Manatee Schools Honors Employees As ‘Champions Of Education’

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — The School District of Manatee County honors its teachers and support staff – including food service workers, bus drivers and custodians – for their dedication to students during the coronavirus pandemic as part of its “Champions of Education” initiative.

The program launched Monday and runs through March 12.

“Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, our educators and support employees have faced and met seemingly overwhelming obstacles and challenges to keep our schools open, to maintain teaching and learning, and to continue graduating seniors from our high schools,” Superintendent Cynthia Saunders said in a message shared to the district’s website Monday.

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The district shared a tribute video to teachers and staff, thanking them for their work during the ongoing pandemic. The video featured a version of “We Are the Champions” – with new lyrics – performed by Braden River High School’s band and choir and a kindergarten class at Barbara A. Harvey Elementary School, and messages of thanks from the superintendent, district administrators, school board members and district partners.

Throughout the video, images of teachers and support staff from schools across the district appeared on the screen.

Watch the complete tribute video below: