A long-celebrated tradition returned last week, as 83 Manatee County students were recognized during the Golden Herald Awards ceremony.
The awards program was cancelled in 2021, and held virtually in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Top honors went to students who excel academically and give back to their community.
The program was held at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center.
Congratulations to all of the Golden Herald Award recipients, who each earned a $1,800 scholarship:
Art - Haley Dragon, Braden River High School
Athletics - Jairis Gomez, Southeast High School
Business - Jordan Rydzinski, Manatee High School
Bob Bartz Memorial Award in Citizenship - Keile O’Dell, Manatee High School
Computer and Technology - Jonathan Xavioer, Southeast High School
Drama - Gabriella Sgro, Southeast High School
English and Literature - Jessica Burdette, Manatee High School
Foreign Language - Elaine Yantas, SCF Collegiate School
General Scholarship - Denny Lu, Manatee High School
Journalism - India McKelvey, Parrish Community High School
Mathematics - Liam Wilford, Braden River High School
Music - Kevin Aguirre, Bayshore High School
Science - Madison Barendse, Southeast High School
Speech - Ronan Bray, Southeast High School
Vocational - Emma Zolecki, Southeast High School
Students who received honorable mentions received $700 cash awards.
Other special scholarships were awarded, as well.