Ready for the Next Step

What better way to spend a Thursday evening than to watch a wonderful generation of 102 students clear yet another hurdle in their twelve-year educational journey. 

Parents, grandparents and friends filled Marco Island Charter Middle School’s (MICMS) George Abounader Gymnasium with cheers as these young men and women strolled confidently through the gymnasium doors and were welcomed by MICMS Board President David Lupo and Principal Michele Wheeler.

During the 2023-2024 school year, these students will ascend to the position of freshman for the next four years of their lives, leaving behind their middle school memories to make new ones in high school. Chiara Rocha, Noelle Alsokary, Evelyn Vizcaya, and Eli Graham shared some of those memories as they reflected on the last three years at MICMS. 

Their parents and they have many choices for the next four years. Many will go to the Marco Island Academy or Lely High School. Other choices of former students from past graduating classes have included the Naples Community School and St. John Neumann High School, amongst a number of other fine area schools.

Not only did the school graduate 102 students, but it recently celebrated a significant milestone of its own, as this was the 25th graduating class since its inception. Starting in 1996, families on Marco Island embraced the concept of Charter Schools and began working diligently to seek the approval of the Collier County School District. That plan successfully laid out the creation of a middle school on Marco Island for those that wished to attend.

The School Board granted a three-year contract in March of 1997. That vote took vision, trust and courage to provide Marco Island residents the opportunity for their children not to have to leave the island for school early in the morning and return as the sun began to set.

This evening, students received awards ranging from athletics, scholarships, and recognition for accomplishments in various areas to departmental awards. Other awards were given to students recognized for their special contributions to the school.

A poignant portion of the evening came when Principal Michele Wheeler called Physical Education Teacher Cheryl Toth to the stage and presented her with a special award for her 25 years of service to the school. It was ironic that Toth would be retiring on the anniversary of the school’s first year 25 years ago. She received a standing ovation from all in attendance in recognition of her longtime dedication to the school and the children she worked with.

You could see the students glancing down at the programs to track the formal graduation portion of the evening agenda, excited for what was coming next - the Student Dance.

Principal Wheeler thanked all in attendance, not only for their presence during the evening’s program but for their last three years. The graduation ceremony concluded with a large outburst of applause, congratulatory slaps on the back, and hugs, as the attendees swarmed the floor and warmly embraced their fellow graduates and friends.

Congratulations, Class of 2023! And best of luck to Ms. Toth, whose dedicated service to the school and her profession cannot be understated.