May 2024 Neapolitan Family issue

Garden-wide fun awaits!

May 25 & 26 | 9am – 2pm 8am early entry for Members

Plan your adventure at naplesgarden.org

Play games, listen to live music, and observe the plants, feathered friends, and pollinators of the Garden!

Included with Garden admission.

Cover photo by Keri Johnson

BACK ROW (left to right): Nate Jandovitz and Jed Jandovitz. FRONT ROW (left to right): Bianca Serrata, Julia Nicolau, Annie Dau

They will graduate from Barron Collier High School on May 23, 2024.

Florida’s Voluntary Prekindergarten Program – also known as VPK – is a FREE education program that helps prepare your child for school. Open to children who are 4 years old on or before September 1st that reside in Florida, VPK builds a strong academic foundation for children before beginning kindergarten. No Income Requirements. Choose Where Your Child Learns.

new income qualifications, now is the time to applyor reapply!

I’ve been fired.

For 24 years, I’ve known this day was coming, yet the impending termination day is heading toward me like a freight train. I have been reassigned to a remote position and have agreed to pay my employers for that privilege.

My youngest daughter Julia is graduating from high school this month, and my duties as a parent on location will come to an end. When she joins her brother at the University of Florida in Gainesville in August, my job description will change to an advisory and fiduciary role on an as-needed basis.

The invisible contract we sign when we become a parent ends with the successful launch of these fledgling adults out of the nest. Having launched her older siblings, Bella and Alex, I’ve had some experience with this on-call position. I’m familiar with the late-night texts requesting cash, the FaceTimes when they grocery shop (“What aisle in Publix is that whatchamacallit you used to buy?”), and the “follow my Uber” notifications that ping around 2 a.m.

From the time our children are born, parents worry daily if they are doing a great job. Are they eating the right foods? Shouldn’t they be talking by now? Is this the best school for them? Are they making friends? As the end of the assignment draws near, they start to wonder: Did I teach them everything they need to know to live on their own? Do they know how to cook enough things? Do they know the difference between Tylenol and Advil? Do they know their medical history (They don’t). Did I show them how to separate clothes for the laundry? (They won’t). Are they making friends?

If these questions are already keeping you up at night, we have a list on page 32 of what your teen needs to know before they leave for college. Starting early is a good idea, but if your child is moving out this summer, you still have some time.

If you are a new mama starting this journey, we have something for you, too! Our Mother’s Day Giveaway for new and expectant moms is on page 10, with prizes worth over $680.

Finally, congratulations to the Class of 2024! On page 19, area schools feature their graduates and their accomplishments.

Happy Mother’s Day! Special thanks to Keri Johnson Photography, who took the above photo of me and Julia at two weeks old, and the graduation photos of Julia and her classmates on the cover and inside this issue.

BooksForCollierKids.org Redesigned Website Now Live

Books for Collier Kids (BCK), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a steady stream of new books to children in low-income families throughout Collier County, is announced that the charity’s redesigned website is now live at BooksForCollierKids.org.

“Nearly two decades after our launch, we refreshed the site to better meet the needs of the community and more accurately reflect the work Books for Collier Kids is doing to get new, personalized, age-appropriate books into the hands, homes and hearts of every child in our community,” explains Books Chair Sallie Williams.

The revamped site features a fresh look, improved functionality, increased accessibility and more information about Books for Collier Kids’ work in the county, including ways to get involved, updates on activities.

Funding for the project was provided in-part by a matching $2,500 grant from the Collier Community Foundation™, a taxexempt, public, charitable organization established in 1985 to increase and focus on local private philanthropy. The CCF is one of Florida’s fastest-growing community foundations.

First-Ever Frontier Day at The Village School of Naples

SVeterans Helping Veterans; Volunteers in the Home Base Florida Adventure Series Build Make Habitat for Humanity Homes for Fellow Veterans

Home Base Florida, a leading nonprofit that provides clinical care, wellness and education to help veterans, service members, and their families heal from the invisible wounds of war, recently engaged in two impactful volunteer days with Habitat for Humanity of Lee and Hendry Counties.

During the two volunteer days, veterans enrolled in the Home Base Florida Adventure Series, a program that provides free events and activities for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families in collaboration with businesses and non-profit organizations, gave participants an opportunity to collaborate and contribute to the completion of two homes for local SWFL veterans. “Our veterans are always looking for ways to give back to the community, even though they have already given so much to our country,” said Armando Hernandez, Senior Director at Home Base Florida.

For more information about Home Base Florida, visit www.homebase.org/florida.

ixth grade students at The Village School of Naples presented their first-ever Frontier Day, providing an immersive learning experience about the amazing explorers, pioneers, technologies and inventions that defined the Westward Expansion of the United States during the 1800’s when immigrants, American Indians, U.S. citizens and freed slaves traveled to Oregon and California using a network of trails leading west. Some of the projects showcased included a large Prairie Schooner wagon, Civil War era hospital, steamboats, telephones and telegraphs, cowboy campfaire and cooking, and a Buffalo Bill show. The reenactment also included the search for lost family members by a formerly enslaved woman. Participating students were dressed in full costume reflecting this important era in American history 200 years ago.

SEND US YOUR COMMUNITY NEWS!

Did your kids do something amazing? Is your organization hosting an event? Let us know, and you might see your news in print!

Send photos and details to info@neafamily.com.

We're a prestigious private day school located in Fort Myers and Naples, Florida. Our mission is to empower students who encounter social, emotional, and behavioral obstacles that impede their success in conventional classroom environments. Our method integrates social and emotional competencies, fostering enduring habits of achievement that transcend classroom boundaries and bolster academic preparedness. Our steadfast commitment to academics guarantees a well-rounded educational journey, emphasizing vital courses to equip students for a successful transition back to their original school or to the next stage of their academic or postgraduation pursuits.

WHY KFA?

RESTRAINT FREE

6:1 STUDENT/TEACHER RATIO

ENRICHED ACADEMICS

RESEARCHED-BASED INTERVENTION PROGRAMS

CREDIT RECOVERY

DUEL ENROLLMENT WITH COMMUNITY COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COUNSELING

FAMILY SUPPORTS PARTNERSHIPS

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS/INTERNSHIPS

FOCUS ON REJOINING SCHOOL DISTRICT

100% COHORT GRADUATION

INDIVIDUALIZED ACADEMICS AND SUPPORTS

STAND ALONE RESEARCH-BASED SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL CURRICULUM

STATE-OF-ART SMART TECHNOLOGY

POSITIVE SUPPORT INTERVENTIONS AND STRATEGIES

HANDS ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES

If you're worried about your child's struggles in their current school environment, it might be time for a shift. Reach out to us today and discover how we can make a positive difference in your child's educational journey.

KFA COMMUNITY AWARENESS DAY

MAY 26, 2024 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

DONNA FIALA EAGLE LAKES

COMMUNITY PARK 11565 TAMAMI TRAIL EAST NAPLES, FLORIDA 34113

Naples, Florida ~ Fort Myers, Florida ~ 15205 Collier Blvd. Ste 106-295, Naples, FL 34119

Mother’s Day

One lucky new parent or parentto-be will take home this prize package worth more than $680!

To enter, visit www.neafamily.com/ contests or scan the QR code

Peg Perego Poke High Chair $149.99

Modern, lightweight, and easy to clean, the Poke is designed to be hassle free. Let your little one join in on the fun during mealtime by pulling it up to your dining table. Grows with baby from 6 to 24 months without need for adjustments.

https://us.pegperego.com/store/pegus/en_US/high-chairs/high-chairs-andbooster-seats/poke/p/IXCR3063NARS82

Comotomo Baby Bottle Bundle, Green or pink* (7 Piece Set) $59.99

This bundle includes bottles and nipples designed to mimic breastfeeding, ensuring both comfort and convenience for the baby.

THE BUNDLE INCLUDES:

• Two 5 oz. bottles

• Two 8 oz. bottles

• A package each of slow flow, medium flow, and fast flow replacement nipples. (Replacement nipple packages come with two nipples each.)

www.comotomo.com/products/bundle-baby-bottle

*winner selects color (based on available inventory)

Lansinoh Postpartum Recovery Essentials $39.99

New moms need care, too. You’ll be recovery-ready with three postpartum must-haves in this convenient bundle.

BUNDLE INCLUDES:

• One 12.2 oz upside-down wash bottle for gentle cleansing with travel bag

• One 3.5 oz herbal Postpartum Spray for soothing care

• Two reusable hot and cold postpartum therapy packs for cooling pain relief and comforting heat therapy

https://lansinoh.com/products/postpartum-recovery-essentials

Mommy’s Bliss Mom

Comfort & Care Gift Basket

$89.99

This basket bundles all the good things new moms deserve to make their journey a bit more blissful.

INCLUDED IN THE GIFT BASKET:

• Postnatal Support Lift My Mood

• Postnatal Support Reset My Body

• Postnatal Support Lactation + Probiotics

• Lanolin Nipple Balm

• Blissful Belly Lotion–Bohemian Rose

• H. Soothe Hemorrhoidal Wipes

https://mommysbliss.com/products/new-mom-comfort-care-giftset

Lansinoh Breastfeeding Essentials

$40.92

This set includes everything you need to start breastfeeding with confidence, from soothing nipple cream and hot and cold therapy packs to a silicone breast pump and more.

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• One .25oz lanolin nipple cream

• Two TheraPearl breast therapy packs with 2 soft covers

• 48 stay-dry disposable nursing pads

• One Silicone breast pump with adjustable neck strap and cap

• 25 Breastmilk storage bags

https://lansinoh.com/products/breastfeeding-essentials

Storkcraft® Equinox 3-in-1 Convertible Crib $299.99

The 3-in-1 convertible crib is equipped with an adjustable mattress support base with 3 different height options:

• Crib

• Toddler bed (toddler guardrails not included)

• Daybed Designed to fit any standard full-size crib and toddler mattress (mattress not included).

www.storkcraft.com/products/storkcraft%C2%AE-equinox-3-in-1 -convertible-crib

MOTHER’S DAY

By Christina Katz

Motherhood Movie Club

This Mother’s Day, indulge Mom with these 30 films dedicated to all she does and the many faces and feelings that come with being a mother. Turn to moms of the silver screen for plenty of relatable reasons to laugh and cry, sometimes even simultaneously.

WATCH WITH FAMILY OF ANY AGE

1. The Sound Of Music (1965, G). From the moment this movie starts, you will cheer for Maria to say no to the nunnery and yes to seven mischievous children and their handsome father.

2. Mary Poppins (1964, G). Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious fun for a family desperately in need of some magical attention.

3. Brave (2012, PG). “What became of this precious daughter I once knew?” Disney brings us the classic mother-daughter conflict story willful-princess-style, without a suitor in sight.

4. Freaky Friday (2003, PG). Young Linsdey Lohan holds her own opposite a veteran actress like Jamie Lee Curtis in this mixed-up mother-daughter remake.

5. The Incredibles (2004, PG). Holly Hunter is Elastagirl, just your average suburban mom with superpowers trying to cheer on her spouse, raise her kids, and save the world from mass destruction.

6. Little Women (1994, PG). You won’t find a better mother than Marmee, played by Susan Sarandon. She encourages her daughters to become who they are meant to be despite challenging times.

7. Secretariat (2010, PG). It’s a long shot for any horse to win the Triple Crown, but Penny Chenery, played by Diane Lane, is just the person who can make it happen.

8. Parental Guidance (2012, PG). Old-school parenting collides with new-school parenting with entertaining results. Bette Midler and Marisa Tomei bring believability to Billy Crystal’s touching comedic riffs.

9. Places In The Heart (1984, PG). During the Great Depression, Sally Field, a widow, struggles to keep her small cotton farm going after her husband is accidentally killed.

10. You Again Marni, a total geek in high school with an archenemy named Joanna. Imagine her surprise when she finds out her seemingly all-together mom shared similar struggles on the eve of her brother’s wedding.

11. Baby Boom

an inherits a baby girl during her yuppie days and gets schooled by the babe as to what matters in life.

WATCH WITH TWEENS & UP

12. Steel Magnolias plays mom to diabetic newlywed Julia Rob erts in this heartfelt story of a big-time friend ship sprung from small-town Louisiana life.

13. Motherhood mom who has ever tried to throw a birthday party to beat all birthday parties while also trying to squeeze out an iota of time for selfexpression, this Uma Thurman film is for you.

14. Now & Then (1995, PG-13). Four grown women and best friends look back at the 12-year-old girls they were in 1970 as one of them prepares to deliver her first child.

15. Mother (1996, PG-13). Albert Brooks is a grown man trying to figure out why he can’t have a successful love life while pointing fingers at his mother, Debbie Reynolds.

16. Parenthood (1989, PG-13). It is an ensemble comedy focusing mainly on Steve Martin’s character but offers terrific mom performances from Mary Steenburgen, Diane Wiest, Harley Jane Kozak, Eileen Ryan, and Martha Plimpton.

17. Mamma Mia! (2008, PG-13). It is a lighthearted musical that reprises ABBA tunes to tell the story of a young woman’s desire to find out about her real father.

18. Anywhere But Here (1999, PG-13). Susan Sarandon is Nathalie Portman’s eccentric, pushy mother, who is on the verge of driving her daughter crazy.

19. The Help (2011, PG-13). Skeeter, an Ole Miss college graduate, comes home to help care for her ailing mother in the 1960s. To be taken seriously as a writer, she decides to write a tell-all book from the local maids’ point of view, reminding her of the woman who raised her.

20. The Blind Side (2009, PG-13). At her insistence, Leanne Tuohy’s typically conservative family takes in a homeless teenager. “Big Mike’s” presence turns into a boon for

the family as they rally around him to succeed

ers, Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton, need to overcome their small-town rivalry if they want their church choir to have a shot at winning (2002, PG-13). A soccer career is not exactly what Jess Bhamra’s mother has in mind for her Indian daughter, especially when she bends the (1995, PG-13). Holly Hunter plays Clyde, a 40-something single mom who finds returning home to see her family has a way of making her act the (1998, PG-13). You had me at Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. fall

25. Juno (2007, PG-13). It’s a great way to kick off a discussion about some serious topics you might prefer to avoid. This film sheds light on teen pregnancy, divorce, and adoption with dignity and humor.

26. The Guilt Trip (2012, PG-13). A road trip movie with Barbara Streisand and Seth Rogen stays in the funny lane with a touching ending you won’t see coming.

27. What To Expect When You’re Expecting (2012, PG-13). Five couples are pregnant, and not much is happening the way any of them expected. If you had a difficult pregnancy, this is the one to appreciate.

28. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991, PG-13). It is a captivating tale of an older woman who has outlived all her friends, only to make a new irreplaceable one in a housewife badly in need of a life makeover.

29. Stepmom (1998, PG-13). Trying to sort out the challenges of divorce and re-coupling makes for a moving story of transformation for the whole family.

30. The Divine Secrets Of The Ya Ya Sisterhood (2002, PG-13). Any woman with a trying relationship with her mother will enjoy the antics of Sandra Bullock vs. Ellen Burstyn and her girlhood Ya-Ya tribe.

Author, journalist, and writing coach Christina Katz loves to celebrate motherhood, Hollywood-style, in all of its glorious complexity, preferably with a nice big bowl of freshly popped popcorn and a glass of Canada Dry ginger ale

Several times a week, the high school sophomore volunteers at the stables. While NTRC has hundreds of volunteers, there aren’t many who can do it all. Lucie leads horses and is also a sidewalker, which is an individual who walks alongside the horses to help riders who need assistance. She helps in the barn, cleaning the horses, feeding them, and cleaning the stables. Lucie recently became an arena assistant.

Volunteering at NTRC was a natural fit, given that Lucie lives in the neighborhood, takes riding lessons, and also volunteers for Special Olympics.

“My first time here, I had so much fun, and it made me love the place and the community,” she said.

During softball season, she can be at NTRC only once a week, but Lucie is at the stables three to four after-

NBRIDLED COMPASSION

A Local Teen’s Dedication to Children With Special Needs

Lucie Norman, 16, loves horses and loves children with special needs. She combines her passions with her volunteer work at Naples Therapeutic Riding Center.

noons a week as soon as the season ends. In the summer, she volunteers for the camp program.

NTRC was born in 1997 as the Naples Equestrian Challenge. Its mission is to improve the lives of children and adults with physical, social, and mental health needs through therapeutic riding and other equinerelated programs.

Beth Atherton, an instructor at NTRC, said Lucie does much more than most volunteers.

“She does everything,” Atherton said. “She even untacks and does the grooming and the cooling. [This] is an arena assistant [position]. It is really a leadership role.”

Lucie finds her volunteer work very rewarding.

“I love seeing the same riders each week and how much they progress,” she described. “Sometimes

there are riders who come here, and they don’t talk. Then after a few weeks, they are interacting more, and it makes me feel so happy to see how they progress.”

The teen has many heartwarming stories from her time at the barn.

“There was this girl who had extreme anxiety. Once we got her on the horse, she had the biggest smile on her face,” Lucie said. “Even though it was a big hurdle to get her on the first time each week, she started getting on faster and faster, and she just had the best time. And she would do more and more every week. It was amazing.”

Lucie also enjoys volunteering with Special Olympics and plans to do it again this summer.

“One of my teachers suggested Special Olympics for service hours,” Lucie explained. “The first time I

went, I was a little skeptical because I had never worked with kids with special needs before. But the moment I went there, I loved it. I loved working with them and seeing the smiles on their faces.”

Lucie is able to squeeze in all her volunteering, even with her busy schedule. The sophomore at Community School of Naples plays softball, takes horseback riding lessons once a week at M & H Stables in Naples, is a member of the planning committee for Special Olympics, and helps arrange alumni activities for Special Olympians. Lucie says she is very passionate about school and studying, in addition to spending time with her family and traveling.

PHOTO ABOVE: Lucie Norman volunteers as a side walker, a horse leader, and in the barn at Naples Therapeutic Riding Center. Photo by Andrea Stetson

FUN EVENTS IN MAY

MULTI-DATE EVENTS

ALADDIN JR. May 16-18. 6:30-7:30 p.m.

This classic tale will delight audiences of all ages. Enjoy the magic of Aladdin’s adventures with Jasmine, the Genie, and the whole cast of Aladdin Jr.

Multiple dates

Location: Pulte Family Center Stage–St. John the Evangelist Church, 625 111th Ave North, Naples or 239-571-3305.

1 WEDNESDAY

CHILDREN’S CREATIVE PLAY AND LEARNING CENTER. 8 a.m.

Dive into the engaging Children’s Creative Play and Learning Centers, where endless adventures await.

Location: Estates Branch, 1266 Golden Gate Blvd. W, Naples. collierlibrary.org.

SUNSET STROLL AT CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY. 6:30-9 p.m.

This naturalist guided boardwalk tour leads you into the swamp as the day draws to a close.

Location: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Road W, Naples. corkscrew.audubon.org.

ZOO TALES: I AM STUCK. 9:30-10 a.m.

Take the kids to Naples Zoo for a storybook adventure. Listen and learn to bring animal-themed stories to life through this 30-minute program.

Location: Naples Zoo, 1590 GoodletteFrank Road, Naples. www.napleszoo.org.

2 THURSDAY

FAMILY STORYTIME. 10:30-11 a.m.

Birth to 5 years. This fun and engaging storytime promotes and reinforces early literacy skills and language development through stories, music, movement, and activities. FREE

Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs. leelibrary.librarymarket.com or 239-533-4860.

LITTLE EXPLORERS. 10 a.m.

Bring your little ones to the Little Explorer Play Zone to participate in multi-sensory, interactive activities, stories, and crafts.

Location: Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples. conservancy.org.

3 FRIDAY

A.I.R. CINCO DE MAYO FAMILY PARTY. 6-8 p.m.

Grab your family and friends and join the A.I.R team for a fun evening of Cinco De Mayo festivities.

Location: Golden Gate Community Park, 3300 Santa Barbara Blvd., Naples. anc.apm.activecommunities.com or 239-252-4551.

MOTHER & SON MAGIC NIGHT. 6-7:30 p.m.

Calling all mothers (and mother figures): enjoy an evening filled with fun, laughs, and magic at the Mother & Son night

Location: YMCA of Collier County, 5450 YMCA Road, Naples. ymcacollier.org or 239-394-9622.

4 SATURDAY

BUILD YOUR OWN LIGHTSABER. 1-2 p.m.

Build your own lightsaber with a pool noodle, learn basic sword moves, and play noodle wars.

Location: Naples Family Martial Arts, 5926 Premier Way Unit #108, Naples.acebook.com/ events/832185322082668 or 239-3156303.

MOTHERS DAY MAKE & TAKE

ACTIVITY. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

CMON invites kids and their grown-ups to make something special to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Location: Children’s Museum of Naples, 15080 Livingston Road, Naples. www. facebook.com.

POOL FIESTA. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with fun and creative Hispanic cultural activities.

Location: Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park, 11565 Tamiami Trail E, Naples. anc.apm.activecommunities.com or 239-252-4000.

ROOKERY BAY RESEARCH

RESERVE’S NATIONAL ESTUARIES

DAY 2024. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

There will be something for everyone in

Check event website for time and location before attending

the family – kayak demos on the water, art, kids’ crafts and activities, food, nature and wildlife exhibits, marine-life touch tank, boat tours, tours, and an art gallery.

Location: Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, 300 Tower Road, Naples. rookerybay.org or 239-5305972.

5 SUNDAY

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION AT MERCATO. 2-10 p.m.

Grab your amigos and head to the event lawn for a Cinco de Mayo Celebration featuring a DJ, delicious Mexican food, refreshing drinks and more. FREE

Location: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Suite 11103, Naples. www.facebook. com.

9 THURSDAY

EVENING ON FIFTH. 6:30-9:30 p.m.

This event features an array of live musical performances up and down the sidewalks along Fifth Avenue South. Restaurants and bars along the avenue will be offering specials. FREE

Location: Downtown Naples, Fifth Avenue South, Naples. www. FifthAvenueSouth.com or 239-6928436.

10 FRIDAY

BOUQUETS & BUBBLY FOR MOM.

5-8 p.m.

Visit the vintage Italian Piaggio mobile bar during Mother’s Day weekend for a complimentary glass of prosecco & dress your best for Instagram-worthy selfies. FREE

Location: Mercato, 9132 Strada Place, Suite 11103, Naples. www.facebook. com.

LEE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS NIGHT. 7 p.m.

The Mussels team welcomes all students, teachers, administrators and more from Lee County Public Schools with a special ticket offer. Enjoy fireworks after the game.

Location: Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers. www. milb.com/fort-myers

MOTHER’S DAY MAKE & TAKE.

1-4:30 p.m.

All materials are provided for you to make a special card for Mother’s Day. All ages welcome. No registration required.

Location: Golden Gate Branch Library, 2432 Lucerne Road, Naples. www. facebook.com.

11 SATURDAY

MUFFINS WITH MOM. 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Celebrate Mother’s Day in the children’s room with muffins, crafts and photo station.

Location: Headquarters Regional Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Dr., Naples. www. facebook.com.

12 SUNDAY

CELEBRATE MOM AT THE GARDEN.

9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cherish Mom and Grandma with a trip through the tropics.

Location: Naples Botanical Gardens, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples. www. naplesgarden.org.

CELEBRATE MOM ON THE WATER. 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Pure Florida is offering a FREE Sightseeing Cruise ticket for Moms with a full fare paid child or adult accompanying ticket.

Location: Tin City Marina, 1200 5th Ave. S., Naples. www.purefl.com/motherscruise-free

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH & BASEBALL. 11 a.m.

Join the Mussels for a special Mother’s Day Brunch & Baseball. Get an all-youcan-eat brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for just $15 with your game ticket. Game starts at 12:05 p.m.

Location: Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Pkwy, Fort Myers. www. milb.com/fort-myers.

MOTHER’S DAY SUNSET DOLPHIN & WILDLIFE CRUISE. 7:15-8:45 p.m.

Delight Mom with a magical evening on

the water. Enjoy playful dolphins, birds flying in to roost on remote islands, and a fantastic sunset. Complementary gifts and drinks provided.

Location: Royal Shell Port Sanibel Marina, 14341 Port Comfort Rd., Fort Myers. www.adventureinparadiseinc.com/.

15 WEDNESDAY

PRESCHOOL PROGRAM: LITTLE ARCHITECTS. 10-11 a.m.

Your little one will build up their building skills with this preschool-friendly introduction to architecture!

Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E, Naples. colliermuseums.com.

18 SATURDAY

COMMUNITY DAY: ARTIS—NAPLES. 12 p.m.

Artis—Naples welcomes the entire community to the Kimberly K. Querrey and Louis A. Simpson Cultural Campus for a day of art, music, and fun.

Location: Artis—Naples, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd., Naples, Florida, Naples. artisnaples.org.

GYMKHANA FAMILY DAY. 10 a.m.1 p.m.

Run, bounce, or hop to Gymkhana Family Day, where kids will focus on skill, physical activity, and friendly competition with sack races, an egg and spoon challenge, a ring toss and obstacle course,

Location: Collier Museum at Government Center, 3331 Tamiami Trail E, Naples. colliermuseums.com.

21 TUESDAY

LEGO CLUB. 6-7 p.m.

Drop in for this all-ages event and get creative with LEGO brick building challenges. All materials are provided; just bring your creativity.

Location: Bonita Springs Public Library,

10560 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. leelibrary.librarymarket.com or 239-533-4860.

23 THURSDAY

PINT SIZED PROM. 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Put on your fanciest attire and grab your dancing shoes! A snack and refreshments will be available when you need a break from moving and grooving.

Location: Bonita Springs Public Library, 10560 Reynolds Street, Bonita Springs. leelibrary.librarymarket.com or 239-533-4860.

25 SATURDAY

MINI MOO PETTING ZOO. 10 a.m. 12 p.m.

Get ready for fluffy encounters at the library including a horse and a cow provided by the Mini Zoo at Hubbard Farm.

Location: Headquarters Regional Library, 2385 Orange Blossom Drive, Naples. www.collierlibrary.org.

27 MONDAY

MEMORIAL DAY FAMILY EVENT. 4-7 p.m.

This Memorial Day event features yard games, raffles and prizes, face painting, vendors, presentation of the colors by Lee County Sheriff’s Office and live performances by Big Cypress Band and Hot Flashz. FREE

Location: Coast Town Center Courtyard, 9903 Gulf Coast Main St., Ft. Myers. www.gulfcoasttowncenter.com.

By Andrea Stetson

SERVING UP A NEW SPORT AT COLLIER COUNTY

Local high school girls are heading to the beach. For the first time, beach volleyball is a girls varsity sport in Collier County Public Schools.

Mark Rosenbalm, supervisor of interscholastic athletics and student activities for CCCPS, was the force behind adding this sport in the district.“ Anytime we can give the opportunity for more students to be involved in a sport, we always look to do that,” Rosenbalm said.

Rosenbalm wanted to ensure there was enough interest before adding beach volleyball to the varsity agenda, so he made it a club sport five years ago before bumping it up to varsity this year.

“After we saw enough interest in the sport, I was eager to have it,” he stressed.

Since this is the first season, most high schools don’t have outdoor sand courts.

The new Aubrey Rogers High School has two courts, and Gulf Coast High School has just one. The other schools use off-campus facilities, but CCPS plans to build beach volleyball courts at all the high schools. Most of the participants already play indoor volleyball and are excited to have more chances to improve their skills on the sand.“It is a lot different than indoor [volleyball], but it is a lot of fun,” said Ava Wall, a freshman at ARHS. “You are in the sun, and it is calming. I love volleyball, and I want to get recruited and play in college, so any chance to play is great.”

“It helps with your verticals,” explained ARHS freshman Addison Nicholl. “It makes it a lot easier for indoor.”

The girls have a rigorous schedule. They practice for two hours daily after school and have matches two afternoons a week.

Grant Matthews, the head coach at Aubrey Rogers, is excited to build a new varsity sport from the ground up.

“I love that everyone is growing and learning together,” he said “Everyone is learning, not just the players, but [also] the coaches and the parents. That can be a challenge. Sometimes, it is frustrating because it is a new sport.” Plus, there are other obstacles to overcome, such as heat, wind, and sand.

Even with the challenges, Matthews loves being part of beach volleyball in Collier County.

“Indoor is more position oriented,” he explained. “In this game, you use your brain and put a ball in the spot where [your opponents] are not. I like that you don’t have to be tall and strong. You can be quick and fast and have good ball control to excel.”

There are 14 girls on the ARHS team this year. In beach volleyball, only two players at a time play on the court.

“One of my biggest coaching challenges is getting them to love this sport as much as I love this sport,” Matthews said. “It is a lot of hard work.” He has to find the balance between “working them so they get better, but not working them so much that they don’t like it.”

Jordan Martinez and Annie Pierre are juniors at IHS and are loving beach volleyball.

“I love the teamwork,” Annie stressed. “It is more intense than regular volleyball. You get to connect with the other player on a whole different level. You really work together as a team.”

“It gives more girls a chance to come out and play a sport they have never played before,” Jordan added.

Girls from Aubrey Rogers High School warm up before a match against Immokalee High School.

Photo by Andrea Stetson

HIGH SCHOOLS

Beach volleyball was first played in the United States in the 1920s, but its popularity was mainly limited to Hawaii and California. It became an Olympic sport in 1996 and an NCAA sport in 2015. Three-time Olympic gold medal winners (2004, 2008, and 2012) Misty MayTreanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings helped solidify the popularity of beach volleyball in the United States.

The Florida High School Athletic Association first recognized beach volleyball four years ago as a high school sport. It is one of 17 varsity sports offered at the high school level in Collier County. Rosenbalm said there are no plans to add boys beach volleyball since FHSAA does not sanction the sport for boys.

Rosenbalm said the county has looked at boys beach volleyball in the past but that

the interest level was not high enough to warrant its addition as a varsity sport.

But he has high hopes for the girls’ teams.

“We are a very competitive county in volleyball, and I believe we will be very competitive in beach volleyball on the state level as well.”

H A PPY GRA DUATION

Congratulations Class of 2024!

The new graduates featured on the following pages began their high school careers during an unprecedented pandemic, so let’s celebrate their accomplishments and wish them well as they embark upon this exciting new stage in their lives.

Lauren Corbeil Caitlin Dawick

Brooks Miller

Cleil Albrite IV

James Arpin Dylan Atkinson

Zach Blicker

Madison D'Elia Gabe Espinosa

Brooke Spurgeon Alberto Trejo-Molina

Gabriella Vitelli

Matthew Snyder

Gracey Mizwa Nicole Paul Jack Schum

College Acceptances

B A L L S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y

• B E N N I N G T O N

RATS RATS

C O L L E G E

• E M E R S O N C O L L E G E

U N I V E R S I T Y *

• E M B R Y - R I D D L E

A E R O N A U T I C A L U N I V E R S I T Y

A T L A N T I C U N I V E R S I T Y *

• E L O N

• F L O R I D A

• F L O R I D A

A T L A N T I C U N I V E R S I T Y , W I L K E S

H O N O R S C O L L E G E

• F L O R I D A G U L F

C O A S T U N I V E R S I T Y *

• F L O R I D A

I N S T I T U T E O F T E C H N O L O G Y

I N T E R N A T I O N A L U N I V E R S I T Y

S O U T H E R N C O L L E G E *

U N I V E R S I T Y *

• F L O R I D A

• F L O R I D A

• F L O R I D A S T A T E

• F L O R I D A S T A T E

U N I V E R S I T Y , H O N O R S P R O G R A M *

F R A N K L I N C O L L E G E

U N I V E R S I T Y

U N I V E R S I T Y

•

• G E O R G I A S T A T E

• G E O R G E M A S O N

• G R A C E C O L L E G E

G R I N N E L L C O L L E G E

C O L L E G E

•

• H A M P S H I R E

• H I G H P O I N T U N I V E R S I T Y

L E E S - M C R A E C O L L E G E

• L O N G I S L A N D

•

U N I V E R S I T Y

• L Y N N U N I V E R S I T Y

M E R C E R U N I V E R S I T Y

U N I V E R S I T Y

U N I V E R S I T Y

F L O R I D A

•

• M I C H I G A N S T A T E

• M I S S O U R I S T A T E

• N E W C O L L E G E O F

• N O V A S O U T H E A S T E R N

U N I V E R S I T Y

U N I V E R S I T Y

U N I V E R S I T Y

• O K L A H O M A C I T Y

• P A L M B E A C H A T L A N T I C

• P E N N S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y

• P O I N T P A R K U N I V E R S I T Y

• R H O D E

I S L A N D S C H O O L O F D E S I G N ( R I S D )

• R O S E H U L M A N I N S T I T U T E O F

T E C H N O L O G Y

• R O L L I N S C O L L E G E

S C H O O L O F T H E A R T I N S T I T U T E O F

C H I C A G O

•

• S T T H O M A S U N I V E R S I T Y *

S L I P P E R Y R O C K U N I V E R S I T Y

U N I V E R S I T Y

• S U N Y

B I N G H A M T O N

•

• S T E T S O N

• U N I V E R S I T Y O F

• U N I V E R S I T Y O F

C E N T R A L F L O R I D A *

C I N C I N N A T I

• U N I V E R S I T Y O F

• U N I V E R S I T Y O F

C O L O R A D O B O U L D E R • U N I V E R S I T Y O F

G U E L P H

• U N I V E R S I T Y O F M A R Y L A N D *

•

U N I V E R S I T Y O F M I A M I • U N I V E R S I T Y O F

N O R T H F L O R I D A • U N I V E R S I T Y O F

N O R T H C A R O L I N A A T G R E E N S B O R O

U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H F L O R I D A

U N I V E R S I T Y

Bali Coles

Olivia Lopez Ava Foley

Gabrielle Zappulla

Juliet Clayton

Ty’Nazia Smith Cooper Smith

VALEDICTORIAN

Christophe Savoie

Almira Pratasenia SALUTATORIAN

Maria Alvarez Gabriel Arce Guzman

Neil Baiza-Urtaza Veronica Banski

Gustavo Bautista-Sanchez Siena Boff Alexandra Budd Michael Christopher Franco Claudio

Bradley Cooper Natasha Corcoran Simon Craciun Olivia Cunningham Janae Curtis

Isabella Dalto Brenden Desch Alexander Duvall Kailee Edwards Tatiana Ellsworth

Sean Eskridge Daniel Falco Mila Forsman Issabella Gorn Joseph Gust

Brooklynne Hadireza Alexis Hamernik Christopher Hathaway Ethan Hull Kalus Knights Jr. Sophia Lucky Kaia McKeon Leilani Medina

Lucy Reid Kayla Riley Isabella Rosato

Annamaria Saadeh Nicholas Sapy Christophe Savoie Jacob Schmidt Maria Julia Soares

Yahaira Torres Hernandez Noah Trochessett Nicholas Van Gilder

Alexander Vlahakis Logan Woodland Sam Zangrilli

Kristina Osadchuk Almira Pratasenia

EDUCATION

By Andrea Stetson

SMALL SCHOOL, BIG DREAMS

Inside Everglades City’s Unique Graduation Experience

Graduation ceremonies in Southwest Florida typically fill football stadiums or arenas, but that’s not what happens at Everglades City School, where just eight students will be walking across the stage to get their diplomas. And only six of them are seniors. The other two are juniors who are graduating early.

It’s a very different type of high school experience. Most of the students have been together since prekindergarten and are more like siblings than classmates. While there are some drawbacks, the students say there are many more advantages to being in a tiny school.

“We are very tight and interconnected,” said senior Katie Collins. “I have had the same gym teacher since pre-K and the same art teacher since preK. The other perk is having really small classes. I had an art class with just myself. It was awesome. I grew exponentially in art, got some awards from the school district, and had some art in the district office.”

Just one teacher covers each subject, so they teach the students throughout their high school years, and sometimes in middle school as well.

“Having one follow us from one year to the next, they know us. They know where we struggled and where we excelled,” Katie explained.

Senior Teddy Smallwood had the same English teacher from sixth through 10th grade and

said it helped him connect with his educators.

“It is like a family in a way,” he said.

The teachers know every student in the school, and the students know every teacher. That allows teachers to individualize plans for their students. Several students were able to graduate early. Teddy finished all his high school requirements in December. Two of this year’s graduates are juniors.

“The staff has only 34 high school kids, so it is a lot easier to let kids excel,” Teddy explained. “You get a lot of attention.”

Only Katie and Teddy wanted to be interviewed for this story. Right now, just one of the six seniors is taking classes on campus. The others either finished in December or are completing their requirements online. Katie and Teddy said they watched the number of students dwindle over the years.

“In fifth grade, there were 23 kids. In middle school, there were 16. When we started high school, there were 10 of us. Now, there are only six seniors and only one is on campus,” Teddy described.

Teddy and Katie said some moved away because it was getting too expensive to live in Everglades City. Others moved for better job opportunities for their parents. This could mean

even smaller graduating classes in the future.

The Everglades City School began in 1893 when the first lessons were taught in the Storter Home, now the Rod & Gun Club. A schoolhouse was built a few years later, but washed away in the 1910 hurricane. Barron Collier added a high school in 1926. In 1995 the old school was reconstructed into the current campus. It is the only public through high school campus in the county.

With such a small student population, Everglades City School can’t offer the vast menu of classes that other local high schools have. There are no Advanced Placement classes or specialized courses. However, students can still take those online or through dual enrollment.

OPPORTUNITIES TO EXCEL

There are also many sports opportunities, and the seniors say they participate in multiple varsity competitions. Teddy is part of the basketball and baseball teams. Katie plays softball and volleyball. Both students have been on those high school varsity teams since sixth grade. In Everglades City, middle school students can play high school varsity sports. The nearby Indian reservation sends eight of its students to Everglades City to add to the numbers on the basketball team. The school also offers cross country and cheer. Stu-

dents can join another high school team if they want to play football.

Katie says it is easier to be chosen for special activities since there is little competition. Katie was selected to be part of a debate group that competed at the University of Florida. Then, she was chosen to be an ambassador for debate and traveled all over the state and even to Washington, D.C.

“If you really want the opportunities, you can make them for yourself here. That is another perk of being a small school,” Katie said

“If there is an opportunity, we can pursue it much easier,” Teddy agreed. “It is so easy to get scholarships. At a big school you are competing with 200 kids for a scholarship. At our school it is just six kids.”

It is also easier for them to excel academically. Katie is valedictorian, and Teddy is salutatorian.

Most of the seniors have known each other since they were toddlers. They admit that sometimes they know too much about each other, but they love the camaraderie.

“You get to have a class with all your friends,” Teddy said. “At a big school, you get split up, but here we are with our friends every day.”

And their friends are not just the seniors but all the high school students. Having a prom with just six students would be hard, so everyone

in high school is invited. This year, their prom will be held in a wedding barn and the homecoming dance was in the gym.

MORE THAN A MOMENT

Graduation for Everglades City students is more than a moment of walking across a stage to get a diploma. Each student is honored with a special slide show.

“Something we do that is special that nobody else gets to do is the senior slide show,” Katie said. “We send in about 20 pictures and a song, and they play about three minutes for each student. And in the yearbook, we each get our own page. In other schools, it is just a picture.”

The students admit that graduation will be tough since

they have been together most of their lives.

“It is going to be sad,” Katie said. “We were taking our senior pictures last night, and I was remembering everything. It will be hard after being together for so long. We all have our history with each other. It has not always been completely peaceful, but I will definitely miss them.”

Katie plans to attend the University of Florida to study political science. She said she is tired of hurricanes and likely will move somewhere like Tallahassee or Washington, D.C. Teddy is going to the fire and EMT program at Florida SouthWestern State College. He does plan to settle in Everglades City.

Everglades City School 2024 graduates include: (L-R) Carson Foss, Ian Cabezas, Taylor Mayberry, Katie Collins, Aulbrey Wooten, Waylon Demere, Gabe Herrin, and Teddy Smallwood. Waylon and Ian are juniors who are graduating early. The other six are seniors. Photo by Maria Joup Photography

Class of 2024

So, Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31

Kennedy White Gillian Wilder

Kimberly Young

Joseph Adams Anajah Bakker Zachary Bates

Thomas Cusick Ava Dean Avery Erickson Sara Fisher Emma Fletcher

Josie Hendricks William Herriott Olivia Jarvis Julia Jurca Kerrigan Klevanosky

Grace Lowery Mark McLean Mia Morales Scott Muhlhauser Gabrielle Nafie

Jonathan Rossano Evan Santos Ksana Schwinghammer Jalisa Searc Jay Sharp

Kennedy White Gillian Wilder Kimberly Young

Brayden Bobik Grace Bourne Jhon Bubick Tatiana Casasnovas Kyle Cipolla

Faith Gallardo Teagen Gonzalez Liam Green Andrew Hallett Rebecca Hansen

Connor Koert Dominic Leamon Sophia Leamon

Annika Lindquist Ryan Long

Taylor Pyburn Adrian Rodriguez Gina Rodriguez Xhevia Roko Brett Rossano

By Jennifer Kupiec

IMMOKALEE HIGH SCHOOL’S ALL-GIRLS VEX ROBOTICS TEAM HEADS TO DALLAS FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

“ Girls trip!” That’s what Immokalee High School’s all-girls VEX Robotics team – Team 10101P – shouted when asked about their upcoming trip to Dallas, Texas, to compete in the VEX Robotics World Championship later this month.

“VEX Worlds is the Guinness World Record holder for the largest robotics competition in the world,” explained Fred Rimmler, Academy of Engineering teacher at IHS. “The high school tournament is 800

teams from over 40 different countries. Each of the 10 divisions has over 80 teams competing, so these girls will be competing against teams from China, Japan, Turkey, Australia … all over the world.”

Every year, VEX releases a new game for the competition season, and teams work throughout the year to design, build, and test a robot to complete several objectives. Team 10101P is one of four competitive VEX Robotics teams at IHS. To get to the world stage,

they competed in local qualifying tournaments— two of the school’s teams, 10101P and 10101F, qualified for the state championship. At the state championship, 10101P earned a skills score high enough to qualify for the world championship.

“A lot of girls aren’t involved in engineering or robotics because they feel intimidated,” said Monica Villa Lopez, the only senior on the team. “We can all relate to that, and just being able to qualify for such a big competition means a lot to us. We get a lot of support from family and friends, and Mr. Rimmler definitely pushes us to go forward.”

“I’m excited because I haven’t been to Dallas, Texas,” adds junior Lily Trejo, whose two brothers also went through the Academy of Engineering at IHS. “It’s a huge tournament; it’s just a really cool experience.”

Junior River Robertson is a bit nervous. This will be her first time on an airplane. “I think once we get to the airport and start boarding the plane, it will really hit me. It will be fine once we get there.”

This will be the third time IHS will appear at the world championship. It had two teams qualify 2017 and another team two years ago.

“Seeing these kids come in and spend countless hours, day after day, working on a robot, it’s validating to see that sense of accomplishment,” shared Rimmler. “We set out with some ambitious ideas, and the robot exceeded my wildest imagination.”

When asked about the team’s success, Monica said, “You have to have a lot of communication, perseverance, and patience because there are a lot of things that can go wrong with the robot.”

“It’s been a whirlwind the past couple of weeks since we received the qualification,” said Rimmler. “I’m just excited more than anything else. VEX Worlds is the largest robotics competition in the world, and it’s an experience like nothing else.”

⊲

⊲ Photo above: Robot built by Team 10101P. Photo by CCPS

⊲ Background photo: Freepik.com

Photo top left (from left to right):

Lily Trejo, Monica Villa Lopez, and River Robertson fix a mechanical issue on their robot. Photo by CCPS

Albion College

Auburn University

Baylor University

Belmont Abbey College

Belmont University

Berry College

Boston College

Catholic University

Clemson University

College of Charleston

Duquesne University

Eckerd College

Elon University

Embry Riddle

Aeronautical University

Emory and Henry College

Flagler College

Florida A&M University

Florida Atlantic University

Florida Gulf Coast University

Florida Institute of Technology

Florida International University

Florida Polytechnic University

Florida Southern College

Florida Southwestern State College

Florida State University

Furman University

Hampton University

High Point University

Hope College

Howard University

James Madison University

Kalamazoo College

Lafayette College

Louisiana State University

Loyola University Maryland

Lynn University

Marist College

Marquette University

North Carolina State University

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Purdue University

Rollins College

Savannah College of Art and Design

Southern Methodist University

Stetson University

Sweet Briar College

Texas Christian University

The Citadel

The Pennsylvania State University

Our Seniors’ hard work and dedication earned them a collective $4.3+ million in scholarships and acceptances to more than 70 colleges and universities.

Tulane University

University of Alabama

University of Arizona

University of Central Florida

University of Denver

University of Florida

University of Kentucky

University of Mary

Washington

University of Massachusetts

Dartmouth

University of Miami (FL)

University of Michigan

University of Mississippi

We are an independent Christian school serving students PK3–12th Grade

University of Missouri

University of Nebraska

University of North Florida

University of Richmond

University of South Carolina

University of South Florida

University of Tampa

University of Tennessee

University of Nevada

Ursinus College

Washington University in St. Louis

Logan Loschiavo Zoë Meyer Janelle Miller Markos Oakes Astrid Page Caleb Rainey Alexander Ratliff

Hannah Adams Isabella Adams Sofia Akimova Emily Allain Olivia Apostal Eduardo Calero Aubrey DeVicaris

Dillon Foord Shaelin Foss Colin Garbutt Elizabeth Harpe Darius Henegar Lauren Lappin Andrew Leeber Alissia Rocchio Enihyah Rolle Isabella Romney Matthew Saldukas Landon Silva Mia Slaboch Sean Sloop

Siena Sulmasy Harley Terry William Valenti Hannah Smull Jacob Sweet

Congratulations Class of 2024

CSN is proud to announce the college acceptances* for the Class of 2024.

The University of Alabama (4)

Arizona State University-Tempe (2)

Auburn University (2)

Babson College (1)

Baylor University (2)

Bentley University (1)

Boston College (4)

Boston University (2)

Brown University (1)

Bryant University (1)

University of California Davis (1)

University of California Irvine (1)

University of California San Diego (1)

University of California Santa Barbara (1)

University of California Santa Cruz (1)

Carnegie Mellon University (2)

Case Western Reserve University (3)

Catholic University of America (1)

University of Central Florida (3)

Chapman University (1)

Claremont McKenna College (1)

Clemson Univeristy (6)

College of Charleston (4)

Colgate University (1)

University of Colorado Boulder (5)

Colorado School of Mines (1)

University of Connecticut (1)

Cornell University (1)

Covenant College (1)

Dean College (2)

University of Denver (2)

Dickinson College (1)

University of Durham (UK) (1)

Elon University (5)

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityDaytona Beach (2)

Emmanuel College (1)

Emory University (4)

Endicott College (1)

Fairfield University (1)

University of Florida (14)

Florida Atlantic University (2)

Florida Gulf Coast University (4)

Florida Institute of Technology (1)

Florida International University (2)

Florida Southern College (1)

Florida State University (25)

Fordham University (5)

Furman University (2)

Georgetown University (1)

University of Georgia (3)

Georgia Institute of Technology (1)

Hawaii Pacific University (1)

High Point University (5)

Hobart William Smith Colleges (1)

University of Illinois Chicago (1)

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (1)

Indiana University-Bloomington (6)

Johns Hopkins University (1)

Johnson & Wales University (1)

University of Kentucky (2)

King’s College London, UK (1)

Lasell University (1)

Lesley University (1)

Louisiana State University (2)

University of Louisville (1)

Loyola University New Orleans (1)

Lynn University (1)

Macalester College (2)

Marquette University (1)

Marshall University (1)

University of Maryland College Park (3)

Marymount Manhattan College (1)

University of Massachusetts – Amherst (1)

McGill University, CA (1)

McMaster University, CA (1)

Merrimack College (2)

Miami University (OH) (3)

University of Miami (8)

Michigan State University (4)

University of Mississippi (2)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (3)

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2)

North Carolina State University at Raleigh (1)

Northeastern University (1)

Northern Michigan University (1)

Northwestern University (3)

Ohio State University (3)

Ontario Tech University (1)

University of Oregon (2)

Pace University (1)

Palm Beach Atlantic University (1)

Pennsylvania State University (6)

University of Pennsylvania (2)

Pepperdine University (1)

University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus (3)

Pitzer College (1)

Point Park University (1)

Princeton University (1)

Providence College (1)

Purdue University (5)

Queen’s University Kingston, CA (1)

University of Queensland (Australia) (1)

Rensselear Polytechnic Institute (1)

University of Rhode Island (1)

Rice University (1)

University of Richmond (3)

University of Rochester (1)

Rochester Institute of Technology (1)

Rollins College (3)

Savannah College of Art and Design (1)

School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1)

University of St. Andrews, UK (1)

University of South Carolina (2)

University of South Florida-Main Campus (3)

University of Southern California (1)

Southern Methodist University (3)

Stetson University (1)

Stonehill College (1)

Stony Brook University (2)

Suffolk University (1)

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (1)

Syracuse University (2)

The University of Tampa (5)

Temple University (1)

University of Tennessee Knoxville (3)

Texas Christian University (3)

Tufts University (1)

Tulane University of Louisiana (2)

University of Utah (1)

University of Vermont (2)

Villanova University (2)

Virginia Technical Institute (1)

University of Virginia (3)

Wake Forest University (1)

University of Waterloo, CA (1)

Wellesley College (1)

Western Michigan University (1)

University of Western Ontario (1)

William & Mary University (1)

Williams College (1)

University of Wisconsin (1)

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (1)

*As of March 28, 2024

MICMS congratulates our 8th grade students!

Wishing you the very best in high school and beyond!

By Rebecca Hastings

My son looked at me with dread in his eyes. He needed to find out about driver’s education classes, and the website had minimal information. I smiled and told him he needed to call them. As he held the phone in his hand, he wasn’t sure what to do, what to say, or what to ask. He didn’t want to make the call, but I knew he needed to.

As kids approach adulthood, there are things you can do to help them feel prepared and confident. From simple tasks like making a phone call to more complex skills such as financial planning, you can help your child feel ready for college and more.

Here are 10 helpful things to teach your child:

Life skills

Cook simple meals: Yes, they will probably have a meal plan if they go away to college. But knowing how to make a few meals will help them far beyond their college years. Spend time including them in food preparation. Teach

them how to follow a recipe, measure, and prep ingredients.

Transfer health care: While you have been responsible for every aspect of their health care, they need to learn how to navigate their health. Let them make appointments, handle check-in, and share insurance information. Give them a chance to answer questions at doctor’s appointments before you give any input, and be sure to provide them with one-on-one time with the doctor. Letting go of control in this area can feel challenging, but you both must learn how to do this. The more you equip your kids to handle these things, the easier it will be when they get sick and are away from home.

Run errands: Things that seem simple to us can be challenging for teens because they haven’t done them before. Give them a chance to run errands like going to the grocery store or pumping gas so they learn how to do these things independently. Even having them take the car in for an oil change or bring the dog to the groomer so they know how

PREPARE YOUR KIDS FOR COLLEGE AND 10 Things to Do Now So They Are Ready BEYOND

to interact with service providers independently helps prepare them for adulthood.

Self-care: This isn’t about relaxing or taking time for yourself, although that is helpful to model and teach. This is about teaching your child how to take care of things like hygiene, laundry, making a bed, wiping down counters, cleaning out the fridge, getting rest and exercise, and even managing time. While it is nice to do these things for them sometimes, that should be the exception. It is not typical for someone else to handle these things in life. Teach them how to do it now and they will be much better off in the future.

Financial skills

Open a bank account: Help your child open a bank account. If they are younger than 18, you will need to be on the account with them, but many banks offer student accounts that can be opened as young as 15 and used until their early to mid-twenties. Get

an account with a debit card and teach them how it works and how to monitor their spending.

Pay bills: Kids need to learn how to pay bills on time. Even if they don’t have official bills, you can start teaching them to contribute to their expenses, such as cell phone or car insurance, on a particular day each month.

Plan spending and saving: Have regular conversations about how to plan their spending. Budgeting can sound too intense for many teens, so asking questions can get them thinking about upcoming expenses or savings. For example, asking “I saw that the fair is coming. How much do you plan on spending when you go with your friends?” or “I know you’re hoping to get a computer before college starts. How much do you need to save each month to make that happen?” will help your child think ahead about how to use their money best.

Learning and professional skills

Talk about plans: Regularly discuss what options are available to your child. If they are going to college, make them part of the process and help them understand the financing. Whether you are paying for school, they are paying for school, or they are utilizing aid, clear communication is essential, so they know what they are responsible for now and in the future.

Prepare documents: College requires a lot of documents. There are many things to fill out, from resumes to applications, essays to scheduling. Let your child complete the forms. Yes, you can answer questions. But help them take responsibility for their learning by handling this process. There can be a lot of questions and discussions that need to happen for them to do this. Con-

sider setting aside a weekly time to answer any questions they may have so you both have the time and attention needed to complete the tasks.

Pay attention to deadlines: The college application process is full of deadlines. Taking tests, sending transcripts, completing admissions and financial applications, and sending deposits all have specific deadlines. Discuss these with your child and expect them to meet these deadlines. Reviewing upcoming deadlines together and asking them to plan time to complete the tasks is helpful. Visual and digital reminders will help them stay on track.

If you provide the opportunity for your kids to handle some adult responsibilities now while you are available to help, they will have the confidence and ability to take care of these things once they are on their own.

SUMMER ART CAMP FOR CHILDREN & TEENS

Summer 2024 : June 3 through August 2

Collaborative, lively, and sometimes a little bit messy -- ARTScool is a place where artistic curiosity is nurtured and guided by experienced art instructors whose primary focus is fostering artistic and social growth.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE PERFECT SUMMER CAMP?

With academics, art, dance, drama, STEM, sports, nature, overnight adventures and more – we’ve got you covered. Check out the handy quick reference chart or the more detailed listings from our advertisers. Find more camp resources on our website at www.neafamily.com. We hope your kids have the best summer ever!

SWING into naples zoo for something new!

For the first time in our 50-year history, Naples Zoo welcomed four Bornean orangutans.

Visit today to meet these red-haired, great apes.