The Vineyard chapter honored the next generation of leaders at the 30th annual Martin Luther King Jr. event, held at the Portuguese-American Club Sunday.

In interviews, two final candidates for Vineyard schools superintendent talked about their career tracks, the challenges that lie ahead for the widely disparate public school system on the Island and how they would address them.

Russell Maciel was on the job for 44 years before stepping down as assistant fire chief in Tisbury. Daniel Feeney, a captain in the department, also retired on Dec. 31.

A crowd of well-wishers gathered at the Wharf on Tuesday night to watch the premiere of Big Giant Swords, a new reality series on the Discovery Channel. Swordmaker Mike Craughwell was there, along with other cast members.

Island educators say a new eighth grade algebra program prepares students for higher level math and brings the Island in line with other schools around the country. About 40 students are participating in the program.

A substantial increase in the regional high school budget and town assessments for the upcoming fiscal year has drawn concern from town leaders in Oak Bluffs.