On Tuesday, October 10, the MIA Wave advisor Keith Scalia was given a grant for his work towards the school newspaper. The grant was awarded from Champions for Learning, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping schools, teachers, and students all around Collier County. 

The grant totaled $650, which Scalia has earmarked to use to help extend the voice of the students as much as he can. Scalia said directly in his application for the grant, “Our goal is to fully fund the yearly subscription for our online newspaper www.themiawave.org with our provider SNO Sites.”

Managing Editor Helena Davis played a major part in the application process for this grant. She wanted to show that more than just teachers care about what goes on in the world of education in Collier County. “If a student is reaching out and trying to better their program, it really stands out more,” she shared. 

“Without Helena, this grant wouldn’t have been funded,” said Scalia.

Since word of the grant being fully funded was not shared with Mr. Scalia beforehand, the good news came as a complete surprise.  Mr. Ray and Miss Scott were joined by Charles and Barbara Schroeder, and Jessica Perez from Champions for Learning. The clearly humbled Scalia beamed with pride as he was handed a yellow folder to the applause of everyone in Room 233.

“The opportunities and materials MIA and The Wave has provided me with have been some of the most valuable in my education,” said Annabelle Frazer, The Wave Editor-in-Chief. “The fact that others care so much about our success proves that we, and our hard work, matters and is valued.”

“It [the grant] makes me feel like ‘Wow, there’s someone who is hearing me’,” said junior Staff Writer Cassie Letendre. “There is someone who can hear my voice and makes us all feel important.”

From The Wave staff: We are all honored and thankful for this grant and opportunity. Thank you, Champions for Learning for valuing the voice of the student at MIA.