Education
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Anne Smith
July 31, 2025
New at The Island School this year
Anne Smith may be new to The Island School, but she’s no stranger to the classroom – with 20 years of teaching experience, she’ll begin her first week on island…
Community Center Update
July 24, 2025
Work moves quickly at The Island School, where contractors are building a multipurpose area as part of the Boca Grande Community Center capital project. On the campus, other work continues, includin…
The Island School, Ainger score ‘A’ on state tests
July 17, 2025
Schools of excellence
The Island School has earned an A for the eighth time in a row in the annual Florida Department of Education ranking.
“I’m proud to share that The Island School has once…
HCA Florida Englewood Hospital & Wellen Park Emergency School Supply Collection
July 14, 2025
HCA Florida Englewood Hospital and HCA Florida Wellen Park Emergency are collecting school supplies through July 31 to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year.
Community members…
New science teacher at Island School
July 2, 2025
The Island School has selected Mrs. Anne Smith to serve as the new Reading Intervention/MTSS Coordinator and 5th Grade Science teacher. She will officially start her new position on August 4, 2025. …
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ellen Thompson
June 19, 2025
A foundation for Michigan college education
Being labeled a visionary is pretty high praise. That’s the word the Detroit News has chosen to describe Ellen Thompson, long-time winter resident of B…
Front page graduate
June 5, 2025
Kate Hopkins recently graduated from Kent’s Hill High School. She will be attending Colby College in the fall as a Global Studies major. Kate decorated her graduation cap to model the Boca Beacon fr…
Pat Neal funds $500,000 New College gift
June 5, 2025
Florida builder Pat Neal and his wife Charlene have completed a $500,000 gift to New College.
The contribution fulfills a pledge made in 1977 and affirms Neal’s continued belief in New College’s…
Scholarship awards
June 5, 2025
The Boca Grande Woman’s Club has proudly awarded 14 scholarships to students this year. The scholarships are given to students who have a grade point average above a B, have a strong work or volunte…
Island graduates
May 29, 2025
Sean Sawicki, son of Lt. Mike Sawicki
Sean Sawicki graduated from Lemon Bay High School. Sean was raised on Captiva and his family moved there when he was 14 months old. His dad, Mike Sawicki, is…