The following Good News was shared by our community partners at Manatee Community Foundation:
(L-to-R: Simone Peterson, Community Investment Officer for Manatee Community Foundation, presents a check to Manatee County Educator of the Year, Stacy Freeman.)
Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is proud to support Stacy Freeman, School District of Manatee County’s 2025 Educator of the Year, with a grant to enhance literacy initiatives in her third-grade classroom at McNeal Elementary School.
A dedicated educator with over a decade of experience, Stacy is known for her creative teaching style and ability to inspire a love of reading. She has launched several literacy programs at McNeal, including Battle of the Books, Freeman’s Little Free Library, and a monthly book club, which encourages students and families to engage with literature.
Beyond her classroom, Stacy is a mentor to fellow teachers and an active leader in school initiatives. She has helped shape professional development programs, guided new educators, and organized community-focused events such as Heritage Day, Peace Day, and Parent University. Her passion for education and leadership has earned her multiple accolades, including recognition as an ABC 7 Chalkboard Champion.
McNeal’s principal, Sheila Waid, highlighted Freeman’s commitment to both her students and the school community. "Stacy is truly deserving of this recognition—her love for teaching is evident in everything she does,” Principal Waid said. “She has a unique ability to make learning engaging and accessible for every student, and her commitment to literacy has had a lasting impact on our entire school. Thanks to her efforts, students not only improve academically but also develop a lifelong love of reading."
Stacy is excited to continue to promote the love of literacy among her third-grade students. "I am incredibly honored to receive this grant from Manatee Community Foundation," she said. "It is generous and thoughtful gifts like these that allow teachers to pass their love of learning on to their students. Thank you for your continued support of our community and for prioritizing education.”
Stacy’s influence reaches beyond her own classroom, strengthening the entire school district. “Stacy Freeman is an outstanding educator and a shining representative of our district’s nearly 3,000 teachers,” Superintendent Dr. Jason Wysong said, "I want to thank Manatee Community Foundation for its generous support of our teachers, school district, and education in Manatee County.”
MCF believes that great educators are the foundation of a thriving community. “When teachers are empowered, students succeed, and communities grow stronger,” said Veronica Thames, Chief Executive of MCF. “Stacy’s dedication to her students is a perfect example of how one teacher can make a lasting difference, and we are honored to support her and all the educators who inspire the next generation.”
For information on ways to invest in our community, visit www.manateecf.org.
About Manatee Community Foundation (MCF): Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) is a charitable organization founded in 1998. MCF partners with our citizens to strengthen and enhance our community through philanthropy, education, and service – now and forever. MCF is the bridge between generous donors, business leaders, our government, and nonprofit partners, who work together so that everyone can thrive, because we believe that together, we can do greater things. MCF has invested over $65 million in the areas of health and human services, education, arts and culture, the environment, and animal welfare and is committed to its diversity, equity, inclusion and access work. As the only community foundation in Manatee County, MCF is your partner in philanthropy, a trusted steward of charitable legacies and the guide for current giving through donor-advised funds and beyond. For more information about Manatee Community Foundation and how you can support its mission, visit www.manateecf.org.
