St. Agnes Catholic Academy honored outgoing Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco at a school ceremony for his 35 years of service to the Village.

Students, faculty, staff, parents and guests gathered for the tribute, according to the school's website. The academy said Rasco has never received its Peacemaker Award but "has spent much of his life doing exactly what peacemakers do: helping others and making our community better."

The school did not specify the ceremony date, posting its account on Nov. 9.

From incorporation to the mayor's seat

Rasco's ties to Key Biscayne stretch back to 1990. The school said he joined neighbors "who believed local families deserved a safe, welcoming place to call home." He served on the first Village Council in 1991 and helped establish institutions students use, including Village Green, the Community Center and police and fire services, the school said.

He served as mayor from 1998 to 2002 and again from 2022 to 2026.

The school's pastor, who was not identified by name in the post, offered personal remarks. He recalled Rasco as "a friend, a source of wisdom, and a steady encouragement" over the pastor's 12 years leading St. Agnes Parish.

A lesson in 'JOY'

The tribute doubled as a classroom lesson. Students recited the school's "JOY" acronym: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. The academy said Rasco's career reflected those values, describing him as someone who "led with an open heart, an open mind, and a readiness to listen."

Instead of a Peacemaker Medal, the academy presented Rasco with a statue of St. Joseph. The school said the gift honored his "commitment to his own family and to the families of Key Biscayne."

A separate farewell from the council

The school ceremony was distinct from Rasco's Village Council send-off in late October. At that meeting, as the Islander News reported, Councilman Michael Bracken led a brief standing ovation and Vice Mayor Oscar Sardiñas called Rasco an "exceptional leader."Rasco’s final words at the council session were “Time to Go!”