Families and students gathered beneath a whimsically-decorated tent Sunday afternoon to celebrate the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School graduation. “Trust your heart,” Fawn Pelletier, a 13-year student of the school told her four fellow graduates.

On a cool, breezy day with nearly-summer sunshine, Islanders of all ages were in high spirits as they walked laps around the regional high school track Saturday. The annual walkathon is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

From pint-sized elementary school violinists to high school musicians who now play at an advanced level, the all-Island spring orchestra concert at the Performing Arts Center marked a first of its kind for the public school music program. Strings teacher Nancy Jephcote led the program.

On Saturday, May 31, the 11th annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Martha’s Vineyard takes place at the MVRHS track. Participants will take turns walking around the track from 1 p.m. Saturday until 8:30 a.m. Sunday to celebrate cancer survivors, honor those who have lost the battle and raise awareness for cancer prevention.