Florida’s First Quintuplets Graduate From Tate High School

June 6, 2013

Florida’s first surviving quintuplets are now high school graduates — all five receiving their diplomas from Tate High School.

Ian Kirk, Marcus Wade, Elizabeth Jane, Tristan Miller and Evan Whitson Baker were born January 30, 1995, about 10 weeks premature, at Sacred Heart Hospital. And now the 18-year olds look toward plans for their futures.

“No one is going away until at least next year so my nest will still be full,” mom Mona Baker said. “They are good young adults with good heads on most of their shoulders. This is an excellent time to practice good decision making skills for the future while they still have a cushion; I enjoy their company and look forward to the next stage with excitement.”

Ian is looking toward a career in law enforcement or corrections, while Marcus plans to to attend Pensacola State or the University of West Florida before transferring to Florida State University as a music education major.

Tristan plans to attend PSC or UWF and then attend seminary to answer his calling as a pastor. Evan, already an artist working with metal, is looking toward a trade school for welding.

And the one girl in group, Elizabeth, is enrolled in a project search at UWF.

As the graduating quints look toward their futures, mom Mona is just adding to the memories and enjoying her unique family.

“I feel like I remember every day, and then it also goes fast,” she said. “For me days are long, but the years are short.”

Pictured top: The Baker quintuplets — (L-R) Ian Kirk, Marcus Wade, Elizabeth Jane, Tristan Miller and Evan Whitson — with mom Mona Baker at Tate High School’s graduation. Pictured below: The five siblings pose at the Pensacola Bay Center with the five members of the Escambia County School Board and Superintendent Malcolm Thomas. Pictured inset: The quintuplets at a Baccalaureate service at Olive Baptist Church. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

9 Responses to “Florida’s First Quintuplets Graduate From Tate High School”

  1. Danielle Gregory on January 31st, 2015 1:52 pm

    Even though this was two years ago, I would like to say congratulations to you all! I was born seven and a half weeks early in the same hospital on that same day, delivered by Dr. Kleinman. My parents often talk about the quintuplets that were born premature during the same hours and today I decided to see if I could find out how they were doing and I’m happy with the results! I hope you are all doing well in college and that God blesses your works!! By the way, Happy late Birthday! :)

  2. Kelly & Jeff Robbins on June 9th, 2013 8:31 pm

    Congrats to you all! Mona you have 5 beautiful children there. You your mother & father have had your hands full bringing them up to be such out standing young adults. And what a great job you three did. You Mona along with both your awesome mother Beth and your wonderful Father Carl, the three of you together along with the rest of the family truly have something to be very proud of indeed. Much love to you all, and may God continue to bless you all.

  3. melodies4us on June 7th, 2013 3:36 pm

    Congratulations to the parents and students! What an incredible job !

  4. JSCS on June 6th, 2013 3:03 pm

    CONGRATULATIONS to all. I remember reading your story when you were born.

    Miracles happened then and “just look at you now”.

    We serve an awesome God.

  5. Atmore G on June 6th, 2013 11:13 am

    What a great story!! Made my day.. Parents should be very proud!!

  6. Karen on June 6th, 2013 7:20 am

    Congratulations to you all, And also to you Mona for raising 5 outstanding adults for these days what an accomplishment it’s hard enough to get 1 child thru high school let alone 5…….So heres to you all…..Way to Go…..

  7. jcellops on June 6th, 2013 6:20 am

    wow!…this is rare honor for our community! (and, sacred heart hospital)….may God continue to richly bless each one of these young adults as they go on towards their different directions of their young lives…and, Mom…you done real good!! :)

  8. Willene Bryan on June 6th, 2013 6:09 am

    Congratulations to all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  9. Loren on June 6th, 2013 3:05 am

    You’ve raised five wonderful kids, Mona, and deserve to pat yourself on the back!