Reflections from a Charlotte County Mom
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
One child, one home, one community. Here we are about to send our girl off to college. It is truly a surreal moment on every level. My word for the year, embrace, chosen with intention as I wanted to capture and hold every single moment of this senior year for our Leah.
These last several weeks have been filled with awards programs, last minute to do items for grades, decorating graduation caps, and all the things that go with this moment. My husband and I have been filled with wonder, in our minds seeing the blessings that have been multi-fold all these years.
From the prayers for us to get pregnant, to our church celebrating her birth, to those first days at preschool. Our family has been fortunate to benefit from everything the Charlotte County school system has to offer. We’ve felt the care and support every step of the way as our girl discovered who she is and where she’s headed.
I can still remember the worry when she wasn’t learning to read on time. The teachers and Ms. Hoke (Sallie Jones Elementary) came alongside working closely to find the best way forward. Now Leah is an avid reader, and I know those early investments made all the difference.
Throughout her schooling, we’ve tried to help her uncover her passions, encouraging her to volunteer, connect with the community and prepare for what comes next. But it was never just us. It took teachers, mentors, and countless others who guided her throughout the years. It took a community.
Charlotte County Public School Superintendent, Mark Vianello captured the heart of this graduating class when he said, “I am incredibly proud of this year’s graduating class. Their achievements reflect not only academic success but also a strong sense of purpose and direction. What makes this class especially unique is how they’ve embraced the 3E’s—Enlist, Enroll, and Employ, and the Career Planning Guide. With 72% choosing enrollment, 20% entering the workforce, and 8% enlisting in military service, they are boldly shaping their futures and making meaningful contributions to our community and beyond.”
Cara Reynolds, United Way Charlotte County board member and Charlotte County Public School Board Chair added a sentiment that so many of us parents feel: “Our graduates truly are the future. Our future leaders, problem-solvers, and difference-makers. Every time I attend a graduation; I find myself getting a little emotional. I’m incredibly proud of all they’ve accomplished and even more excited for what lies ahead.”
It has been so fun to see parents sharing side-by-side photos of their Charlotte High School graduation tassel next to their child’s from classes like 1995 and now 2025. We’ve watched these students grow up, and now seeing the images of colleges selected, majors professed and even commitments for the army – collectively there are lots of parents feeling all the feels. We will see these students back here one day and they will be the ones who ensure the legacy of Charlotte County.
We didn’t know what path Leah would choose, we merely wanted to give her the foundation to decide. As it would happen, she will be the first person in our family to pursue a medical career – attending Florida State University in Tallahassee. If you have been following along, my hometown is “Blessed Tally” so I am particularly excited about the amazing journey ahead for her.
Thank you, Charlotte County, for being our village, for setting Leah up for success. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! May your futures be as bright and boundless as the potential with each of you. As we celebrate this graduating class, let’s keep investing in our children, schools and community. For more information about volunteering, or mentoring, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/2025Graduates
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.