Bayshore High

Why not us?! It’s more than a motto. It’s a mindset that Coach Sean Mackey lives by every day at Bayshore High School. An Ocala native and former student-athlete at Bethune-Cookman University, Coach Mackey knows what it means to chase big dreams and turn them into reality. In 2015, at the urging of a family member, he made the move to Manatee County. Starting at Lee Middle School and now serving at its feeder school - Bayshore High, “Home of the Bruins”, Coach Mackey says he’s found his home. As a coach, educator, and now athletic director, he’s not only living out his personal dream, but he’s helping students believe in theirs. He leads with connection, consistency, and care, knowing that strong relationships create strong students. Long before the Bruins’ first win this season, Coach Mackey and his team of colleagues were already gathering student athletes, speaking life into them and teaching the values of leadership, family, and putting in the work. But his impact doesn’t stop there. Coach Mackey is part of a dedicated team that’s working to change the culture at Bayshore. Together, they’re building something bigger — a renewed sense of pride in being a Bruin. They’re increasing attendance, growing school spirit, and bringing the community back to support the entire school. From the new turf football field to the basketball court he helped design, to the custom vinyl player posters that shine under the scoreboard — every detail reflects a vision of excellence and belief. Big plays are being made. Bigger dreams are being built. And he’s doing it one student, one handshake, and one “Why not us?” at a time. #BruinPride #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Bayshore High School is proud to have a dedicated Guardian team committed to student safety and success. David Gonzalez, a retired NYPD detective, brings years of experience and a passion for connecting with students. He is grateful to families for showing their appreciation each day with smiles. Alongside him is Mark Ward, a former Massachusetts State Trooper, who shares the same deep commitment to the school community. The staff he says, “are a good group of people.” Both Guardians take great pride in watching students grow and thrive, in the hallways and in life. Last May, they were honored to attend graduation among families in the crowd to support the seniors they helped protect. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Last week, Bayshore High School proudly celebrated Signing Day as student-athletes officially took the next step in their academic and athletic journeys. From the diamond to the gridiron, their dedication, discipline, and determination have truly paid off!

Baseball
• Jordan Greene — Warner University

Football
• Kary Alexis — Thomas University

Stay tuned…
More athletic scholars are still weighing their options, and we can’t wait to share what’s next!

We couldn’t be prouder of these Bruins as they continue their journey as collegiate athletes and future leaders beyond Bayshore.

Once a Bruin, always a Bruin!
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Behind the scenes and into the future! An incredible group of students recently visited Manatee Schools Television, where they got an inside look at how a team of communications pros shares good news from more than 50 schools. From touring the TV studio to stepping inside the live truck that broadcasts high school sports, students learned what it takes to build a career behind the camera and become powerful storytellers. These experiences are part of a partnership between the School District of Manatee County’s ESE Department, the Manatee Education Foundation, and The Able Trust, giving students hands-on exposure to college and career opportunities right here in our community. From Manatee Technical College to upcoming visits at LECOM Park and the State College of Florida, the journey is all about building confidence, discovering interests, and envisioning future success. Huge thanks to our community partners for helping inspire and empower our students every step of the way! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Behind the scenes and into the future! An incredible group of students recently visited Manatee Schools Television, where they got an inside look at how a team of communications pros shares good news from more than 50 schools. From touring the TV studio to stepping inside the live truck that broadcasts high school sports, students learned what it takes to build a career behind the camera and become powerful storytellers. These experiences are part of a partnership between the School District of Manatee County’s ESE Department, the Manatee Education Foundation, and The Able Trust, giving students hands-on exposure to college and career opportunities right here in our community. From Manatee Technical College to upcoming visits at LECOM Park and the State College of Florida, the journey is all about building confidence, discovering interests, and envisioning future success. Huge thanks to our community partners for helping inspire and empower our students every step of the way! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

🎉 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

Meet Shawn, one of our dedicated School Safety Guardians in Manatee County. A proud local, Shawn’s roots run deep in this community. He attended Oneco Elementary School, Harllee Middle, and graduated from Bayshore High School.

After an impressive 30-year law enforcement career, beginning with the Bradenton Police Department and concluding with the Tampa Police Department, Shawn returned home two years ago to continue serving—this time, protecting students and staff.

Every morning, Shawn can be found at Palma Sola Elementary School, greeting students with high-fives and smiles during drop-off. It’s his favorite part of the day, and it shows. His caring nature and connection with students make a lasting impact, especially on those who need a little extra support.

When asked about the best part of being a guardian, Shawn shared a story that speaks volumes about his heart:

“The other day, I helped a little boy put his shoe on, and he remembered me from about a month ago. You don’t often get a lot of responses out of children with special needs. After I put his shoe on, he grabbed me by the hand and led me to the swing because he remembered me pushing him before. It’s little stuff like that.”

Outside of school, Shawn is eagerly expecting his first grandchild in January, and it’s clear that family means everything to him. In fact, education runs in the family; his brother is a PE teacher at another elementary school in the district.

Thank you, Shawn, for your dedication, compassion, and commitment to keeping our students and staff safe. You are a true hometown hero! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians

We are deeply grateful to Skanska, who is currently building Artisan Lakes and Rye Ranch Elementary Schools, for taking time out of their busy schedule to support our students in such a meaningful way. On Friday, members of their team hand-delivered hundreds of new backpacks filled with school supplies to five of our Title I schools: Samoset Elementary, Bayshore High, Moody Elementary, Sugg Middle, and Rogers Garden-Bullock Elementary. Through the generosity of Skanska and their community partners, our students will continue the year with the tools they need to learn, grow, and succeed. Thank you for showing a strong commitment to our community. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Security Screening at Secondary Schools – Beginning Monday, August 11, 2025, all students and visitors at district middle and high schools will be screened each school day using a high-tech security scanner system. For more information on this enhanced security screening procedure, visit https://www.manateeschools.net/securityscreening.

School Board Seeks Civic-Minded Citizens to Join Audit Committee – The School Board of Manatee County is seeking civic-minded citizens to serve as members of the Audit Committee. The Committee, which meets six times a year, recommends the appointment of the internal and external auditors; reviews the scope, plan and reports of the internal and external auditors; and assists in maintaining open communications between the selected auditors, the School Board and the District’s financial management. The Committee also reviews the collection and proper use of the funds raised through the one-half cent sales surtax for school capital outlay expenditures. Membership on the Committee requires an average of five-to-eight hours per month, with meetings scheduled every other month for three hours. The term is approximately three years. Those interested in serving must: • Live in Manatee County. • Be a CPA (active or retired) or had employment experience in school district financial operations. • Submit a letter expressing interest, provide contact information and provide a brief summary of their work experience. Responses must be sent to the Manatee County School District, Attention: School Board Agency Clerk, P.O. Box 9069, Bradenton, Florida 34206-9069. Interested individuals may obtain additional information about the Committee by emailing the School Board Agency Administrative Associate at cox3l@manateeschools.net.

Family Empowerment Scholarship – Parents interested in applying for either FES-EO or FES-UA may review the eligibility requirements and application instructions at https://www.manateeschools.net/FES.