Lakewood Ranch sophomore wins America250FL essay contest
Lakewood Ranch High School sophomore Jorja Lowe won the America250FL essay contest for her submission, “Henry B. Plant’s Foundations of Patriotism and Prosperity.” Her essay discussed Plant’s Florida railroad system and his steamship line linking Florida and Cuba. The statewide contest is part of Florida’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Lowe intends to study corporate law at Florida State University or the University of Miami.
MTC to receive classroom robot
The Manatee County School Board accepted a donation of a Fanuc CR-15iA Collaborative Robot from Polypack Inc. for use in the Manatee Technical College Advanced Manufacturing program. The robot, valued at $37,500, is designed for a variety of applications including assembly, dispensing, part transfer, picking, packaging and machine loading. The CR-15iA features a small footprint, allowing it to easily fit into the classroom and will support MTC in its mission to produce highly skilled individuals and resourceful leaders through collaborative education to meet the changing needs of our communities and the workforce.
School board approves $1.5 million for theater stage lighting
Manatee High School and Braden River High School will receive $1.5 million in upgraded theater stage lighting and controls over the next three years as the budget allows under a June 23 vote by the Manatee County School Board. Electronic Theatre Controls will provide the lighting for theatrical productions.