The Excellence in Education Awards (EEA) celebrate the dedication of Manatee County’s public school educators and staff.
In 2023, the red carpet was laid out at a new venue, Parrish Community High School (PCHS).
Attendees were greeted by various student organizations, including the Bulls’ FFA members.
The Marching Mustangs’ drumline from Lakewood Ranch High School got guests, including Marty the Marauder, pumped up upon their arrival.
Watch a video clip by Communications Specialist Melissa Parker:
Nearby, the Palmetto High School Dazzlers and Southeast High School Nolettes offered a spirited welcome.
A private reception was held inside the beautiful atrium for finalists and their families, school administrators and select EEA sponsors.
The Manatee High School String Quartet played at the VIP reception, near a photo booth where guests smiled wide for the camera.
WATCH: Manatee High School String Quartet
Inside the PCHS Auditorium, excitement grew in anticipation of who would take home Manatee County’s biggest honor.
Educator finalist Kendall Carrier directed the Parrish Community High School Jazz Band as they blew away the audience.
WATCH: Parrish Community High School Jazz Band
The spirited attendees didn’t disappoint – wearing t-shirts and bringing signs in support of their favorite nominee.
Kevin Chapman, the District’s Executive Director of Administration, served as the Master of Ceremonies.
Parrish Community High School JROTC Army Honor Guard conducted the Presentation of Colors before Board Member Gina Messenger led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The National Anthem was sung by Bayshore High School's Chamber Ensemble.
WATCH: Bayshore High School Chamber Ensemble
Braden River High School’s Musical Theatre Troupe 8474 opened the awards ceremony with an exciting performance.
Then, Manatee County’s Principal of the Year, Carol Ricks from Myakka City Elementary, and Assistant Principal of the Year, Adrienne Vos from Johnson K-8, were called on stage to be honored.
After a series of videos featuring the Support employees, Troy Simmons, Vice President of Service Center Operations for Suncoast Credit Union, praised the finalists for growing future leaders.
The award was presented to Brianna Hall, Assistant School Clerical from Lincoln Memorial Middle School.
During intermission, Bulls Theatre Company presented two songs from their upcoming performance of “Frozen”.
PCHS is the only school in Florida that won the rights to perform the Disney musical.
After watching another series of videos produced by Manatee Schools Television, it was time to name the “Educator of the Year”.
Former winners, Nick Leduc, Heather Anderson, Debra Hartline and Deelah Jackson, made the exciting announcement.
The award was presented to Kelly Smith-Williams, Anatomy & Physiology Honors Teacher from Lakewood Ranch High School.
One final message came from Superintendent Cynthia Saunders, who will be retiring at the end of the 2022-23 school year.
She congratulated the winners, and thanked all Manatee County educators for their talent and support of our students.
This year’s wonderful event wouldn’t have been possible without support from the Manatee Education Foundation and the many sponsors who made it happen.
To view those businesses and organizations, please visit www.ManateeSchools.net/EEA.
Watch the 2023 Excellence in Education Awards:
Excellence in Education Awards 2023 from Manatee Schools on Vimeo.