
Students find time for a group photo in between tours at Lely High School. PHOTOS BY JESSICA HERNSTADT
Wednesday, September 9 brought another day of learning to the Leadership Marco Class of 2015.
The Leadership Marco (LM) students started their Education and Youth Day in Naples, with a breakfast and tour of Lorenzo Walker Technical High School, which offers programs of study from airplane mechanics to veterinary assisting.
LM student Steven Purcell said he found it “amazing all the options students have,” also noting that the classes seemed more job-oriented “catering to careers in all areas.”
The Leadership Marco class travelled to Lely High School, where they met with Lely’s new principal, Ryan Nemeth. After a presentation, they were given a tour of the high school, which included visits to different

From left: Betsy Novakovich, Catherine McConville, Lynn Alexander, Dianna Shearer and Steven Purcell enjoy a classroom tour at MICMS.
After a busy morning, students returned to Marco Island, and were given a grand reception at the Marco Island Academy (MIA). The Leadership Marco class was greeted by MIA students Patrick Michel, 12th grade, and Caitlyn Schmidt, 11th grade, and given blue leis and a school tour. Melissa Scott, a member of the Leadership Marco Class of 2015, and also the school’s beloved principal, was given a special pink, (her favorite color), lei by students.
Melissa Scott wore multiple hats during the day. She organized and moderated a panel of

Catherine McConville listens intently during the presentation at MICMS, Education Day co-chair Lisa Honig in the background.
A visit to the Greater Marco Family YMCA provided a history from board president Allyson Richards, who, along with executive director Cindy Love, explained the YMCA’s role in education and youth services in the community. Cindy Love is a graduate of the Leadership Marco program.
Education Day was sponsored by Regions Bank, which enabled the use

MIA students Caitlyn Schmidt and Patrick Michel give the Leadership Marco class a tour.
Following lunch were tours of Tommie Barfield Elementary School, where students met new principal Katherine Stewart, and Marco Island Charter Middle School. MICMS Principal George Abounader is a 2004 LM graduate.
LM student Marisa Cleveland tells us that the most interesting part of the day was seeing “the new curriculum at the public schools.” She also noted how all the faculty and staff seemed very “engaged.”
The day ended with a panel discussion

Catherine McConville is greeted at MIA by 12th grade student Patrick Michel.
During the course of the day, the LM class interacted with students, educators and administrators, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn about the education system from many viewpoints.
For more information about the Leadership Marco program, contact the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce at 239-394-7549.
Leave a Reply