Southeast High

We recently had the opportunity to meet Liam F., a senior and QB for Southeast High School. He said Athletic Director Matt Kitchie and the Seminoles coaching staff welcomed him with open arms and led Liam in the right direction. “They’ve given me the tools to succeed and taught me integrity and leadership,” he said. “Coach Kitchie loves the community and is going to impact a lot of student’s lives, including my own.” Liam expressed interest in a future career in marine sciences. He was recently featured by Spectrum Bay News 9, while volunteering at Mixon Farms. You can check out the story by clicking this link: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2025/11/07/manatee-county-celebrates-the-ownership-of-mixon-fruit-farms-property #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC

The Southeast High School football team built more than just skills on the field this season, they’re building community and confidence!

A brand-new barbershop for players, Legend's Lounge, is operating inside the locker room with alumni barbers lending a hand, the Seminoles are looking sharp and staying united. Congratulations, Coach Bradley and team!

#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Check out this inspiring story by FOX 13 News - Tampa Bay: https://www.fox13news.com/sports/southeast-high-football-team-builds-barbershop-locker-room-build-team-chemistry

The School District of Manatee County is closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to proudly honor and thank all veterans for their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our nation.

We join together to celebrate our graduated students, teachers, staff, families, and community members who served in the Armed Forces. Thank you for protecting our freedom and strengthening our community.

Happy Veterans Day from the entire School District of Manatee County family! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

ESE Agency Fair on November 19th! Join the School District Of Manatee County as we welcome families of students with disabilities to explore support and services within the community, designed to help meet the needs of the ESE population. The ESE Agency Fair is taking place on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, from 5:30-7PM, at Harllee Center, 6423 9th Street East in Bradenton. More than 45 vendors from the community will be available to meet with parents and caregivers, including agencies, therapy providers, and specialized services targeting students with special needs. There will be resources, prizes, and fun as we also celebrate the grand opening of The Soar Lab - a a special place, built for all young learners (primarily ages infant to 3rd grade) and their families to grow. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Mark your calendar and make plans to attend the 2025 Advanced Learning Expo! Join us at Manatee Technical College (Main campus) on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 6–7:30PM, for a glimpse into the advanced learning programs and opportunities for K-12 students across the district. Come check out the elementary school interactive, hands-on, learning stations. Visit with staff and student representatives from every middle and high school showcasing their advanced academic programs, clubs, and extracurricular opportunities. Connect with many community partners ready to challenge and engage your student! There is undoubtedly something for everyone to explore at the Advanced Learning Expo! This informative and interactive family event takes place before the school choice application window opens for the 2026-27 school year, offering an opportunity for families to engage with school-based teams and explore the K-12 gifted programming and advanced learning opportunities available. Don’t miss the Advanced Learning Expo…it’s not just for gifted students anymore!

This week, we announced the winner of our first-ever Good News Award of Excellence. We also visited the creators of the award trophy, and the qualifying prototypes, which are now on display in Nicholas Smith's classroom at Southeast High School. The students have moved on to new projects solving real-world problems, but we appreciate their skill and time helping us recognize the Good News happening in our schools. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

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

Pssst... Palmetto High School. Southeast High School has a message for you and Principal Monica DeLesline.
Thanks to SETV TV teacher Ricky Bowden and students for delivering this *BREAKING NEWS* from the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews team! #GoodNewsAwardofExcellence

Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Gb4efokjm/

Hometown pride is shining as Braden River High alum Myles Straw (Class of 2013) takes the field on baseball’s biggest stage. The Toronto Blue Jays center fielder joins his team in the World Series on Friday night. His former coaches weighed in: “Myles has always stayed grounded and humble,” said Matt Bowling, Manatee High AD. “The Myles we coached years ago is still the same Myles today.” “He’s shown that hard work and perseverance pay off,” added Erik Nelson, BRHS teacher and former coach. Southeast High Assistant Principal Craig Page said, “He was undersized and overlooked, but he never stopped working — and he never forgot where he came from.” Your hometown is proud of you, Myles! 💙⚾️ #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

A glowing review for the Marching Seminoles of Southeast High School on Friday night, and their guest musicians from Braden River Middle School, Louise R. Johnson K-8 School of International Studies, Sugg Middle School, and Electa Lee Middle School. Bravo 👏 You wowed the crowd, making families, students, and fans proud! Glow, Noles! (Neon Night, 10.17.25)

Today marks one month since Dr. Laurie Breslin officially stepped into her role as Superintendent, and we’re proud to recognize this milestone!

In just a few short weeks, Dr. Breslin has already begun building strong connections, listening closely to school communities, and championing the success of every student and staff member. Her commitment to excellence shines through in every conversation and decision.

As we look ahead, we’re excited about the vision, experience, and heart Dr. Breslin brings to our district. Please join us in celebrating this first month of leadership and welcoming the many great things still to come.

#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

In a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who serve and protect our community, Buffalo Creek Middle School hosted their annual event to commemorate the events of September 11th and to honor local first responders and veterans. The reception, led entirely by students, highlighted the power of remembrance, gratitude, and community connection. Mr. Baker's Global Perspectives students paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and military veterans. The event featured speeches, handmade thank-you cards, goodie bags, and the installation of 2,977 flags near the school marquee, to honor those who lost their lives in the attacks 24 years ago. It's more than just a history lesson. It’s an opportunity for our students to engage with the real heroes of our community and to say thank you in their own words and actions. Students had the unique opportunity to speak directly with first responders and veterans to learn more about their lives, experiences, and careers. Mr. Baker's students unknowingly extended their gratitude beyond Buffalo Creek. We surprised a few school safety guardians, many of whom served in NYC and police departments nationwide, with their heartfelt thank you cards and care packages. These heroes, now protecting our schools in retirement, were truly touched by the unexpected show of appreciation today. Pictured are guardians from Lakewood Ranch and Southeast High Schools. A huge shoutout to our Hawks for leading with kindness and inspiring us all to do the same! 💫

MSTV Game of the Week :

Get ready for Friday night lights as the Southeast Seminoles take on the Manatee Hurricanes in a can't-miss showdown!

📅 Friday, August 29, 2025
🕢 Kickoff at 7:30 PM
📺 Watch LIVE: https://youtube.com/live/APvFIDaGV8E?feature=share

Tune in to Manatee Schools Television for all the action and big plays as these two powerhouse teams battle it out under the lights. Don’t miss it!

Sherry Freeman-Douglas, a beloved "lunch lady" at Southeast High is in quite the pickle. She LOVES her Seminoles. Serves them smiles and salads every day. But we had to ask… if Southeast is facing off against her alma mater, Palmetto High School: "Sherry, who are you cheering for?" Without missing a beat, she grinned and said: “I’m a Tiger to the bone!” 🐅 followed by a roar of laughter. We still love you, Sherry — even if you're cheering for the "other" team. Thanks for feeding bellies and hearts every day! 🧡💙 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #ViralLunchLadies

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS & FAMILIES : Is your student planning to attend college or technical school? Not sure where to start with the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)?

Join us for a free FAFSA Information Workshop designed to guide families through the process of applying for financial aid.

📅 Date: Thursday, August 28, 2025
🕕 Time: 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Manatee Technical College - 6305 State Road 70 East, Bradenton 34203

During this workshop, you'll learn:
✅ What the FAFSA is and why it’s important
✅ Key deadlines and documents you’ll need
✅ Where to get help if you need it

Security Screening at Secondary Schools – Beginning Monday, August 11, 2025, all students and visitors at district middle and high schools will be screened each school day using a high-tech security scanner system. For more information on this enhanced security screening procedure, visit https://www.manateeschools.net/securityscreening.

School Board Seeks Civic-Minded Citizens to Join Audit Committee – The School Board of Manatee County is seeking civic-minded citizens to serve as members of the Audit Committee. The Committee, which meets six times a year, recommends the appointment of the internal and external auditors; reviews the scope, plan and reports of the internal and external auditors; and assists in maintaining open communications between the selected auditors, the School Board and the District’s financial management. The Committee also reviews the collection and proper use of the funds raised through the one-half cent sales surtax for school capital outlay expenditures. Membership on the Committee requires an average of five-to-eight hours per month, with meetings scheduled every other month for three hours. The term is approximately three years. Those interested in serving must: • Live in Manatee County. • Be a CPA (active or retired) or had employment experience in school district financial operations. • Submit a letter expressing interest, provide contact information and provide a brief summary of their work experience. Responses must be sent to the Manatee County School District, Attention: School Board Agency Clerk, P.O. Box 9069, Bradenton, Florida 34206-9069. Interested individuals may obtain additional information about the Committee by emailing the School Board Agency Administrative Associate at cox3l@manateeschools.net.

The Florida Department of Education released the Florida Value Added Model (VAM) Fiscal Transparency Tool, a web-based fiscal transparency tool that identifies public schools and districts with high academic achievement based on the ratio of classroom expenditures to total expenditures. VAM is intended to help taxpayers evaluate the financial efficiency of a school district with other similarly situated school districts. View the VAM for the School District of Manatee County at https://floridavam.org/e/vamPublic.html?w4=54#/entityId=262385.

Family Empowerment Scholarship – Parents interested in applying for either FES-EO or FES-UA may review the eligibility requirements and application instructions at https://www.manateeschools.net/FES.