, Haylen Irvin, Andrew Borges, Riley Letendre, and Lucas Hodgdon.

Scott invited MIA alum Brian Flynn to deliver the commencement address during a chance meeting recently. The Florida State grad, who recently started medical school, delivered a charming off-the-cuff address. Flynn left for Africa Saturday morning to begin an orthopedic surgery externship. 

“My most vivid memory was of playing basketball,” Flynn told the seniors. "Every time I would shoot a three, I’d airball it. All my friends in the crowd would be dying laughing.” On a more serious note, Flynn encouraged the 2022 graduates to “experience every culture in the world and to spread the international language of love.”

Closing remarks were made by special guests Tish and Rene Champagne. Rene Champagne is vice chair of MIA’s Board of Directors and he offered graduates words of optimism - and caution.

“For those of you entering the workforce after graduation,” Rene Champagne said, “your timing could not be better. Numerous jobs are available, wages are rising rapidly. So, you should be able to do quite well.”

He then offered cautionary words of wisdom to those heading off to college.

“If you are encountering any academic issues in college,” Rene Champagne said, "don’t wait. Ask for help, do so immediately. It is very easy to fall behind academically. And once you do, it’s very, very difficult to catch up.”

Tish Champagne delivered a message of hope.

“You have personally witnessed MIA’s growth into the beautiful building you are seated in tonight,” Tish Champagne said. "You are the reason this building is here. We believed in you. And we continue to believe in you. Now go and believe in yourself."