- December 4, 2025
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When officials established a local teen parenting program in 1978, they aimed to provide students the tools and support they needed to keep up with their schooling while navigating parenthood. This year, six out of six seniors in the program celebrated their graduation and received a few gifts from Longboat Key residents to send them off.
For its latest charity drive, Longboat Island Chapel turned its attention to Riverview High School's Cyesis Teen Parent Program. Donors filled two tables with baby clothes, booties, diapers, car seats and plenty of other supplies.
This drive held special meaning for several congregation members who have previously volunteered to help run the program, which offers holistic support for young parents.
The program serves teens throughout Sarasota County, as school social worker Meredith Piazza explained to attendees at the drive on May 20.
"We tell them that parenting is hard, but having a support system can make it a bit easier," she said.
She noted fathers can join the program and mothers.
Fellow speaker Porshia Lococo, executive director of the program's daycare, said she has a personal appreciation for Cyesis as a former student from the program. Now, she is getting ready to hit the road this summer to take her daughter on a tour of college campuses.
Cyesis importantly offers on-campus childcare, transportation to school, and supplies like diapers and clothes. But Lococo said it does so much more.
Just the other week, students practiced safely installing car seats. They can learn about subjects like infant first aid, along with their other academic lessons.
Teacher Jennifer Robertson, who leads classes in health sciences, sports medicine and parenting, said she believes the school is lucky to have a high-quality program supporting students.
"I feel fortunate to be part of this amazing team that helps support these young parents to finish their degrees and better themselves for the future," she added.
When asked what it means to her that all six seniors graduated, she said, "I think it's a sign of all their hard work and shows the teamwork and trust they've built. It's wonderful to see the example they set for their children as well. I'm so proud of them."
Piazza said the program also values supporting its students socially, giving them opportunities to build friendships with peers who understand what they're experiencing, even if they come from vastly different walks of life.
The evening after the drive, the graduating seniors celebrated at a dinner with their mentors, taking time to reflect on what they've learned and look ahead.
Their future ambitions span a variety of careers, from business to teaching to cosmetology to medical fields.
Graduate Angela Ramirez-Riojas earned multiple academic scholarships, including one through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. She is heading to State College of Florida, starting early this summer. She plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
She said she appreciates the community Cyesis gave her in high school, and she valued the close connection she maintained with her 17-month-old son, who was born on Christmas.
"He's energetic, outgoing, very lovable and affectionate," she added.
Like his mother, he has a fascination with anything mechanical in the daycare nursery, especially toy cars.
Piazza said the program continues to support parents throughout the summer as they either take additional classes or work seasonal jobs.
She thanked the congregation members for all their support. Anyone who wishes to donate to the program during the school year can directly contact organizers, as Piazza said they do their best to match the supplies with a parent who can use them, or recommend another local organization that could benefit.
