We're excited to bring you a new, regular feature called "Good News Achievers."
The school district's Communications Team is proud to present the positive people and news happening at traditional public schools across Manatee County.
All stories were submitted by district staff or community members.
Manatee County's Social Studies Teachers of the Year
Submitted by Kathryn Wald, District Coordinator of Social Studies K-12: Last weekend, two of our teachers - Mr. Scheidts and Ms. Bennett, attended the Florida Council for the Social Studies (FCSS) conference and awards dinner in Orlando. They were each honored as Manatee County's Social Studies Teacher of the Year for high school and middle school, respectively. Also, recognized but not present was Ms. Scheid from Tara Elementary. These incredible teachers deserve recognition for all they do for their students.
Braden River High School
Achievers: The entire Pirates Volleyball Team and Coaching Staff
The Exceptional Sportsmanship Report submitted to FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association) reads: "The Braden River players demonstrated great sportsmanship while playing (in a high school tournament on September 9th). They were some of the best scorekeepers I've ever had for a high school game. In addition, they were the best line judges I've ever seen. They did both jobs with a smile on their faces. It was a real joy to officiate this team. If every sports team played with the same positive attitude, there wouldn't be a shortage of officials in Florida." Signed, Paul Gibbons. Official for game versus Bloomingdale (Valrico)
Manatee Technical College - Main Campus
Achievers: Digital Video Production students and their instructor, Christy Oshana
In a press release dated October 17, 2022: "The Sarasota Police Department appreciates the Digital Video Technology class at Manatee Technical College, which created the highlight video reel at the top of the website. Instructor Christy Oshana and several students spent weeks filming and editing videos highlighting the Sarasota Police Department members in and around the City of Sarasota at notable landmarks."
McNeal Elementary School:
Achiever: Principal Sheila Waid
An anonymous teacher wrote: "Mrs. Waid is such an amazing principal, colleague and human being to be around. She serves as a "guest teacher" in the classroom to share her joy of working with students (and they adore her!). From making staff feel appreciated on "Popcorn Wednesdays" to manning a hurricane shelter, she makes everybody feel like a somebody. Mrs. Waid is truly "wild about learning" as a McNeal Wildcat and leads our pack proudly with love in her heart."
Moody Elementary School
Achiever: Vic Kolomiychenko and Moody's inaugural TSA team
An anonymous educator wrote: "Vic Kolomiychenko, or Mr. K (as the kids call him) is the new STEM teacher at Moody Elementary. He started a TSA (Technology Student Association) club for the first time in the school's history. He took two teams of students to the District Catapult Competition on Saturday. Although they didn't win a trophy, they successfully created amazing catapults out of a variety of materials they weren't allowed to see before the competition. They were excellent competitors and had great support from their parents, who served as volunteers. Under Mr. K's leadership, Moody students will have many opportunities to compete in future district competitions.
Congratulations to everyone!
We will keep sharing stories of Good News Achievers as long as we receive them. If you want to send us a compliment or congratulations to a student, teacher, administrator or staff member from the School District of Manatee County, please email GoodNews@ManateeSchools.net.
Thanks for supporting our students and schools.