The Servant Leader…
Hope. A small word with life-changing power—and it’s what Tim Pedon has dedicated his life to sharing. As a Program Specialist at Volunteers of America…
The World is Her Oyster
As I reached out to family, friends, and colleagues for a quote about Eleni Sokos for this article, it became clear very quickly that she is well respected…
Stock-Full of Potential!
Think about your life: every success you’ve celebrated, every hurdle you’ve overcome. Chances are, you only got there because someone helped you—a teacher, mentor…
All in This Together!
At just 10 months old, Liam’s world looks a little different from other babies in his child care group. While his peers babble, interact, crawl, and scoot, Liam…
MCYC 2025…
February 1st was no ordinary Saturday for Manatee County’s early childhood educators. The Manatee Conference on Young Children (MCYC), with its 300 attendees…
More than a League
Under bright gym lights, a team forms a perfect circle, arms outstretched like spokes in a wheel. The coach crouches low. “Your effort matters more than…
Stronger than a Hurricane
Once you’ve lived in Florida long enough, you likely don’t bother with daily weather updates. From May to November, it’s hot, with those predictable 4 p.m…
Aktion Packed!
Margaret J. Wheatley once said, “There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.” In the heart of Manatee County…
Goodness Will Prevail…
When I sat down to chat with Maribeth Phillips, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee (MOW), she was in the midst of handling their Stuff The Bus event, providing meals…
A Kickoff to Literacy!
Who says the most exciting plays happen on the field? Tampa Bay Buccaneer #95 C.J. Brewer traded the playbook for a storybook as he promoted literacy at The Bishop…
Little Minds, Big Adventures!
In a lively preschool classroom, excited children gather around a tub of water. Four-year-old Jackson grips a shiny metal spoon. “What do you think, friends—will it sink…
The Goals That Matter Most!
For nearly five decades, the Manatee Area Youth Soccer Organization (MAYSO) has been more than just a soccer program—it’s been a community where kids thrive…
The Pride of Palmetto
The Honorable Shirley Groover Bryant, Mayor of Palmetto, has called the city home her entire life. As the youngest of six, Mayor Shirley, as most locals…
From Bradenton to Barcarrota…
My name is Robyn Bell, and this year, I had the honor of being selected for the Dr. Art Engelhard Student Exchange Program. This program, offered through the Hernando…
Building Brighter Futures!
In the Outpatient Pediatric Therapy clinic of Manatee Memorial Hospital (MMH), you’ll see children at play. Board games and puzzles, climbing frames and…


















