At Palm Beach Maritime Academy (PBMA), some of our greatest stories belong to the students who have been with us from the very beginning. Alexis Olson is one of them. She walked through our doors in Kindergarten and crossed our stage at graduation thirteen years later, shaped by everything PBMA had to offer. We sat down with Alexis to hear what made her time here unforgettable and what comes next for this Shark on the move.
How long have you been at PBMA?
I started in Kindergarten and just graduated. So I've been here my whole school life — and now I'm heading to college!
What are your plans after PBMA?
I'm going to college with big goals: I want to become a veterinarian or a social media influencer and photographer. I love animals and I love creating content, so I'm going after both.
What is the coolest thing you discovered at PBMA that you didn't expect?
Student Run Media — Wavemakers. We get to go around campus reporting on what's happening, covering news about changes or events at school, and we use professional gear to do it. We are not just learning about media — we are actually doing it.
What's your favorite spot on campus?
The picnic tables at the secondary campus. During lunch or outdoor activities, that's where I get to slow down, be with my friends, and just enjoy being at school.
What was your most unforgettable field trip?
Going to the CBS 12 News Media Center with the Wavemakers crew and meeting the CBS 12 news team. It was one of those experiences where you realize this is real — real studios, real journalists, real careers.
What are your favorite subjects and why?
Writing and math. Writing gives me the freedom to be creative and express myself in my own way. Math is satisfying in a completely different way — I love being able to work with numbers quickly and get it right.
What's one thing you wish every kid in Palm Beach County knew about PBMA?
How many opportunities there are to get involved. There is something here for every student, whether you're into media, athletics, the arts, science, leadership — whatever it is, PBMA has a door open for you.
We are so proud of everything Alexis has accomplished and can't wait to watch what she does next. If your family wants to learn more about the programs and experiences that shaped a scholar like Alexis, we'd love to show you around. Contact us to enroll today.
About Palm Beach Maritime Academy
Palm Beach Maritime Academy is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in Kindergarten through 12th grade across two campuses in Palm Beach County, Florida. Founded by the Palm Beach Maritime Museum, PBMA combines rigorous academics - including Cambridge AICE coursework, STEAM programming, and dual enrollment with Palm Beach State College - with a whole-child philosophy that puts safety, belonging, and individualized support at the center of every school day. With small class sizes, full-time licensed mental health counselors, a robust extracurricular program, and county-wide transportation, PBMA offers a college-preparatory education that is completely tuition-free. Visit us at palmbeachmaritimeacademy.org today.
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