Monroe County students gather in Marathon for leadership, prevention summit

Teenagers from Marathon, Coral Shores, Key West and the College of the Florida Keys Academy spent March 27 in Marathon talking about something far more immediate than class rankings or prom plans: how to stay clear of substance abuse, isolation, peer pressure and other pressures that can pull students off track.

The second annual Countywide Leadership Summit was hosted at Marathon High School by the Educational Coalition for Monroe County and its youth group, MHS Champions for Change. Monroe County Schools described the day as one built around leadership development, prevention education, networking and meaningful dialogue, with Deputy Superintendent Amber Acevedo opening the program. Acevedo, who serves in the district’s Office of the Superintendent in Key West, framed leadership as an act of kindness, courage and collaboration.

The summit’s lineup underscored that message with a prevention-first tone. Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Oscar Negron addressed students, and speakers from Vive18 led workshops on youth leadership and prevention topics. Rather than leaving the conversation at motivation, organizers brought in local organizations students could actually use: AHEC, the Domestic Abuse Shelter, the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, the Monroe County Coalition and West Care’s Guidance/Care Center all shared information about support available to teens.

That resource list matters in a county where students often move between islands and schools and where problems rarely stay isolated to one campus. The Educational Coalition for Monroe County said it has served local youth since 1998 and focuses on preventing destructive behaviors among sixth- through twelfth-grade students while promoting volunteerism and service. Champions for Change is open to eighth- through twelfth-grade students and works year-round on monthly prevention events, a clothing exchange and support for students facing special circumstances, including weekend food bags, clothing, toiletries and school supplies.

The summit was backed by Hawks Cay Resort and Villas, the Marathon Elks Lodge, Marathon High School, the Monroe County School District and the Rotary Club of Marathon. For Monroe County’s schools and youth groups, the event was less about a one-day pep talk than a countywide snapshot of who is stepping in when students need practical help, trusted adults and a reason to stay connected.