
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.


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.


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.

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.

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.

This year-long leadership journey provided powerful opportunities to learn alongside state leaders, visit schools in nearby counties, and bring back valuable strategies to strengthen teaching and learning in Manatee County classrooms. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Families were invited to experience an immersive exhibit where students’ thumbprints and art projects glowed beneath black lights while a recording of whimsical xylophone music played softly in the background.
A forest of trees, mushrooms, owls, sloths, and other joyful creatures seemed to dance throughout the glowing room, creating an atmosphere filled with imagination and wonder.
In the gymnasium, visitors discovered a special collaborative display — a partnership project between the art teachers at Johnson K-8 and Southeast High, including Southeast IB educator Sherie Pierce.
The collaboration was so inspiring that we couldn’t help but photograph every single piece of artwork!
The creativity of the elementary students was brought to life through incredible 3-D works produced by their older peers at the nearby IB-pathway high school.
Princesses, houses, cats, firefighters, and more were reimagined through the lens of emerging young artists, creating meaningful connections between students of different ages and schools.
Kudos to these outstanding arts educators for bringing excellence into their classrooms and for working together to create unforgettable experiences and memorable works of art that families will cherish for years to come.

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


Dear Teachers, Here's a special message from Dr. Laurie Breslin regarding Teacher Appreciation Week.
https://vimeo.com/1184919879/fdb68f2a7f
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews






Manatee County traditional public high school results (by the numbers):
• Our students placed Top 10 in 37 of 39 categories
• Earned 10 State Championship titles
Special recognition to Braden River High School, named Florida TSA State Champions for the 14th year in a row!
Additional overall finishes:
• 9th place: Southeast High School
• 10th place: Lakewood Ranch High School
From coding and engineering to video production and robotics, our students showcased incredible innovation, skill, and determination.
Thank you to our TSA advisors, co-advisors, and volunteers who support these students every step of the way.


On Wednesday, students in the NSTEM program at Southeast High presented their hydroponics research, showcasing the innovative learning happening in our classrooms.
Using a hydroponics system that is one of only five in the country, students grew lettuce while testing different chemical variables to study how they impact plant growth. Representatives from the National STEM Honor Society National Office and EdRack manufacturers joined virtually to hear the students’ findings and answer questions.
Hands-on opportunities like this allow students to explore new passions, think critically, and take ownership of their learning.
Thanks to Brittany Devlin, M.Ed. for guiding these talented students. The future of STEM is growing right here in Manatee County! 🌱🔬 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews




🏐 Volleyball
• Jaeda Dean — State College of Florida
• Layla Holmbeck — State College of Florida
• Annabelle Kemper — Hollins University
🏈 Football
• Jayden Fields — Webber International University
• Liam Fernandez — SUNY Maritime College
• LaDavion Johnson — Clarke University
• Myreon Lowe — William Penn University
• Caleb Steele — William Penn University
We couldn’t be prouder of these Seminoles as they sign on to become future collegiate athletes and leaders beyond Southeast.
Once a Seminole, always a Seminole!





















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#/entity/262385.
