“Partners in Education” for Over a Quarter Century

The year was 1998 and the vision of a public middle school on Marco Island became a reality when 200 sixth, seventh, and eighth graders entered the school. On that day, members of the Noontime Rotary Club became a “Partner in Education,” with their commitment to assist the school in becoming a success – a commitment that has lasted to this day.

When the students arrived, there were just a few portable classrooms, restrooms, media center, ancillary office, and nothing but outdoor picnic tables for the students to have lunch.

Meeting Rotarians' motto of “Service Above Self,” made it easy to justify the members’ commitment but it was quite another challenge to implement. How would the members fulfill their promise? By three impactful ways: leadership, volunteering, and, of course, financial support.

Leadership has been the cornerstone of the partnership. Since the school’s founding, numerous Rotarians have served on the school board, many for more than a decade. Even the school’s CEO/Principal was a Rotarian and served on the Board for 21 years. Collectively, these board members have contributed tens of thousands of volunteer hours, bringing deep community knowledge, diverse professional expertise, and a shared commitment to educational excellence. In addition, they organized many annual fundraisers.

Beyond governance, Noontime Rotarians have actively supported students through hands-on service. The Club sponsors a long-running “Students of the Month” program that has recognized more than 200 Marco Island Charter Middle School students. Members have also coached many of the school’s athletic teams, advocated for the students and school with governmental and community agencies, and promoted the school throughout the Marco Island community – contributing thousands of additional volunteer hours.

Financial support has further strengthened the partnership. The Club funded the purchase of a school bus with a $50,000 donation and, to the school’s general fund, contributed approximately $150,000 through proceeds from its annual golf tournament and other fundraisers.

With tens of thousands of hours devoted to leadership and service, along with approximately $200,000 in donations, the Marco Noontime Rotary Club’s partnership with Marco Island Charter Middle School stands as a lasting example of community collaboration and shared success.