From Portable to Permanent Wynne's Warriors
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SENIORS FEATURES 2020-2021 HOMETOWN GRADUATES HEROES ON PAGE 10-11 STARTS ON PAGE 4 Vol 6 No 1 MAY 2021 www.themiawave.org From Portable to Permanent together,” and review notes or study. gymnasium is the stage, which will The classrooms will certainly be an further MIA’s performing arts depart- area of interest for both students and ment and its capabilities. Utilizing a teachers alike. According to Princi- rear projection system, the stage will pal Melissa Scott, “everything is an provide a different experience for stu- upgrade” in the new classrooms that dents interested in the performing arts, will soon be available to students. who usually perform using a ‘360 de- The classrooms will feature the new- gree’ stage format. “It’s going to open est generation of SmartBoards, along us to be able to do more things,” said with a variety of new technology. performing arts instructor, Chris Dayett. With third-floor views of the is- Dayett and Principal Scott have both land, students will still be able to mentioned utilizing the stage to hold eat lunch outdoors next year. The presentations similar to ‘TED Talks.’ To new lunch terrace will offer views of further the sound quality, the area will San Marco Road, similar to the stu- also house two separate sound systems dents current outdoor dining area. for both the gymnasium and the stage. MIA’s new campus will host an ex- Dean of Students, Kevin Ray, ex- panded variety of new athletic op- plained that he looks forward to portunities, due to new compo- the advancement of safety precau- nents such as a gymnasium, locker tions in the new building. Describ- rooms, a field, and a fitness center. ing the new campus as the “forefront Ryan Marie Roberts, Director of Athlet- of school safety,” Ray explained that A complete rendering of Marco Island Academy’s new lobby. ics and Student Activities, predicts that the security of the students will flour- pus will give a first impression of the enrollment will grow as a result of the ish with a properly enclosed facility. By Colin Donegan school, and will serve as a hub to the brand new athletic offerings. “We’re The new campus will certainly be an After years of development and different regions of the building, such looking to hopefully add JV teams for upgrade from Marco Island Acade- preparation, Marco Island Academy will as the gymnasium and the classroom all of our athletic sports,” Roberts ex- my’s current offerings. It will provide be graduating to a permanent campus for wing. The entrance area will feature a plained. She detailed that her goal was to a heightened academic atmosphere the 2021-2022 school year. Made possi- reception center, multiple entrances, expand upon MIA’s athletics, all while and experience, all while creating ad- ble by the support of the generous do- and staircases with sitting areas. Atop improving student involvement. With ditional opportunities for students. nors of the Marco Island community, the the main staircase, the building will the addition of the gymnasium, Roberts As seen through its many exciting building will feature numerous upgrades host what has been dubbed as a stu- stated with certainty that HOPE physical features, the new building will serve from the charter schools current setup. dent lounge. Principal Scott stated that education would be hosted on campus. as a beneficial learning environment The lobby of the new cam- it serves as a place for students to “be Located at the forefront of the for students in the years to come. Wynne’s Warriors Her diagnosis threw the Lockwoods a to see all of her progress wiped away.” has done so much for Key Club, and we By Jorge Rodriguez curveball, leaving them to research on A treatment or cure could change that. wanted to help her family because she Like many toddlers, Wynne their own. As Matt says, “when your Wynne’s story found its way to has really helped our Key Club family.” Lockwood loves playtime and snacktime, child is diagnosed with a rare disease… MIA through her grandmother, Marie To repay the kindness and raise funds especially with her older sister. She adores you realize that it is your responsibili- Lynn McChesney. McChesney has been for Kleefstra Syndrome, many stu- her family and loves to go swimming on ty as a parent to drive progress toward very involved with Marco Island Acade- dents and Key Club officers baked the weekends. However, Wynne has ex- treatments and a cure.” Shortly after my’s Key Club as the Marco Island Acad- goods and sold bracelets on the pavil- perienced far more in her lifetime than her diagnosis, Wynne’s parents discov- emy Kiwanis Advisor from the Kiwanis ion during lunchtime. In total, the bake the average adult. Her prognosis has put ered a non-profit organization that they group, and has become close friends with sale raised about $910, where Key Club the Lockwoods in a race against time. could turn to, IDefine, which is dedicat- the Key Club Advisor, Lori Galiana. Once then donated to reach a total of $1500. At just 3-years-old, Wynne ed to identifying treatments and cures Galiana learned of Wynne’s condition, she If you wish to support and be- Lockwood was diagnosed with Kleef- for Kleefstra Syndrome and other rare immediately began searching for ways come one of “Wynne’s Warriors,” please stra Syndrome - a rare genetic disorder intellectual disabilities. Since then, the that the MIA community could support the donate to the GoFundMe link below. that delays cognitive and psychological Lockwoods have been working closely family. As MIA sophomore and Key Club https://charity.gofundme.com/o/ development. Wynne is one of only 500 with the group in support of their efforts. Officer Taylor Drott says, “McChesney en/campaign/wynnes-warriors people in the world with Kleefstra Syn- Wynne has been undergoing drome, which is caused by the mutation multiple therapies from a very young or deletion of one gene - Euchromatic age in order to build up her strength Histone Methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1). and other skills before her disease Initially discovered in April worsens. Despite the lack of a remedi- 2010, its more common features include al treatment or cure for Kleefstra Syn- intellectual disabilities, sleep disorders, drome, the Lockwoods have worked limited or absence of speech, behavioral tirelessly together. Fortunately, Matt difficulties, and a general loss of enthu- and Maria’s efforts have paid off, as siasm or interest. Those diagnosed with IDefine has partnered with the Boston Kleefstra Syndrome typically begin to ex- Children’s Hospital to open a Kleef- perience regression once they hit puberty. stra Syndrome Research Clinic, and Having been diagnosed in the has already launched a patient regis- summer of 2020, Wynne’s parents Matt try. However, there is far more to be and Maria Lockwood have been working done. As her mother puts it, “[Wynne] to raise awareness for this rare disease. works so hard. It would be devastating 2 SCHOOLSCHOOL NEWSNEWS MAY 2021 In Sickness and In Health Optimist Essay Contest By Abigail Gallup featured three actresses: Grace Fields, being awarded second place and Rachel Weiner, and Isabella Burgos. By Paola Cortazar Ryan Miner third place. In fourth One theme, 2 days, and end- This play was placed first and of- A list of the winners for the place came Abigail Gallup, round- less creativity for Marco Island Acad- fered her a well-deserved spotlight. 2020-2021 Optimist international Es- ed out by Keagan Hallock in fifth emy’s Valentine’s Day Bake-off Pro- When asked why she writes she say Contest has finally been released. place. OCMI further awarded gram. This Valentine’s Day program said, “I like writing for people,” and “I With the prompt of ‘Reaching your their efforts with certificates and not only featured the work of alumni like seeing people bring my stuff to life.” Dreams by choosing Optimism’, checks ranging from $50 up to $250. and theatre head, Mr. Dayett, but also It’s this clear passion that has won Riley students were able to fully express OCMI Club Chair, Jayme Lowe the work of students from both Thespi- awards and has given her the opportu- themselves with little limitations said the “prompts are never easy ans and Mr. Eder’s photography class. nity to have one of her plays, “directed to the topic itself. Given as an as- and the requirements are pretty Mr. Eder’s class was tasked with by a professional director.” Riley has signment by the head of the English strict. They always do a great job writing sonnets and shooting photos that no plans to stop writing, she revealed Department at Marco Island Acad- and this year was no exception. would accompany their written work. that she just submitted a play to states emy, Keith Scalia, to his juniors tak- We had a very hard time scoring as These posts can be found on The Wave. and hopes for even more recognition. ing AICE English language. they were all great and heartfelt.” As the theatre department con- In addition, Letendre and tinues to grow and writers like Riley con- Irvan’s essays will be sent to the tinue to inspire, the opportunities are truly district level to be judged along endless. This program is ever-changing with winners from other Opti- and she said, “going to the meetings mist Clubs in the district. Col- is the best way to get information.” lege scholarships are available for We are sure Riley and the the- top winners at the district level.