Since its inception in 1986, the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge has been a showcase of high school academic excellence in Florida.
Teams from school districts across the state compete each spring at Walt Disney World Resort in answering questions in the areas of language arts, mathematics, social studies, the fine arts, world languages, physical education and health and technology.
The Commissioner’s Academic Challenge Team that represented Manatee County in this year’s competition included students from Southeast High School, Braden River High School and St. Stephen’s Episcopal School (not all pictured above).
The team competed in the Finals of the State’s Division 1 Championship against teams from Brevard, Orange, Pinellas, Polk and Seminole counties.
The team from Manatee County placed second in the state.
Student School
Alexander Aldama Southeast High
Madison Barendse Southeast High
Jonathon Taylor Braden River High
Jackson Nealis St. Stephens
Sophia Berry St. Stephens
Luke Phommachanh St. Stephens
Coaches School
Cathy Strate Southeast (Head Coach)
Jessica Ried Braden River
Christina Pommer St. Stephens