Opportunity to Earn Volunteer Hours - Stuff the Bus: October 11, 2026

Apply: www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus

Stuff the Bus brings together volunteers, community partners, and generous shoppers to support The Food Bank of Manatee County. Since 1985, The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS, has been Manatee County’s only local food bank and a trusted source of nutrition for those in need.

Last year, 162 volunteers helped collect more than 69,000 pounds of food and cash equivalents, providing critical support for neighbors facing food insecurity. This year, you can be part of that impact. 100% of donations stay local to support Manatee County families.

Join us Sunday, October 11, at participating Manatee County Publix stores through a community-wide partnership with Meals on Wheels PLUS, the School District of Manatee County, Publix, Mosaic, and United Way Suncoast.

Volunteers will greet shoppers, accept and sort food donations, pack boxes, and load the bus. Two shifts are available per location, and spots first come, first served.

Volunteer Age Requirements:
Children 8-12 are welcome to volunteer but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them and they must be added as a guest when their parent/guardian registers.
Youth 13-15 can register using their own volunteer account but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them.
Teens 16+ can register using their own volunteer account and can volunteer independently.

All volunteers must register in advance to participate.

High school juniors... ready to see where your leadership can take you? Don’t just be a part of Manatee County’s future - help lead it!

Junior Leadership Manatee offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, businesses, government, and organizations shaping our community - while helping 11th graders build leadership skills, make connections, and explore your future.

Apply for Junior Leadership Manatee at juniorleadershipmanatee.org

Deadline: Monday, August 31st.

All Manatee County high school students and their families are invited to attend the annual Post-Secondary Education Night on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Manatee Technical College - Main campus (6305 State Road 70 East, Bradenton).

Join us to meet with admissions representatives from colleges, universities and technical colleges, as well as representatives from military branches.

Learn more about college applications, admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.

High school seniors and families, do you have questions about FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)? It's the form used to apply for financial aid for college or career and technical school.

Join us for a free FAFSA Informational Workshop on Thursday, August 20th from 6-8 p.m. at Manatee Technical College - Main Campus, located at 6305 State Road 70 East in Manatee County.

This event will answer any questions you have regarding upcoming FAFSA workshops and need-to-know information about filling out the application beginning October 2026.

Manatee County Government and the School District of Manatee County are excited to announce Model Manatee, a multi-week program designed to educate high school juniors and seniors on how County government works, how it impacts them, and how to engage in the decision-making process.

During this program, students will hear from County Commissioners, staff, and other elected officials who are involved in the day-to-day operations of county government. The program will culminate in a mock commission session, where students will simulate the roles of county commissioners and other elected officials, discussing and voting on matters they find most important.

Students may apply at mymanatee.org/modelmanatee. Interested students must be able to provide their own transportation. All sessions will take place during the work week, with minimal interruptions to the school day. If a student is interested in applying, please review the full application packet for all relevant information, including release forms, program schedule, and more.

Two of Manatee County's outstanding music programs are hitting all the right notes! Congratulations to Braden River High School and Parrish Community High School on earning the Florida Vocal Association's Choir of Distinction award.

A special congratulations to directors Steven Armstrong and Kerrie Carrier for inspiring excellence and showcasing the incredible talent of their student vocalists. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

This graduating class of Parrish Community High School has shown what it means to lead with determination, spirit, and excellence. Congratulations on all you’ve achieved, and best wishes on the exciting road ahead! Go, Bulls #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Happy Graduation Week! ✨ Superintendent Laurie Breslin has a message for the Class of 2026 and all who have helped them reach this milestone. Watch this video: https://vimeo.com/1191294933/2b0ef8bf2e
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

The School District of Manatee County is proud to celebrate this year’s Manatee School Counselor Association scholarship recipients.

Lorah Cerfrère, a senior from Southeast High School, will be furthering her education at State College of Florida and aspires to become a nurse.

Jenna Herbert from Parrish Community High School will be attending Hillsborough Community College to study in the dental hygiene program, while also participating in USF's Army ROTC.

Each senior was selected for their essay, sharing how a school counselor made a meaningful difference in their life. Proof that the support students receive goes far beyond the classroom.

Now in its third year, the association awarded two $500 scholarships to these outstanding students whose words and experiences rose to the top among applicants across the county.

Here’s to bright futures ahead and the counselors who help guide the way. ✨ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

The 2026–2027 Superintendents’ Advisory Panel kicked off last week with current 11th-grade student leaders. Throughout the next year, they will meet with the superintendent and district leadership to share their perspectives on student success. Through thoughtful discussions, students will provide input on access to programs and resources, college and career readiness, and what is working well across their schools—as well as areas that could be improved. Their insights will help inform key elements of the district’s next strategic plan. The panel will reconvene in the fall when these students return as high school seniors, and we are grateful for their meaningful contributions and ongoing participation. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Shout out to PCHS Junior Savannah White for being this year’s recipient of the Yale Book Award. This prestigious recognition is presented annually by local Yale alumni clubs to outstanding high school juniors (11th graders) demonstrating exceptional personal character, leadership, and intellectual promise.

Breaking News from Parrish Community High School: Zoey Morelli won the first FHSAA Individual State Championship title in Weightlifting for PCHS history on Wednesday! She set a state record in the Olympic division with a 315 pound total to win the 110 pound division. Zoey also finished in 2nd place in the Traditional division. Congratulations, Zoey! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

On Wednesday, SDMC Visual & Performing Arts hosted the inaugural Battle of the Beats, a bracket-style drum-off featuring six groups of Manatee County middle and high school percussionists: Buffalo Creek Middle School 🏆 Lincoln Memorial Middle School Rowlett Middle Academy A & B Braden River High School 🏆 Manatee High School Palmetto High School Parrish Community High School After a hard fought battle 🥁 the judges chose the Hawks and Pirates as champions. Thank you to Jeff McDaniel, Will Vizoso, and Kendall Carrier for your time and musical expertise. Kudos to Drum-master of Ceremonies Ricardo Robinson-Shinall, who kept the audience at the edge of their seats. We can’t wait until next year! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Mike Y.’s résumé reads like a season of a TV crime drama.

For 20 years, he served the streets of New York City working in street control, housing developments, anti-crime, and plainclothes units. He took on organized crime, narcotics, robberies, and homicides as part of the detective squad. It was intense, meaningful work but eventually, Mike knew it was time. The right time for change.

So he moved to Florida, guided by former NYPD officers who showed him how the skills he learned in the Big Apple could open new doors. Doors that led to protect hallways filled with students.

Now, Guardian Mike is celebrating his first school year as a school safety guardian at Parrish Community High. And while the setting has changed, the mission hasn’t.

“I like communicating with the kids,” he says. “It keeps me grounded and helps me communicate better with my own teenagers.”

As someone who grew up as a teen in the inner city of New York, the respect he receives means everything to him. No badges needed. “A fist pound is more than enough for me," he said.

Thank you, Guardian Mike, for your continued service and for keeping our students safe every single day. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #GoodNewsGuardians

Meet Guardian Chris Scardino, now proudly serving his fifth school year at Parrish Community High School. A retired Union City, New Jersey police sergeant with 27 years of service, Chris brings a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and heart to the Bulls community.

At PCHS, Chris goes far beyond his daily duties. He pours his passion into training the Bulls’ JROTC cadets, inspiring the next generation of leaders. He also serves as a girls JV soccer coach, teaching teamwork, discipline, and confidence on and off the field.

You’ll also find Chris at the Soar in 4 Lab, where he’s part of the rotating team supporting this early learning center, which is free for most families with children from infancy through third grade.

His service touches every corner of the campus and beyond. Chris thrives on partnership and connection. “Everybody at PCHS works together,” he says. “They are family.”

Before joining the Bulls, Chris made a lasting mark in New Jersey by designing a memorial and leading the successful renaming of six city streets to honor fallen heroes of his former police department, an accomplishment he holds close to his heart. He continues to stay in touch with many of their families, keeping their legacies alive.

Whether he’s coaching, mentoring, or serving the broader community, Chris leads with purpose. Working with teens and teaching them values (especially the importance of giving back) is his bottom line.

Thank you, Guardian Scardino, for your service, passion, and unwavering commitment to our students and community! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

The Parrish Community High School Girls’ Golf team achieved their goal of winning the Class 3A FHSAA State Championship for the first time in program history.

Read details from The Bulletin, a student journalism program sharing #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews from PCHS: https://www.manateeschools.net/o/parrish/article/2554405?fbclid=IwY2xjawOK2hZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe1ZIyPjmFvuf1kx8wM9v-GQh2Nfi1Vd0TxVRUpfurMKVWSyNXNNzQk15Q-qc_aem_Kq9uFASK9G1fyeLZkeCydg

Drumroll, please! 🥁 The results are in for the 2025 Manatee County School Bus Rodeo, and the winning team is The Roadrunnerz (Beep Beep)! Led by longtime route supervisor Gina Miller, who has dedicated 26 years of service to transportation, this team proved that even our newest drivers can rise to the challenge. The four drivers who skillfully navigated the challenging obstacle course on Wednesday are all fairly new to our district: 🚌 Edinson and Nicholas – both joined in August 🚌 Don – celebrating one year of service 🚌 Zeke – proudly driving for five years on and off All the participating teams were celebrated by Director Jamie Warrington and Asst. Director Melanie Johnson. We’ve tagged the schools whose routes they drive — please join us in congratulating them and sharing this #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews! 🎉👏