It’s not just any Friday night at Hawkins Stadium — it’s one for the history books.
Manatee High School’s Hurricanes are suiting up for one of the biggest season openers in school history, as they go head-to-head under the Friday night lights with St. John Bosco, California’s powerhouse ranked #2 in the nation. The stakes are high, the energy is electric, and the Hurricanes are ready to make waves on the national stage.
But this night is about more than just football.
Friday is also Military & Law Enforcement Appreciation Night, honoring the brave individuals who protect and serve. Among those in the stands will be Robert, a School Safety Guardian with a story that’s as powerful as any play on the field. A retired NYPD detective and U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Iraq, Robert is proud to be there cheering for the team — and especially proud to see the community supporting Tunnel 2 Towers’ Manatee County Veterans Village through donations at the game.
And while things heat up on the field — the real heat was already cookin’ in the cafeteria earlier this week.
Inside Manatee High’s bustling cafeteria, spicy chicken reigns supreme. From wing zings to tenders to spicy chips, students can’t get enough of the fiery favorites. “Anything spicy flies off the line,” said Cafeteria Manager Michael Brown, a retired executive from McDonald's and Panera who now helps lead a team with nearly a century of combined service to Manatee County students.
“This school year has had a very solid start,” Brown added. “We’ve got six serving lines going and a great team that takes care of the kids.”
One of those team members? A beloved food service worker who’s been around long enough to serve none other than Principal Shannon Fleming when she was a student. Now the Class of 2007 alumna is back for her second year at the helm of the school.
And at the very front of it all — welcoming visitors, calming nerves, and answering phones with a smile — is Tami Sharpen, the school’s receptionist of 20 years. A devoted Hurricane through and through, Tami’s love for Manatee High runs deep: both of her children are proud graduates. She’s the first friendly face anyone sees, and a big part of what makes the school feel like home.
With legendary staff, a powerhouse football showdown, and a community full of heart, Manatee High is proving once again why the Hurricanes don’t just play hard — they show up for each other.
Let’s go, ‘Canes!