National recognition for some of Manatee County's brightest students!
On Wednesday, more than 2,500 recipients of National Merit Scholarships sponsored by colleges and universities across the country were announced.
We're proud to share that three of those prestigious scholarship winners are graduates of Manatee County high schools! 👏
Kevin Chen
Probable career field: Chemical Engineering
Braden River High School
Richard M. Lay
Probable career field: Materials Engineering
Manatee High School
Benjamin Barr
Probable career field: Engineering
Palmetto High School
All three scholars earned the National Merit University of Florida Scholarships.
Congratulations on this remarkable achievement. Your hard work, dedication, and academic excellence have earned you a place among the nation's best.
On Wednesday, more than 2,500 recipients of National Merit Scholarships sponsored by colleges and universities across the country were announced.
We're proud to share that three of those prestigious scholarship winners are graduates of Manatee County high schools! 👏
Kevin Chen
Probable career field: Chemical Engineering
Braden River High School
Richard M. Lay
Probable career field: Materials Engineering
Manatee High School
Benjamin Barr
Probable career field: Engineering
Palmetto High School
All three scholars earned the National Merit University of Florida Scholarships.
Congratulations on this remarkable achievement. Your hard work, dedication, and academic excellence have earned you a place among the nation's best.
It takes a community! Volunteers of all ages rolled up their sleeves to help beautify the Harllee Support Center campus and SOAR Lab.
Together, they planted a butterfly garden, added landscape enhancements, and created a welcoming outdoor space for students and families to enjoy.
From children to horticulture professionals, every helping hand made a difference—and proved that many hands truly make light work.
A special thank you to the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association and Big Earth Landscape Supply for helping bring this project to life.
Together, they planted a butterfly garden, added landscape enhancements, and created a welcoming outdoor space for students and families to enjoy.
From children to horticulture professionals, every helping hand made a difference—and proved that many hands truly make light work.
A special thank you to the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association and Big Earth Landscape Supply for helping bring this project to life.
Some things change, and some smiles stay the same. At McNeal Elementary School's senior clap out, returning graduates held signs featuring their elementary school photos. A touching reminder of just how far they've come. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Thanks to the Bradenton Marauders for taking time out of their busy baseball schedule to hit a home run for Samoset Elementary students on the last day of school! Autographs and smiles... all around ⚾️ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Special thanks to these young innovators from Braden River Middle School for creating trophy prototypes for the Q4 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews Award of Excellence!
We can’t wait to share details about the winning design and who will receive the amazing student creation.
Thanks to our generous community business partners for supporting the Good News campaign throughout the year! We were able to thank these engineers and their teacher, Ms. Lindberg.
On Saturday, May 16th, Manatee Elementary School hosted its Centennial Community Beautification morning. With the generosity of Keep Manatee Beautiful, Home Depot on Cortez, The Plant Place, and private donations, the courtyard was filled with volunteers and an ample supply of Florida-friendly, pollinator-attracting plants.
A new magnolia was planted in honor of Mr. Ozell Ackerman. His original dedicated magnolia tree was lost during the 2024 hurricane season. An oak tree was added to the playground, and other magnolias were planted near the primary classrooms. Gardens near the music room were completed with pollinator-friendly plants. Two new garden beds were planted adjacent to our covered area and fruit trees.
"This was a true community event with young students, former students, teachers, and community members contributing to this project's success," said Stacy Goode, STEAM Teacher. "We planted with purpose, knowing we are growing the legacy of Manatee Elementary for its next 100 years."
A new magnolia was planted in honor of Mr. Ozell Ackerman. His original dedicated magnolia tree was lost during the 2024 hurricane season. An oak tree was added to the playground, and other magnolias were planted near the primary classrooms. Gardens near the music room were completed with pollinator-friendly plants. Two new garden beds were planted adjacent to our covered area and fruit trees.
"This was a true community event with young students, former students, teachers, and community members contributing to this project's success," said Stacy Goode, STEAM Teacher. "We planted with purpose, knowing we are growing the legacy of Manatee Elementary for its next 100 years."
To the graduating class of Bayshore High School — your hard work, resilience, and determination have paved the way for bright futures ahead.
Congratulations on this milestone, and best wishes as you begin your next chapter! Go, Bruins 💙✨
This graduating class of Parrish Community High School has shown what it means to lead with determination, spirit, and excellence. Congratulations on all you’ve achieved, and best wishes on the exciting road ahead! Go, Bulls #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Braden River High School Pirates, your journey has been filled with growth, achievement, and unforgettable memories. Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Keep chasing your dreams and making your mark #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Checkmate! The battle of the boards between the Sea Breeze Elementary Sea Hawks and Anna Maria Elementary School Dolphins was full of strategy, focus, and fun!
In the end, the Sea Hawks soared to the top spot with support from fourth grade teachers Coleman Barber and David Warren. 👏 Thanks to volunteer Tom Gresk and AME media specialist Becky Demo for their time and support for talented young chess players.
From smart openings to powerful endgames, these fourth and fifth grade Chess Club students proved they’re always thinking several moves ahead.
Great job to both schools and supportive families for a tournament that was truly next level! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 from Lakewood Ranch High School! Your dedication inside and outside the classroom has led to incredible accomplishments and your excellence shines brightly. Go forward with confidence, Mustangs!
Happy Graduation Week! ✨ Superintendent Laurie Breslin has a message for the Class of 2026 and all who have helped them reach this milestone. Watch this video: https://vimeo.com/1191294933/2b0ef8bf2e
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
On Thursday, we were invited to Louise R. Johnson K-8 School of International Studies for a one-of-a-kind visual and performing arts showcase. Suzan Abadjian and Angela Faust teamed up to transform the school’s multipurpose room into a magical glow-in-the-dark wonderland.
Families were invited to experience an immersive exhibit where students’ thumbprints and art projects glowed beneath black lights while a recording of whimsical xylophone music played softly in the background.
A forest of trees, mushrooms, owls, sloths, and other joyful creatures seemed to dance throughout the glowing room, creating an atmosphere filled with imagination and wonder.
In the gymnasium, visitors discovered a special collaborative display — a partnership project between the art teachers at Johnson K-8 and Southeast High, including Southeast IB educator Sherie Pierce.
The collaboration was so inspiring that we couldn’t help but photograph every single piece of artwork!
The creativity of the elementary students was brought to life through incredible 3-D works produced by their older peers at the nearby IB-pathway high school.
Princesses, houses, cats, firefighters, and more were reimagined through the lens of emerging young artists, creating meaningful connections between students of different ages and schools.
Kudos to these outstanding arts educators for bringing excellence into their classrooms and for working together to create unforgettable experiences and memorable works of art that families will cherish for years to come.
Families were invited to experience an immersive exhibit where students’ thumbprints and art projects glowed beneath black lights while a recording of whimsical xylophone music played softly in the background.
A forest of trees, mushrooms, owls, sloths, and other joyful creatures seemed to dance throughout the glowing room, creating an atmosphere filled with imagination and wonder.
In the gymnasium, visitors discovered a special collaborative display — a partnership project between the art teachers at Johnson K-8 and Southeast High, including Southeast IB educator Sherie Pierce.
The collaboration was so inspiring that we couldn’t help but photograph every single piece of artwork!
The creativity of the elementary students was brought to life through incredible 3-D works produced by their older peers at the nearby IB-pathway high school.
Princesses, houses, cats, firefighters, and more were reimagined through the lens of emerging young artists, creating meaningful connections between students of different ages and schools.
Kudos to these outstanding arts educators for bringing excellence into their classrooms and for working together to create unforgettable experiences and memorable works of art that families will cherish for years to come.
Adventure took us into wonderful fine arts programs on Thursday, beginning with Kristen Simpson’s art class at Ida M. Stewart Elementary School.
Students were using heat to create stunning 3-D works inspired by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Others working with fibers proudly shared their handmade creations — tiny pillows they’ll get to take home.
The delightful group welcomed us with open arms into their creative corner of the school, where they were quick to introduce us to their class pet, a bearded dragon named after bearded artist — Bob Ross.
It was a joyful reminder that art classrooms are more than places to learn techniques — they’re spaces where imagination, confidence, and community grow every day.
Students were using heat to create stunning 3-D works inspired by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Others working with fibers proudly shared their handmade creations — tiny pillows they’ll get to take home.
The delightful group welcomed us with open arms into their creative corner of the school, where they were quick to introduce us to their class pet, a bearded dragon named after bearded artist — Bob Ross.
It was a joyful reminder that art classrooms are more than places to learn techniques — they’re spaces where imagination, confidence, and community grow every day.
Anchors aweigh! Thanks to dual enrollment, hard work, and dedication, Lakewood Ranch High School senior Johnny Kornett has already launched his career, landing a job with local boat manufacturer Yellowfin before graduating high school next Monday.
Johnny will also graduate in June from Manatee Technical College’s Marine Science Technology program after traveling to Atlanta to compete at the SkillsUSA National Championships, where he qualified after earning 1st place at the state competition!
Learn more #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews from Mustangs Ahead at https://www.manateeschools.net/o/lakewoodranch/news
Unforgettable moments during Tara Elementary School's Pre-K Prom. 👀 Tiny smiles, big personalities, and memories families will cherish forever. 🩷 More heartwarming moments coming soon... 📸 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Congratulations to Ms. Lizbeth Karlsson for being named one of Congratulations to Ms. Lizbeth Karlsson for being named one of LMCU 25 Roots in Education grant recipients! The Good News team was there when she was surprised on Friday.
A dedicated educator for more than 20 years — including the last three at Daughtrey Elementary School — Mrs. Karlsson teaches Dual Language second grade and inspires students every day through her compassion, encouragement, and commitment to learning.
Selected for her dedication to uplifting students and encouraging their dreams, Mrs. Karlsson received $1,000 classroom grant to continue making a difference.
Thank you for inspiring students every single day. Principal Melissa McCullough and team said this recognition is so well deserved!
From the School Garden to the Lunch Table!
This week, Sugg Middle School Agricultural Education students turned fresh garden harvests into a full-day “Farm to Fork” pickle taste test and it was a HUGE hit!
Students sampled:
🥒 Dill Pickles
🍬 Sweet Pickles
🌶️ Tajin Lime Dill Pickles
The best part? Watching students try fresh homemade pickles for the VERY first time! The laughs, reactions, and smiles filled the classroom all day long.
A special THANK YOU to School District of Manatee County Food and Nutrition Services for supplying extra cucumbers as the garden grows and Mrs. Roxie for teaching Ag students how to make fresh ice box pickles in the café kitchen.
By the end of the day… there were ZERO pickles left.
Watch out, Takis — fresh farm produce stole the show today!
This #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews was submitted by proud teacher, Kimberley Lough.
This week, Sugg Middle School Agricultural Education students turned fresh garden harvests into a full-day “Farm to Fork” pickle taste test and it was a HUGE hit!
Students sampled:
🥒 Dill Pickles
🍬 Sweet Pickles
🌶️ Tajin Lime Dill Pickles
The best part? Watching students try fresh homemade pickles for the VERY first time! The laughs, reactions, and smiles filled the classroom all day long.
A special THANK YOU to School District of Manatee County Food and Nutrition Services for supplying extra cucumbers as the garden grows and Mrs. Roxie for teaching Ag students how to make fresh ice box pickles in the café kitchen.
By the end of the day… there were ZERO pickles left.
Watch out, Takis — fresh farm produce stole the show today!
This #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews was submitted by proud teacher, Kimberley Lough.
Last week, four outstanding robotics teams from our schools competed at the VEX Robotics World Championship in St. Louis, earning international recognition and showcasing the very best of our community.
Against teams from around the globe, our students demonstrated elite communication, resilience through challenging matches, and true collaboration with international alliance partners. This is what excellence looks like!
Behind every great team? Incredible support. Families traveled, cheered, encouraged, and stood beside these students every step of the way — proving that success like this is truly a community effort.
Celebrating our world competitors:
The Thunderbolts | McNeal Elementary School
Coached by Vic Kolomiychenko, with proud support from Principal Sheila Waid, who attended to cheer them on. Their positivity was unmatched, and they embraced every moment of learning on the world stage.
Whiteout Geckos | Willis Elementary
Coached by Hanna Cuervo & Jennifer Hubley
Winners of the Energy Award (Engineering Division) — an incredible honor at the WORLD level!
The Sesame Squad | Willis Elementary School
Also coached by Cuervo & Hubley, these students represented with heart, teamwork, and determination.
The Pibblers | Nolan Middle School
Led by Dominique Bagunu with assistant coach Hanna Cuervo
Placed 24th out of 83 teams in the Design Division — competing with excellence and showing respect and positivity throughout.
We are beyond proud of these students, their educators, and their families for representing Manatee County on the international stage.
The future is bright and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next with the new VEX game, Level Up!
Shout out to STEM Coordinator Lynne Johnston for sharing this #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews!
Against teams from around the globe, our students demonstrated elite communication, resilience through challenging matches, and true collaboration with international alliance partners. This is what excellence looks like!
Behind every great team? Incredible support. Families traveled, cheered, encouraged, and stood beside these students every step of the way — proving that success like this is truly a community effort.
Celebrating our world competitors:
The Thunderbolts | McNeal Elementary School
Coached by Vic Kolomiychenko, with proud support from Principal Sheila Waid, who attended to cheer them on. Their positivity was unmatched, and they embraced every moment of learning on the world stage.
Whiteout Geckos | Willis Elementary
Coached by Hanna Cuervo & Jennifer Hubley
Winners of the Energy Award (Engineering Division) — an incredible honor at the WORLD level!
The Sesame Squad | Willis Elementary School
Also coached by Cuervo & Hubley, these students represented with heart, teamwork, and determination.
The Pibblers | Nolan Middle School
Led by Dominique Bagunu with assistant coach Hanna Cuervo
Placed 24th out of 83 teams in the Design Division — competing with excellence and showing respect and positivity throughout.
We are beyond proud of these students, their educators, and their families for representing Manatee County on the international stage.
The future is bright and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next with the new VEX game, Level Up!
Shout out to STEM Coordinator Lynne Johnston for sharing this #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews!
Innovation in action at Manatee Elementary!
The school hosted an unforgettable STEAM Night on April 30th, where the courtyard and STEAM Lab were filled with hands-on displays, live demonstrations, and interactive learning for families to explore.
From science and technology to art, agriculture, and math, community partners, museums, and libraries helped bring learning to life in exciting ways!
Proud to be part of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading's Remake Learning Days, inspiring curiosity and creativity across our community. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
The school hosted an unforgettable STEAM Night on April 30th, where the courtyard and STEAM Lab were filled with hands-on displays, live demonstrations, and interactive learning for families to explore.
From science and technology to art, agriculture, and math, community partners, museums, and libraries helped bring learning to life in exciting ways!
Proud to be part of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading's Remake Learning Days, inspiring curiosity and creativity across our community. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
