Anyone familiar with the demographic makeup of Key Biscayne knows the Island is filled with young families.
Nearly 31% of the population is under the age of 18. Children’s activities consume a large part of daily life for many residents. Parents are a constant presence at school functions, sports events and community gatherings.
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend two events that brought that reality into sharp focus, while also serving as a testament to the outstanding and committed people dedicating themselves to Key Biscayne children, including those with special needs.
The St. Agnes Academy campus gym was a beehive of activity last Wednesday as the school held its annual Art Show, organized by the school’s lead art teacher, Sonia Sanchez and a cadre of talented teachers. The place was packed with parents, abuelos, tios and tias, family and neighbors, all being led around by the young artists showcasing their creations.
You could hear the phrase “Ms. Sonia” just about everywhere you turned. The commitment of the St. Agnes teachers was palpable and walking around the gym, looking at the art on display, it was hard not to be impressed by their work, but more importantly, it showed a true community coming together.
The next day we were invited by the Key Biscayne Chamber to the official ribbon cutting of Key to Literacy, the brainchild of Brazilian-born Bruna Iasi. She started her academy out of her house in 2019, eventually moving to a smaller office, and now to an impressive center in Key Colony Plaza’s second floor center that felt more like a home than a school.
Iasi helps struggling kids read on their grade level and beyond, empowering children with autism, dyslexia, ADHD and other learning disabilities to help them discover their full potential.
“What matters most is what happens over time,” Iasi said. “Reading becomes less effortful, confidence increases and children begin to choose books on their own.”
Iasi said parents have seen dramatic improvement in their children’s education, and during the event I witnessed evidence of that firsthand. I met Mariana Quinoa, who became emotional while describing Iasi’s impact on her son.
“She changed his life and mine,” she said almost in tears.
That brief interaction stayed with me. It was a reminder that regardless of ability, children can thrive when they are given patience, support and the right learning environment.
Watching children proudly show off their artwork at St. Agnes and hearing a mother describe how her son’s life changed through Key to Literacy were reminders that the strongest communities are built quietly, one child and one family at a time.
Key Biscayne is fortunate to have people like Sonia Sanchez and Bruna Iasi dedicating themselves to that mission every single day.
Just ask Mariana.