Alec Davila, a resident of Tavernier and 2009 graduate of Coral Shores High School, was recently named the Barry University 2013 College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Award Winner.

During his tenure at Barry, Davila earned membership in the Phi Eta Sigma and Delta Epsilon Iota honor societies in his freshman year. He was subsequently admitted into the Gamma Sigma Epsilon, Tri-beta, Sigma Xi and Alpha Chi societies.

Davila has demonstrated a commitment to social and educational causes and has worked to bridge the health care gap in under-served communities as a Spanish interpreter. He was a participant at the National Institutes of Health-supported ROADS research club in 2010 and selected for summer research internships at the University of Florida and Seattle Children's Research Institute in 2011 and 2012, respectively.

Davila graduated on May 4 this year with Bachelor of Science in biology. This fall, he will begin a doctoral program in biomedical science at the University of Florida.

For more information regarding Barry University, visit www.barry.edu.

One of the main goals of the media center at Stanley Switlik Elementary School, is to provide all 500-plus students with access to a variety of library materials.

Students need quality, relevant, and up-to-date books to support classroom learning as well as nurture independent interests. Switlik School has had the good fortune of receiving donations and support from the community this school year. The Marathon Runners Club, Robert Beachum, and the Trophia Butterfly Foundation, have each provided the library with a monetary donation. These funds have enabled the school to update the collection by purchasing brand-new titles in a variety of genres and formats including the addition of eBooks.

The library has also received support from the school community of parents and students at the fall book fair and through book donations. A quality library program truly makes a difference for students and thanks to these generous benefactors; students can enjoy new books in a variety of subjects, genres, and even formats.

The Monroe County Teachers Federal Credit Union and Stand Up For Education (SUFE) were partners' with BW Promotions in the recent Race Around the Rock, held April 14 in Key West.

SUFE is a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes educational programs and activities in the Florida Keys.

Two of the many volunteer groups, the Key West High School Class of 2015 and the KWHS football team, received $250 each for their help in supporting the race.

Florida Commissioner of Education Tony Bennett will be the guest of honor and speaker at the 13th Take Stock in Children graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 1.

"I'm very excited to be part of this ceremony and looking forward to my first visit to Monroe," Bennett said. "With the support of their Take Stock mentor and their families, these graduates have excelled and become models for all of their peers."

"We'll be honoring the accomplishments of the 52 graduates in the Class of 2013," said Superintendent of Schools Mark Porter. "Take Stock provides an unbelievable opportunity for motivated scholars from lower-income families to realize their dreams. Having Dr. Bennett here will make the event very special."

For nearly 30 years, Bennett has dedicated his life to educating students. He began his career in southern Indiana as a high school science teacher and basketball coach. He was appointed commissioner of education in Florida last summer. He is a national leader who has worked to set up the Common Core State Standards.

Take Stock graduates from across the county will come together to share and celebrate their accomplishments in a single ceremony at Marathon High School. The processional begins at 11:30 a.m., with a reception to follow. Families, friends, and mentors will all be there and the public is invited.

There are 250 active Take Stock students in 12 different schools in the Keys and 52 are graduating this year.

John Padget, president of the Monroe County Education Foundation, will present the students with their medallions and recognize the top students with "named scholar" certificates. "This designation recognizes each donor who has contributed $25,000 or more to our scholarship fund this year," Padget said. "It is with great excitement that I will be recognizing 12 different high performing students as our 2013 Named Scholars. Collectively, members of the Class of 2013 are receiving four year tuition- and fee-paid scholarships worth $1,716,000 at today's prices! We couldn't be prouder of them." To become a donor and or a mentor, please call Leslie Holmes at 305-293-1546, or email leslie.holmes@keysschools.com.

Families, friends and the rest of the community are invited to Science Night and Open House from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, at the Basilica School of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, 700 Truman Ave.

A middle school meet-and-greet for fifth-graders will be held from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

The students' science projects will be showcased, and attendees will also be invited to tour the classrooms and meet Basilica School teachers.

At the meet-and-greet, fifth-graders and their will have a short orientation session with Basilica School middle school teachers.

For more information, call 305-294-1031.

Each year, the Florida Keys IWLA Chapter awards a $1,000 college scholarship to a deserving Florida Keys high school graduate who is going on to study some aspect of environmental science at his/her college or university.

The winner for 2013 is Olivia Delaune, a graduating senior at Key West High School. She will be attending Warren Wilson College, near Asheville, N.C., where she will be studying environmental studies and outdoor leadership.

The staff and students at Stanley Switlik Elementary School benefitted from the expertise of numerous community members at its annual Career and Truck Day on May 1.

Students were given the opportunity to ask questions and see many jobs demonstrated.

Participating businesses and government entities included: the Marathon Jet Center, Captain Hooks Marina and Dive Center, Dolphin Research Center, NOAA, Monroe County Sheriff's Office, FKEC, Marathon Veterinary Hospital, the Border Patrol, FKAA, Flowers by J J, the City of Marathon Fire Rescue, Centennial Bank, FWC, USCG Station Marathon, Marathon Garbage Service, Publix of Marathon, The Weekly, The Stuffed Pig and Publix.