October 28, 2025
The story of our #GoodNewsAwardofExcellence creator 🏆 When the Good News team asked Southeast High School technology teacher Nicholas Smith to help create a trophy for the inaugural Good News Award of Excellence, he didn’t hesitate. Instead, he turned the request into a teaching moment—an opportunity for students in his technology lab to take on a real-world design challenge.
Over the course of two weeks, students brainstormed, designed, and tested prototype trophies. There were highs and lows along the way—some of the early models even melted like spaghetti! But through trial, error, and persistence, the class produced a collection of creative, meaningful designs.
In the end, Miranda Herrera, a senior and President of Southeast’s Technology Student Association (TSA), had her design chosen by her peers to represent the project. She proudly presented the finished trophy to the Good News team in early October.
Several students stood out during the process:
Nicholas L., a senior, used CAD software and 3D modeling to craft his prototype. He plans to join the U.S. Marines after graduation and eventually study mechanical engineering. A motorcycle enthusiast, he dreams of designing engines one day.
Eli O., a senior, created a traditional-style trophy and had fun throughout the design process, which took an impressive seven hours to print.
David M., a junior who loves a challenge, is still exploring his future path but hopes it will involve engineering or marine mechanics.
Will W., also a junior, focused on creating a simple, clean design. He enjoyed the project for the way it expanded his knowledge of 3D printing. When he’s not in the lab, you can find him training with the Seminoles’ weightlifting team.
Aaron V., a junior and aspiring aerospace engineer, was proud of his design and grateful for the chance to sharpen his time management skills through the project.
This collaboration between the Southeast technology lab and the Good News team didn’t just produce a beautiful award—it showcased the creativity, resilience, and bright futures of Southeast’s talented students.
Thank you for sharing your time and talents! Manatee Education Foundation partnered with the District for the Good News Award of Excellence to recognize your incredible designs. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Over the course of two weeks, students brainstormed, designed, and tested prototype trophies. There were highs and lows along the way—some of the early models even melted like spaghetti! But through trial, error, and persistence, the class produced a collection of creative, meaningful designs.
In the end, Miranda Herrera, a senior and President of Southeast’s Technology Student Association (TSA), had her design chosen by her peers to represent the project. She proudly presented the finished trophy to the Good News team in early October.
Several students stood out during the process:
Nicholas L., a senior, used CAD software and 3D modeling to craft his prototype. He plans to join the U.S. Marines after graduation and eventually study mechanical engineering. A motorcycle enthusiast, he dreams of designing engines one day.
Eli O., a senior, created a traditional-style trophy and had fun throughout the design process, which took an impressive seven hours to print.
David M., a junior who loves a challenge, is still exploring his future path but hopes it will involve engineering or marine mechanics.
Will W., also a junior, focused on creating a simple, clean design. He enjoyed the project for the way it expanded his knowledge of 3D printing. When he’s not in the lab, you can find him training with the Seminoles’ weightlifting team.
Aaron V., a junior and aspiring aerospace engineer, was proud of his design and grateful for the chance to sharpen his time management skills through the project.
This collaboration between the Southeast technology lab and the Good News team didn’t just produce a beautiful award—it showcased the creativity, resilience, and bright futures of Southeast’s talented students.
Thank you for sharing your time and talents! Manatee Education Foundation partnered with the District for the Good News Award of Excellence to recognize your incredible designs. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews