Braden River High
Home of the Pirates
2026 FAFSA Workshops kickoff on Tuesday, October 6!
The FAFSA—or Free Application for Federal Student Aid—is an official form that students use to apply for financial help to pay for college or career school.
If you do not fill out the FAFSA, you are losing access to all federal, state, and many institutional financial aid programs for college.
All high school seniors are invited to learn how to earn money for college or technical school regardless of income.
The following in-person events take place from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6: Lakewood Ranch High School
Thursday, October 8: Parrish Community High School
Thursday, October 22: Braden River High School
Tuesday, October 27: Manatee High School
Thursday, October 29: Southeast High School
Tuesday, November 3: Palmetto High School
Thursday, November 12: Bayshore High School
Two additional events are being held at public charter schools on October 13 & 15.
Seniors should contact their college and career advisor with questions.
The FAFSA—or Free Application for Federal Student Aid—is an official form that students use to apply for financial help to pay for college or career school.
If you do not fill out the FAFSA, you are losing access to all federal, state, and many institutional financial aid programs for college.
All high school seniors are invited to learn how to earn money for college or technical school regardless of income.
The following in-person events take place from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6: Lakewood Ranch High School
Thursday, October 8: Parrish Community High School
Thursday, October 22: Braden River High School
Tuesday, October 27: Manatee High School
Thursday, October 29: Southeast High School
Tuesday, November 3: Palmetto High School
Thursday, November 12: Bayshore High School
Two additional events are being held at public charter schools on October 13 & 15.
Seniors should contact their college and career advisor with questions.
Join SDMC Visual & Performing Arts for the 2026 All-County Orchestra Concert this Saturday, October 3 at 4:30 p.m.
The All-County Orchestra is an audition-based ensemble that showcases some of the county's finest young musicians, including students from 10 of our traditional public schools.
The concert is open to the public 🎻 and free to attend!
📍 SCF (Neel Auditorium): 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, 34207
The All-County Orchestra is an audition-based ensemble that showcases some of the county's finest young musicians, including students from 10 of our traditional public schools.
The concert is open to the public 🎻 and free to attend!
📍 SCF (Neel Auditorium): 5840 26th Street West, Bradenton, 34207
Three Manatee County high school marching band programs put their best foot forward at the Seminole Sound Spectacular on September 26, 2026. According to the FFCC (Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit) musicians and performers from Braden River High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, and Parrish Community High School participated in the outdoor competition.
We're proud to report The Lakewood Ranch High School Band brought home the FFCC Seminole Sound Class 4A Champion trophy at their first competition of the year, earning Best Music, Best General Effect, Best Visual, Best Percussion and Best Colorguard. Go, Mustangs!
MBOP - the Marching Band of Pirates from Braden River High School - took 3rd place in their class and brought home the Best Percussion Award! They'll travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 2 to compete in the Bands of America Regional Competition. More details, including live stream information, may be found at this website: https://marching.musicforall.org/chattanooga-regional/
Congratulations to all as they continue making music and magical performances throughout the season!
We're proud to report The Lakewood Ranch High School Band brought home the FFCC Seminole Sound Class 4A Champion trophy at their first competition of the year, earning Best Music, Best General Effect, Best Visual, Best Percussion and Best Colorguard. Go, Mustangs!
MBOP - the Marching Band of Pirates from Braden River High School - took 3rd place in their class and brought home the Best Percussion Award! They'll travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 2 to compete in the Bands of America Regional Competition. More details, including live stream information, may be found at this website: https://marching.musicforall.org/chattanooga-regional/
Congratulations to all as they continue making music and magical performances throughout the season!
Opportunity to Earn Volunteer Hours - Stuff the Bus: October 11, 2026
Apply: www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus
Stuff the Bus brings together volunteers, community partners, and generous shoppers to support The Food Bank of Manatee County. Since 1985, The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS, has been Manatee County’s only local food bank and a trusted source of nutrition for those in need.
Last year, 162 volunteers helped collect more than 69,000 pounds of food and cash equivalents, providing critical support for neighbors facing food insecurity. This year, you can be part of that impact. 100% of donations stay local to support Manatee County families.
Join us Sunday, October 11, at participating Manatee County Publix stores through a community-wide partnership with Meals on Wheels PLUS, the School District of Manatee County, Publix, Mosaic, and United Way Suncoast.
Volunteers will greet shoppers, accept and sort food donations, pack boxes, and load the bus. Two shifts are available per location, and spots first come, first served.
Volunteer Age Requirements:
Children 8-12 are welcome to volunteer but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them and they must be added as a guest when their parent/guardian registers.
Youth 13-15 can register using their own volunteer account but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them.
Teens 16+ can register using their own volunteer account and can volunteer independently.
All volunteers must register in advance to participate.
Apply: www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus
Stuff the Bus brings together volunteers, community partners, and generous shoppers to support The Food Bank of Manatee County. Since 1985, The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS, has been Manatee County’s only local food bank and a trusted source of nutrition for those in need.
Last year, 162 volunteers helped collect more than 69,000 pounds of food and cash equivalents, providing critical support for neighbors facing food insecurity. This year, you can be part of that impact. 100% of donations stay local to support Manatee County families.
Join us Sunday, October 11, at participating Manatee County Publix stores through a community-wide partnership with Meals on Wheels PLUS, the School District of Manatee County, Publix, Mosaic, and United Way Suncoast.
Volunteers will greet shoppers, accept and sort food donations, pack boxes, and load the bus. Two shifts are available per location, and spots first come, first served.
Volunteer Age Requirements:
Children 8-12 are welcome to volunteer but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them and they must be added as a guest when their parent/guardian registers.
Youth 13-15 can register using their own volunteer account but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them.
Teens 16+ can register using their own volunteer account and can volunteer independently.
All volunteers must register in advance to participate.
Manatee County Government and the School District of Manatee County are excited to announce Model Manatee, a multi-week program designed to educate high school juniors and seniors on how County government works, how it impacts them, and how to engage in the decision-making process.
During this program, students will hear from County Commissioners, staff, and other elected officials who are involved in the day-to-day operations of county government. The program will culminate in a mock commission session, where students will simulate the roles of county commissioners and other elected officials, discussing and voting on matters they find most important.
Students may apply at mymanatee.org/modelmanatee. Interested students must be able to provide their own transportation. All sessions will take place during the work week, with minimal interruptions to the school day. If a student is interested in applying, please review the full application packet for all relevant information, including release forms, program schedule, and more.
During this program, students will hear from County Commissioners, staff, and other elected officials who are involved in the day-to-day operations of county government. The program will culminate in a mock commission session, where students will simulate the roles of county commissioners and other elected officials, discussing and voting on matters they find most important.
Students may apply at mymanatee.org/modelmanatee. Interested students must be able to provide their own transportation. All sessions will take place during the work week, with minimal interruptions to the school day. If a student is interested in applying, please review the full application packet for all relevant information, including release forms, program schedule, and more.
Two of Manatee County's outstanding music programs are hitting all the right notes! Congratulations to Braden River High School and Parrish Community High School on earning the Florida Vocal Association's Choir of Distinction award.
A special congratulations to directors Steven Armstrong and Kerrie Carrier for inspiring excellence and showcasing the incredible talent of their student vocalists. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
A special congratulations to directors Steven Armstrong and Kerrie Carrier for inspiring excellence and showcasing the incredible talent of their student vocalists. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
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.
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
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
Dear Teachers, Here's a special message from Dr. Laurie Breslin regarding Teacher Appreciation Week.
https://vimeo.com/1184919879/fdb68f2a7f
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
The 2026–2027 Superintendents’ Advisory Panel kicked off last week with current 11th-grade student leaders. Throughout the next year, they will meet with the superintendent and district leadership to share their perspectives on student success.
Through thoughtful discussions, students will provide input on access to programs and resources, college and career readiness, and what is working well across their schools—as well as areas that could be improved. Their insights will help inform key elements of the district’s next strategic plan.
The panel will reconvene in the fall when these students return as high school seniors, and we are grateful for their meaningful contributions and ongoing participation. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
A huge congratulations to our students who excelled at this year’s Florida TSA State Conference!
Manatee County traditional public high school results (by the numbers):
• Our students placed Top 10 in 37 of 39 categories
• Earned 10 State Championship titles
Special recognition to Braden River High School, named Florida TSA State Champions for the 14th year in a row!
Additional overall finishes:
• 9th place: Southeast High School
• 10th place: Lakewood Ranch High School
From coding and engineering to video production and robotics, our students showcased incredible innovation, skill, and determination.
Thank you to our TSA advisors, co-advisors, and volunteers who support these students every step of the way.
Manatee County traditional public high school results (by the numbers):
• Our students placed Top 10 in 37 of 39 categories
• Earned 10 State Championship titles
Special recognition to Braden River High School, named Florida TSA State Champions for the 14th year in a row!
Additional overall finishes:
• 9th place: Southeast High School
• 10th place: Lakewood Ranch High School
From coding and engineering to video production and robotics, our students showcased incredible innovation, skill, and determination.
Thank you to our TSA advisors, co-advisors, and volunteers who support these students every step of the way.
Meet Stefanie Minihan, one of the creative forces behind Braden River High School's student success! Recently named an ABC7 Chalkboard Champion, her experience in marketing, fashion design, and photography is helping teens turn creativity into career readiness.
Under her leadership, the Pirates launched Captain’s Cargo, a student-run store generating $35,000 in annual sales through student-designed merchandise. Thank you for inspiring the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs, Mrs. Minihan.
Watch her impact in action: https://www.mysuncoast.com/2026/03/19/stefanie-minihan-teaches-marketing-graphic-design-through-school-clothing-store/ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
The Florida Department of Education released the Florida Value Added Model (VAM) Fiscal Transparency Tool, a web-based fiscal transparency tool that identifies public schools and districts with high academic achievement based on the ratio of classroom expenditures to total expenditures. VAM is intended to help taxpayers evaluate the financial efficiency of a school district with other similarly situated school districts. View the VAM for the School District of Manatee County at https://floridavam.org/e/vamPublic.html?w4=54#/entity/262385.
On Wednesday, SDMC Visual & Performing Arts hosted the inaugural Battle of the Beats, a bracket-style drum-off featuring six groups of Manatee County middle and high school percussionists:
Buffalo Creek Middle School 🏆
Lincoln Memorial Middle School
Rowlett Middle Academy A & B
Braden River High School 🏆
Manatee High School
Palmetto High School
Parrish Community High School
After a hard fought battle 🥁 the judges chose the Hawks and Pirates as champions. Thank you to Jeff McDaniel, Will Vizoso, and Kendall Carrier for your time and musical expertise.
Kudos to Drum-master of Ceremonies Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, who kept the audience at the edge of their seats. We can’t wait until next year! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews shared by Megan Krueger, Braden River High School agriscience teacher:
“On Monday, during the Dairy Heifer Show at the Manatee County Fair, Jared Stancil (on right) and his Holstein heifer, Buckeye, earned Reserve Champion Junior Holstein Heifer—a fantastic accomplishment!
I would also like to recognize Maggie Faller, Zoe Loder, and Zailyah Ma. Jared's success was truly a team effort, and these students generously contributed their time, skills, and support to help make this achievement possible—all while continuing to manage their own projects. Their teamwork and dedication are something to be very proud of.”
Congratulations, Pirates! #KindnessMatters and your teamwork is inspiring ✨
The School District of Manatee County's Visual & Performing Arts Department presents the inaugural Battle of the Beats Drumline Competition at the Manatee County Fair on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Participating schools include Buffalo Creek Middle, Lincoln Memorial Middle, Rowlett Academy, Braden River High, Manatee High, Palmetto High and Parrish Community High. The show begins at 6 p.m. on the main stage. Visit https://www.manateecountyfair.com to learn more about the Manatee County Fair.
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 Braden River High School 2025 Marching Band of Pirates participated in the FFCC Outdoor State Championships this weekend in Orlando earning top honors in Percussion, Colorguard, General Effect, 1st Place in Division 3A and GRAND CHAMPION of Class 1A – 3A. Congratulations to Director of Bands Cliff Dawson and the entire team!
Hometown pride is shining as Braden River High alum Myles Straw (Class of 2013) takes the field on baseball’s biggest stage. The Toronto Blue Jays center fielder joins his team in the World Series on Friday night.
His former coaches weighed in:
“Myles has always stayed grounded and humble,” said Matt Bowling, Manatee High AD. “The Myles we coached years ago is still the same Myles today.”
“He’s shown that hard work and perseverance pay off,” added Erik Nelson, BRHS teacher and former coach.
Southeast High Assistant Principal Craig Page said, “He was undersized and overlooked, but he never stopped working — and he never forgot where he came from.”
Your hometown is proud of you, Myles! 💙⚾️ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
