School District of Manatee County

Hello December! This holiday season, we are reflecting on our blessings, and this year, we are especially grateful to welcome the Taggart Family Foundation into our Lincoln Memorial Middle School family.

Their mission to empower youth through education, sports, workforce development, and personal growth is already making a powerful impact in our community.

Recently, 300 families were served with help from incredible volunteers, including Mayor Dan West, the Palmetto High School Boys Basketball Team, and everyone who helped make the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive a success.

From meal bags to hot meals served on-site, the day was filled with joy, gratitude, and service — everything this season is about. #DoSomething #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Let’s hear it for our fabulous route administrator and bus driver, Gina Miller, who safely transported the EEA Prize Patrol from Lakewood Ranch to Anna Maria Island on Thursday — helping us surprise outstanding educators and support staff across Manatee County! 🚌💙 Thank you for keeping the journey smooth, safe, and full of excitement! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026

🎉 The EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol made its final stop at Anna Maria Elementary School! Congratulations to Nicole O’Neill, Fifth Grade teacher, on being selected as a Manatee County Educator of the Year Finalist! Her leadership, creativity, and dedication make a powerful difference in students’ lives across Manatee County. We’re so proud of you, Mrs. O’Neill! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026

*When the Superintendent and dozens of people stop by to surprise you—and you’re dressed like a shark. 🎉 The EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol brought Good News to Bayshore Elementary School! Congratulations to Mara Gonzalez, Paraprofessional, on being selected as a Manatee County Educational Support Employee of the Year Finalist! Her dedication to students—whether one-on-one or in small groups—makes Bayshore shine. She is committed to inspiring them, even if it means dressing as a shark from Disney’s Finding Nemo on underground spirit day. Thank you for everything you do, Ms. Gonzalez! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026

🎉 The EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol surprised “The History Dude” at Bayshore High! Congratulations to John Walker, AICE Psychology & U.S. History teacher, on being named a Manatee County Educator of the Year Finalist! His enthusiasm and impact continue to shape the culture and success of Bayshore High. We’re honored to celebrate with you, Mr. Walker! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026

🎉 Next stop for the EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol... Harllee Support Center! Congratulations to Shannon Lueders, Guidance Clerk for ACCESS & SABLE, on being named a Manatee County Educational Support Employee of the Year Finalist! Her experience, heart, and commitment help support students and staff at Harllee. We’re so proud of you, Shannon! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026

🎉 The EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol is on a roll... Hello, Oneco Elementary School! Congratulations to Sylvia Wilson, Paraprofessional, on being selected as a Manatee County Educational Support Employee of the Year Finalist! A proud and devoted member of the SDMC family since the 1980s, she continues to uplift Cougars every day. Thank you for all you do, Ms. Wilson! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026

🎉 The EEA (Excellence in Education Awards) Prize Patrol rolls along to Braden River Middle School! Congratulations to Kat Brown, Mathematics teacher, on being named a Manatee County Educator of the Year Finalist! For 25 years, she has inspired Panthers through exceptional teaching, leadership, and passion for STEAM. We appreciate you, Ms. Brown! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026

🎉 The EEA Prize Patrol made their next surprise stop at Lakewood Ranch High School! Congratulations to Kristen Martin, Registrar, on being selected as a Manatee County Educational Support Employee of the Year Finalist! Her dedication, organization, and Mustang pride keep LRHS moving forward every day. We’re grateful for you, Kristen! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026

The Prize Patrol kicks off surprise EEA finalist tour at Braden River High School! Congratulations to Cliff Dawson, Director of Bands, on being named a Manatee County Educator of the Year Finalist! His passion for performing arts and leadership of the state-champion marching band program continue to inspire Pirate Nation. We’re proud to celebrate with you, Mr. Dawson! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026

The First-Ever Otter Thanksgiving Boat Parade was a splash! Lake Manatee K-8 School students built sponge boats, powered them with nothing but straws, and raced them down a rain gutter with help from lots of deep breaths. There were epic wins, dramatic capsizings, tons of cheering — and of course, the legendary 3-D printed turkey trophies for top finishers and Best Design! So proud of these creative, determined young engineers, fabulous first-mates (parent and teacher volunteers), and their fearless captain, STEM Teacher Jenn Poplaski. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

The Parrish Community High School Girls’ Golf team achieved their goal of winning the Class 3A FHSAA State Championship for the first time in program history.

Read details from The Bulletin, a student journalism program sharing #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews from PCHS: https://www.manateeschools.net/o/parrish/article/2554405?fbclid=IwY2xjawOK2hZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe1ZIyPjmFvuf1kx8wM9v-GQh2Nfi1Vd0TxVRUpfurMKVWSyNXNNzQk15Q-qc_aem_Kq9uFASK9G1fyeLZkeCydg

Learning is a big "dill" at Louise R. Johnson K-8 School of International Studies with Ms. Johnston! This meaningful experience gave students their first taste of participating in a science experiment. It also brought excitement to youth who need extra behavioral support.

From measuring ingredients to practicing patience while they brine, the class got to learn, explore, and take pride in something they made themselves. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

We recently had the opportunity to meet Liam F., a senior and QB for Southeast High School. He said Athletic Director Matt Kitchie and the Seminoles coaching staff welcomed him with open arms and led Liam in the right direction. “They’ve given me the tools to succeed and taught me integrity and leadership,” he said. “Coach Kitchie loves the community and is going to impact a lot of student’s lives, including my own.” Liam expressed interest in a future career in marine sciences. He was recently featured by Spectrum Bay News 9, while volunteering at Mixon Farms. You can check out the story by clicking this link: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/11/07/manatee-county-celebrates-the-ownership-of-mixon-fruit-farms-property #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC

Congrats to Palmetto High School senior, Maebry Paris, the new Miss Manatee County Fair Queen. Save the Date for the Manatee County Fair: January 15 to January 25, 2026 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Last week, Lakewood Ranch High School celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new College & Career Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony! Under the leadership of College & Career Advisor Vito Bavaro, students were invited to explore the new space — a hub designed to connect them with scholarship opportunities, jobs, internships, colleges, technical schools, and military options.

The center offers something for every Mustang, whether they plan to attend a 4-year university, 2-year college, technical college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce after graduation.

A special thank you goes out to Career Pathways Coordinator Erin Koerper-Novarro for sharing this #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews and to Vito Bavaro and the entire LRHS administration team for their dedication and hard work in making this resource a reality for students.

💛 Celebrating World Kindness Day with a Heartfelt Farewell! 💛

In honor of his retirement, Myakka City Elementary's principal, school secretary, and registrar, surprised longtime school district courier Alton Lilly with shirts featuring his likeness! 🎉

For 19 years, Mr. Lilly has traveled nearly 60 miles round-trip from Myakka City to the Matzke complex — and all across Manatee County — keeping our schools connected and receiving the packages, envelopes, and letters they need.

“We couldn’t let Mr. Lilly retire without showing him how much he means to us,” said Principal Carol Ricks. It was an emotional moment filled with gratitude, kindness, and maybe a few tears.

Thank you, Mr. Lilly, for your years of dedication. As you make your last deliveries throughout November, we cheer you on 🎉 and hope you enjoy your well-earned retirement! 💛

#WorldKindnessDay #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Congratulations to Makayla M., an art student at King Middle School, whose acrylic painting “The Starry Croak” was selected as this year’s Art in the Capitol winner!

Florida State Senator Jim Boyd joined School Board Chair Chad Choate, Vice Chair Cindy Spray, Superintendent Laurie Breslin, and members of the district’s leadership team to surprise the young artist during her art class with teacher Robert Truby.

Makayla’s beautiful artwork will now be proudly displayed in the Florida Capitol. Her mother and sister were on hand for the surprise celebration, along with Principal Mike Mullen and the King Middle team — all proud of Makayla’s incredible accomplishment.

Congratulations Makayla, on representing our school district with creativity and excellence. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

The Southeast High School football team built more than just skills on the field this season, they’re building community and confidence!

A brand-new barbershop for players, Legend's Lounge, is operating inside the locker room with alumni barbers lending a hand, the Seminoles are looking sharp and staying united. Congratulations, Coach Bradley and team!

#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Check out this inspiring story by FOX 13 News - Tampa Bay: https://www.fox13news.com/sports/southeast-high-football-team-builds-barbershop-locker-room-build-team-chemistry

The School District of Manatee County is closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to proudly honor and thank all veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation.

We join together to celebrate our graduated students, teachers, staff, families, and community members who served in the Armed Forces. Thank you for protecting our freedom and strengthening our community.

Happy Veterans Day from the entire School District of Manatee County family! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews