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East County | Schools

Eric Snider
May 16, 2024

Already making a mark in her community, this teen is ready for liftoff

Self-motivated Lakewood Ranch high school senior Amy Kwakye-Amoah wraps up the high school phase of her life with a big award. She has no plans to coast into college.

East County
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
May 15, 2024

Braden River High graduates say farewell to high school

The road to graduation wasn't always easy, but 395 students celebrated receiving their diplomas.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
May 15, 2024

East Bradenton students named winners in playwright program

The three students' plays will be performed at the Florida Studio Theatre's Young Playwrights Festival.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
May 15, 2024

After family tragedy, LRHS senior refocuses to graduate

Cristal Aguillon doesn't let hardships stop her from becoming the first in her family to attend college.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
May 10, 2024

Willis Elementary hosts annual field day

Students were soaked after friendly competitions at the Lakewood Ranch school.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
May 8, 2024

Braden River High senior's key to graduating: Keep moving forward

Jeremiah Gonzalez overcomes mental health challenges and focuses on focuses on positivity to get to graduation.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
May 6, 2024

USF, Manatee schools partner to address teacher shortage

Eight University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee students will start their careers with the School District of Manatee County.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
May 2, 2024

Lakewood Ranch Prep class publishes collaborative novel

The class of 18 students work together on a self-published murder mystery novel.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
May 1, 2024

Progress continues on new schools in Lakewood Ranch

A high school is expected to open in August 2027, and a K-8 school is expected in August 2025.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
April 28, 2024

Tara Elementary kindergartners serve up smiles at their own restaurant

For one night only, Tara Elementary opened the Banana Leaf Restaurant to give students real-world experiences.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
April 23, 2024

Manatee School District faces major transportation challenges

Population spike, driver shortage and a wide geographical coverage area are among the top problems facing Manatee County.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
April 19, 2024

McNeal Elementary hosts STEAM Night

Students participate in a variety of STEAM activities from coding to an art project and more.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
April 15, 2024

Students' creativity on display during ODA's first Festival of the Arts

The Festival of the Arts featured various forms of visual arts and included interactive art projects and a fashion show.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
April 10, 2024

MTC instructor named US boating nonprofit's Educator of the Year

Freddie Fowler, a Marine Service Technology instructor at Manatee Technical College, uses his military experience to train students.

East County
Schools

Jay Heater
April 10, 2024

Mote aquarium hopes to lead students to marine science, biology careers

The Science Education Aquarium is working with Manatee and Sarasota school districts to provide access to every K-12 student.

East County
News

Liz Ramos
April 6, 2024

Arts Alive showcases Manatee County student talent while supporting the arts

Students from Braden River and Lakewood Ranch high schools perform or have their artwork work on display.

East County
Schools

Jay Heater
April 5, 2024

Rep. Tommy Gregory accepts post as SCF president

The District 72 representative will be the seventh president of the State College of Florida.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
March 20, 2024

MTC's new firing range delayed by increase in construction costs

The Bradenton Police Department and MTC will have to wait longer to have its long-awaited facility in Myakka City.

East County
News

Liz Ramos
March 18, 2024

Manatee School Board proposes new allocations for referendum

The referendum, which is on the ballot in November, could include athletics, early childhood education, and school safety and security.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
March 14, 2024

LRHS teachers tie the knot years after 'dating' in elementary school

Delaney Riggins says fate brought her back together with Andrew Shackleford in 2020 after they dated in elementary school.

East County
Neighbors

Liz Ramos
March 13, 2024

Lakewood Ranch Prep student qualifies for Scripps National Spelling Bee

Amara Chepuri is spelling her way to the top, one letter at a time.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
March 12, 2024

Manatee County, USF partnership helps paraprofessionals become teachers

A federal grant will send 60 English for Speakers of Other Languages paraprofessionals to the University of South Florida to earn their teaching degrees.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
March 5, 2024

Electric school buses roll out this month in Manatee County

The School District of Manatee County will begin using four new electric buses late in March.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
March 5, 2024

Nolan Middle students help Humane Society dogs get adopted

Future Business Leaders of America students' Cause 4 Paws project focuses on creating commercials to help dogs get adopted.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
February 23, 2024

Lakewood Ranch Prep staff member remembered for his kindness

Carlos Paez, the director of Lakewood Ranch Preparatory Academy's before- and after-school care, died Feb. 14. Students and staff will miss his ability to make them smile and laugh every day.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
February 22, 2024

MTC open house provides hands-on look at careers

Manatee Technical College's East Campus open house gave potential future students an opportunity to see the programs available.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
February 20, 2024

Parrish Community High begins construction on new addition in April

The 16-classroom addition, which will cost $10.6 million and include two engineering labs, addresses growth and academic needs at the school.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
February 19, 2024

Lakewood Ranch Rotary needs volunteers to expand Books for Kids

Manatee County principals say the Books for Kids programs spark a love for reading in students and that they want more classes involved.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
February 14, 2024

US representative urges Nolan Middle School students to get involved

Students received encouragement from Congressman Vern Buchanan to be part of the political process.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
February 12, 2024

Four east Bradenton educators honored to be among county's best

Two teachers and two support employees were honored as finalists for Educator and Support Employee of the Year.

East County
Schools

Lesley Dwyer
February 11, 2024

Lakewood Ranch school emphasizes joy of learning

Sea of Strengths Academy, which serves third through 12th graders with learning disabilities, instills confidence in its students alongside its highly structured approach to academics.

East County
Schools

Liz Ramos
February 7, 2024

Manatee County School District finalizes book review procedure

Despite concerns from a board member and some residents, the district approved a procedure for parents and residents to object to the use of a book in the classroom.