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East County | Schools

Lakewood Ranch High senior Devin McDermott was named one of 12 national finalists for the 2011 Wendy's High School Heisman Award Nov. 10.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • November 11, 2011
Ranch senior named Wendy's High School Heisman national finalist

Lakewood Ranch High senior Devin McDermott was named one of 12 national finalists, of the 48,000 students who applied, for the 2011 Wendy's High School Heisman Award, which honors exceptional students who bring excellence in academics, athletics and community service.

  • East County
  • Sports
Four-year-old Jordyn Jomisko couldn’t wait to show off her patriotic sticker.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • November 10, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Let Freedom Ring Courtyard Ceremony

Freedom Elementary School students, faculty and staff showed their patriotism during the school's annual Let Freedom Ring Courtyard Ceremony Nov. 10. During the event, Freedom recognized and thanked military veterans for their service, raising a flag in honor of each branch. Students also enjoyed singing songs and listing to guest speakers, including District 67 state Rep. Greg Steube.

  • East County
  • Schools
Bryce Andrews had fun racing through an inflatable obstacle course.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • November 7, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara Elementary Fall Festival

Tara Elementary School students and their families enjoyed a day outside with friends during the school's annual fall festival Nov. 5. Festivities included inflatables, carnival-style games, a silent auction, a performance by Tara's Dance Team and more.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Christian Iturrino, Sean Freund, Andrew Beall checked out the fire truck.
  • By Dianne Trask
  • November 1, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Goddard's 'In the Neighborhood'

In keeping with its "In the Neighborhood" theme during October, The Goddard School at Lakewood Ranch hosted a variety of professionals throughout the month. Children enjoyed a visit by a fire truck and ambulance Oct. 21.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Teachers Rachel Wilson, Lynn Edwards, Michael Lawson and Kaitlyn Bunker enjoyed the evening.
  • By Marina Wolf-Schmidt
  • November 1, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Kiddie Academy Gala

The Parent Committee at Kiddie Academy hosted the preschool's second Apple Gala Oct. 22 at Cantina Toscana.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Meredith Carroll wore one of the most colorful costumes in the entire parade.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • October 31, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Primrose Parade of Costumes

Superheroes, princesses and even a pint-sized Vincent van Gogh made an appearance in Lakewood Ranch for Primrose School's annual Parade of Costumes Oct. 31. Following the parade for family members and friends, the costumed kids headed inside for classroom parties.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Alexandra Griffin, 5, stocked up on candy during Braden River Elementary’s Harvest Moon Bash Oct. 29.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 31, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Harvest Moon Bash

Students at Braden River Elementary School enjoyed a trunk-or-treat, games, inflatables and more during the school's Harvest Moon Bash Oct. 29.

  • East County
  • Schools
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 27, 2011
Nolan Middle wins championship

The Nolan Middle School girls soccer team defeated King Middle 4-0 Oct. 20 to capture the 2011 Manatee County championship and finish the season undefeated.

  • East County
  • Schools
Mikaela Campbell, Skylar Homan and Caroline Cestaro are all in fifth grade.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 22, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: McNeal Costume Ball

Donning their Halloween costumes, children at McNeal Elementary School gathered Oct. 21 with their families in the school's cafeteria for a Costume Ball. Attendees enjoyed pizza and ice cream, dancing and a costume contest, among other activities.

  • East County
  • News
Taylor Garganta danced the night away with friends during the Homecoming Dance Oct. 15.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 15, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: BRHS Homecoming Dance

Students at Braden River High School tonight concluded Homecoming week festivities with a circus-themed Homecoming Dance.

  • East County
  • News
Adam Scalisi, Carson Jungers and Quinton Fitzgerald are all freshmen.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 15, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA Candy Land Dance

Students at the Out-of-Door Academy tonight enjoyed a Candy Land-themed Homecoming Dance.

  • East County
  • News
The Pirates fought fiercely.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 14, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River Homecoming Game

The Braden River High School Pirate family rallied Friday night during the school's Homecoming game against Bayshore High School.

  • East County
  • News
ODA's cheerleaders kept the mood lively.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 14, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA Homecoming

Families at the Out-of-Door Academy gathered tonight at the school's Lakewood Ranch campus for an All-School Picnic and Homecoming game against Dade Christian School.

  • East County
  • News
Joan and Joe Vilasi came to eat with their 6-year-old grandson, Joseph, center.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 14, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Willis Grandparents Lunch

More than 300 grandparents enjoyed lunch at Willis Elementary School Oct. 13 as the school hosted a special Grandparents Lunch.

  • East County
  • News
The game started at 7:30 p.m.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 7, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Mustangs' Homecoming Game

Lakewood Ranch High School tonight battled Tarpon Springs for its Homecoming game.

  • East County
  • Schools
Lakewood Ranch High students enjoyed hanging out in front of a bonfire Oct. 6 as part of the school’s Homecoming festivities.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • October 6, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch High Bonfire

Dozens of Lakewood Ranch High School students spent the evening hanging out in front of a bonfire Oct. 6. The Lakewood cheerleading squad and marching band kept students entertained throughout the event, which was part of the school's Homecoming festivities.

  • East County
  • Schools
Matt Martin and Peter Carrier
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • October 1, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: McNeal Golf Outing

Parents and friends of McNeal Elementary hit the green for the school's annual golf tournament Oct. 1 at the Ritz-Carlton Members Club.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Austin Bruce and Jed Baran wore Asian-inspired costumes.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • October 1, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Primrose School Celebrating Cultures Day

Children at Primrose School of Lakewood Ranch brought some of the world's cultures to the East County during the annual Celebrating Cultures event Sept. 30. Each class studied a different culture, created authentic costumes and sang "It's a Small World" - much to the delight of parents and family members.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Golfers started play shortly after 1 p.m.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 24, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Gullett Golf Challenge

Golf enthusiasts turned out Sept. 24 to University Park Country Club for the third annual Gullett Golf Challenge benefiting Gullett Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization. Last year's event raised more than $34,000 for computers and other equipment for the school.

  • East County
  • Schools
Drew Clark, 7, couldn't wait for the hula-hoop contest.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 23, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Witt Sock Hop

Gene Witt Elementary School families donned their '50s best Sept. 23 for the school's annual Sock Hop. Attendees enjoyed pizza, dancing, a hula hoop contest, a silly sock contest and more as part of the festivities.

  • East County
  • News
Mara Falahee, Ava Knig and Sammi Jo Gaeta
    By
  • Loren Mayo
  • September 16, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: ODA Senior-Kindergarten Picnic

Out-of-Door Academy seniors traveled from Lakewood Ranch to ODA's Siesta Key campus Friday to meet up with their kindergarten buddies for a splendid picnic.

  • Siesta Key
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch senior soccer players Marissa Milko, Audrey Reinisch, Haley Martin, Kaitlin Deglman and Taylor Halligan made sure to get spaces next to each other.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 15, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Pavement Painting Party

Seniors at Lakewood Ranch High hit the pavement Sept. 13 to paint their designated parking spaces. The painting party is an annual tradition at Lakewood.

  • East County
  • News
Patti and Harry Smith have been attending Braden River Elementary’s Grandparents Day Luncheon ever year since their grandson, Alex Miller, started school.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 13, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: BRE Grandparents Luncheon

Braden River Elementary students enjoyed spending time with their grandparents during the school's annual Grandparents Day Luncheon Sept. 9.

  • East County
  • Schools
Student Cody Rivard got some help from his mom, Shannon. Photo courtesy of Alison Kendzior.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 13, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Bashaw Math Fair

Families at Bashaw Elementary School honed their math skills recently during the school's Math Fair Sept. 8.

  • East County
  • News
Nine-year-old Leila Parks spent time with her grandparents, Douglas and Elizabeth Durande, and her great-grandmother, Ursula Shanaghan.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 12, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: BRE celebrates grandparents

Students at Braden River Elementary School enjoyed spending time with their grandparents Sept. 9 in honor of Grandparent's Day.

  • East County
  • News
Sixteen-year-old Shelby Graves recited an emotional poem she wrote about keeping the porch light on for a firefighter father who died in the World Trade Center.
    By
  • Jen Blanco
  • September 10, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River High 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Students at Braden River High School learned the significance of Sept. 11, 2001 during a 10th anniversary memorial presentation Sept. 9. During the presentation, guest speakers and staff members shared stories of where they were when terrorist hijackers crashed commuter jets into New York City's World Trade Center and the Pentagon. A freedom bell rang throughout the ceremony, signaling significant events of the day. Following each bell, students with designated colored pieces of paper stood up to represent those who lost their lives. In addition, several students, including Shelby Graves, who father was one of the firefighters who lost his life, shared poems and stories they had written about Sept. 11.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
This year's show features intricate choreography from the color guard.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • September 10, 2011
PHOTO OF THE DAY: Dramatic Debut

The Lakewood Ranch High School Mustang Marching Band debuted its 2011 competition show, "The Greatest Generation," at halftime during the Mustangs' home opener against Southeast Sept. 9.

  • East County
  • Schools
The Overholt family came out in full force. Pictured are Thomas, Bethany, Isabella, Samuel and Julia.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • September 9, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Tara Ice Cream Social

Families at Tara Elementary School enjoyed a night of ice cream and socializing as the school hosted its annual "Welcome Back Ice Cream Social" Sept. 9. Attendees wore NFL attire to help the PTO in its effort to win a $10,000 grant from the NFL Play 60 program.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sara Vaught kept the Mustang fans on their feet throughout the game.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • September 2, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Lakewood Ranch fans

Lakewood Ranch's faithful fans took the green and silver on the road as the Mustangs faced East County rival Braden River Sept. 2 at Pirate Stadium. The Mustangs emerged victorious, defeating the Pirates 28-18.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Sarah Kinsey got a boost from a classmate so she could cheer on the Pirates from above.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • September 2, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River fans

Braden River fans donned their school colors to cheer on the Pirates as they faced East County rival Lakewood Ranch Sept. 2 at Braden River. The Pirates lost to the Mustangs 28-18.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
    By
  • Observer Staff
  • August 22, 2011
Manatee students return to school

More than 42,000 students returned to school to begin the 2011-12 school year in Manatee County.

  • East County
  • Schools
Black Pearls dancer Veronica Mahaney was excited to perform for her new classmates.
    By
  • Michael Eng
  • August 19, 2011
PHOTO GALLERY: Braden River High Freshmen Orientation

Braden River High School faculty welcomed its incoming freshmen with an orientation program Aug. 18. The program featured performances by the marching band, the River Rhapsody singers, the Black Pearls dance team and more. Administrators also discussed Braden River's rules and expectations with the Class of 2015.

  • East County
  • Neighbors
Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Liliana Ibarra called her summer internship in Washington, D.C., "amazing."
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 18, 2011
Ranch graduate returns from Capitol

Lakewood Ranch High School graduate Liliana Ibarra interned at the White House this summer.

  • East County
  • News
Orientation was held at the Lakewood Ranch pharmacy school today.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 16, 2011
LECOM welcomes new students

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy hosted orientation activities for its fifth class today.

  • East County
  • Schools
The preschool is accredited through the United Methodist Association of Preschools. Photo courtesy of Jose Morales.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 16, 2011
Preschool offers new hours

Lighthouse Kids Preschool will start new hours of operation on Monday.

  • East County
  • Schools
Pictured are Lakewood Ranch High School students Briana Nelson-Canty, Kiona Poyner, Miranda Lim, Christina Rothenberger and Micaela Figueroa.
    By
  • Pam Eubanks
  • August 12, 2011
FCCLA youths excel at nationals

Students from Lakewood Ranch and Southeast high schools and Braden River Middle School took honors at a recent conference in California

  • East County
  • Schools
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