MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. ( WWSB ) - The Manatee County School District has named its finalists for the 2025 Educator of the Year and Educational Support Employee of the Year.

On Thursday, district administrators boarded a school bus dubbed the Excellence in Education Awards Prize Patrol, to travel to eight different schools to deliver the good news to the finalists and their students.

The finalists are:

Educator of the Year

Anna Maria Elementary School: Fifth grade teacher Nicole O’Neill. “Her leadership, creativity, and dedication make a powerful difference in students’ lives across Manatee County,” the district said on its website.

Braden River Middle School: Math teacher Kat Brown. “For 25 years, she has inspired Panthers through exceptional teaching, leadership, and passion for

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