Southeast High School student honored for academic excellence

Braden River Elementary School Principal Hayley Rio was one proud mom on the evening of Oct. 10 when her son Calen MacDonald, senior at Southeast High School, was honored for his academic excellence by the School Board of Manatee County. 

MacDonald was one of four Manatee County students named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholar Competition. 

"Calen is a great example of how hard work and perseverance brings rewards," Rio said. "I'm thankful to be his mom and am excited to see where his future takes him. I just hope it's not too far away from home."