Longboat Key graduates take the next step in their education

Another year down, another step forward — whether it’s college or continuing school locally, the next step is always an exciting one. Congratulations to the Class of 2023! As the Observer likes to say, ad astra!

Here’s a selection of recent graduates with close ties to Longboat Key and a snapshot of their scholastic careers so far. This year’s class of Longboat graduates might be a small one, but it’s an incredibly accomplished one in both academics and extracurriculars.

Olivia Bergenholtz

Olivia Bergenholtz, daughter of Erik and Karen Bergenholtz, graduated from the Hun School of Princeton in Princeton, New Jersey.

She was a distance runner for the varsity cross-country and track teams. As a junior and senior, Olivia was captain of both teams. She also took part in the Female Athlete Network. As a member, she helped support women athletes’ equity in sports.

She won a number of awards including the Coaches’ Award (three times) and the MVP Athlete Award (three times). 

Outside of sports, Olivia was a senior member of the Red Shield Society, a group that promotes the school and shares student experiences with prospective students of the Hun School. 

What’s next for Olivia? She’ll be attending Loyola University Chicago.

Reagan Lee Walter

Reagan Lee Walter, daughter of Janet and Steve Walter, was born on Longboat Key and has lived there since, making her a Longboat Key native. She graduated on May 19 from Sarasota High School, where she was in the AICE & MAST honors programs. Reagan was also chosen to represent Florida at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference.  

She played four years of both varsity lacrosse and golf during her high school career.  

Outside of her studies, Reagan competes in equestrian eventing and enjoys boating and fishing with her family, along with drawing and weightlifting. 

This fall, she is headed to Auburn University, where she’ll study architecture. She won’t be headed to college alone, though. She’ll be accompanied by her Dutch warmblood horse, “Ellie.” because Reagan will continue her equestrian career as a member of Auburn’s eventing equestrian team.

Jordan Tobey

Jordan Tobey has lived on Longboat Key with her grandparents, Bradford and Debra Schinbeckler, since she was in preschool.

Jordan recently graduated from Anna Maria Elementary School. The theme of the graduation ceremony was “Aloha!”

Jordan’s scholastic career is off to a great start; she’s won a number of awards already, including the President’s Award for Academic Achievement, the Certificate of Achievement for the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Science Program at Anna Maria Elementary School, and the Florida 4-H Certificate of Public Speaking. She also earned the Holmes Beach Police Excellence in Law Enforcement coin for safety patrol.

Next year, Jordan will be attending middle school at Inspiration Academy in Bradenton.

When she’s not busy with schoolwork, Jordan’s often found playing flag football or soccer. She also loves to water ski, and she’s a big fan of the Sarasota Ski-a-Rees water ski show.