Alongside them, eight college students are seeing their scholarships renewed, recognition for their ongoing efforts to bring empathy, inclusion, and kindness to their communities. These students have played a part in EOD’s Coexistence Clubs, leading projects and conversations that make their schools more welcoming places.

This year’s scholarship winners include Madelyn Francolini from Venice High School, who’s headed to the University of Pittsburgh to study applied developmental psychology. Madelyn spent over two years with the Coexistence Club, and she points to Venice Elementary School’s Bucket Fillers Reading Day as a turning point for her. She says moments like these taught her that being a “bucket filler” means stepping up, sometimes out of her comfort zone, to spread kindness in real ways.

Taylor Humphrey, graduating from Booker High School, is Florida International University-bound, where she plans to study nursing. After four years with her school’s Coexistence Club, Taylor credits the group with helping her connect with different people and building her confidence to turn good intentions into real action.

The third high school recipient, Abigail Lauber from Riverview High School, will study psychology at the University of South Florida. Abigail spent four years with her Coexistence Club and says she witnessed firsthand how a single act of kindness can change someone’s entire outlook.

These three new scholars join eight others who are continuing their college journeys with EOD’s support:

Bryson Day graduated from Venice High and is now a junior studying mechanical engineering at the University of South Florida. Bryson says he’s learned to respect others’ perspectives, and that staying true to EOD’s ideals shapes how he interacts with those around him.

Kennedy Flatch (Riverview High School) and Melissa Graham (Riverview High School) are both juniors at Florida State University, one pursuing marketing, the other in biological sciences. 

Max Hunter, a Venice High alum, is now a sophomore at FSU studying risk management.

Melora Saing from Booker High is studying biology as a sophomore at the University of Florida. 

Kasey-Huong Nguyen, another Venice graduate, is now a senior at UF, focusing on nutritional sciences.

Lucia Warren, from Booker, is a senior at USF majoring in marketing. Lucia says walking among EOD’s public art exhibits still reminds her how vital it is to try understanding experiences different from her own.

Finally, Mateo Rizzo, also from Booker, is a senior at UF studying aerospace engineering. He shares that embracing differences has become a way of life for him, a practice that’s made him a better teammate, leader, and person.

Patrick Arthur Jackson, EOD’s vice president of learning and engagement, says the scholarship program celebrates students taking action to make their communities more compassionate. He sees a real impact: “These students don’t just carry EOD’s values—they turn them into everyday habits. Watching them carry this forward into college and beyond, influencing the people around them, is what inspires us most.”

Coexistence Clubs now exist at many local schools, including Booker, North Port, Venice, Sarasota, and Riverview High School, Imagine North Port, Suncoast Polytech, and Woodland Middle School. These clubs anchor EOD’s educational programs, with students leading service projects, sparking dialogue, and building more inclusive communities.

For over two decades, Embracing Our Differences has centered its work around an outdoor art exhibition that voices messages of respect and acceptance. This annual event is the heartbeat of a slate of year-round programs, using art to inspire new thinking and bring people together.

Embracing Our Differences is a nonprofit that celebrates and uplifts our individuality and common humanity through art and education. Their annual juried art exhibition and educational initiatives give teachers, students, and the community tools to build understanding and acceptance. 

To learn more about Embracing Our Differences, visit their website or call 941-404-5710. More information is available at embracingourdifferences.org.

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Some people love to dance. Others just love the music; the energy, the rhythm, the feeling that comes with great dance tunes. Either way, this concert has something for you.

The night kicks off with the bold Spanish flair of “España Cañí,” one of the most iconic paso dobles ever written. The band keeps that Spanish heat going with “Spanish Fever,” packed with drum set solos, and “Libertango,” spotlighting soprano saxophone soloist Vince Loose. The flute section steps into the limelight during “Fiesta for Flutes,” and you’ll hear a fresh arrangement of Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana” which is always a crowd-pleaser.

Switching gears, the band dives into the classical side of dance with “Cake Walk,” a lively, syncopated piece with roots on pre-Civil War plantations. Originally called the “prize walk,” dancers competed for a lavishly decorated cake. This number practically begs your feet to move.

Waltz lovers don’t miss George Bizet’s graceful “Menuet,” featuring flute soloist Mary Duer.

Broadway fans get their due with two showstoppers: “Mambo” from West Side Story and “Shall We Dance” from The King and I.

Before the music starts and during intermission, resident artist Wayne Ramirez will display his artwork, including a painting of a dancing couple featured on the concert program.

Mark your calendar for February 23. This is a concert you won’t want to miss. Tickets go on sale February 9 at 10:00 AM. Buy them online at www.VeniceConcertBand.com or in person at the Venice Performing Arts Center box office from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. You can also pick up tickets the night of the show for $17 cash at the box office. Even if the official box office sells out, people often have extra tickets available at the door.

The post Venice Concert Band Presents “Dance with Me” at Venice Performing Arts Center, Feb 23, 7 p.m. appeared first on Englewood Review.

On February 3, someone reported to school officials that a student had a weapon. Administrators moved quickly, working with law enforcement to locate and remove the firearm. Principal Zoltan Kerestely told families that everyone on campus was safe and said there was never an ongoing threat.

The next day, Kerestely sent another message, calling it “a serious safety incident.” He said the situation happened because some staff didn’t follow the established safety protocols, allowing the weapon onto school grounds. An investigation later confirmed that members of the school support team failed to do their jobs correctly. “This should not have happened and is unacceptable,” Kerestely said.

Authorities also arrested the student’s mother, Amber Dawn Strong, 45. According to a probable cause affidavit, she told a deputy the firearm was hers and that she’d left it inside a laptop bag in her daughter’s room. The sheriff’s office said Strong was arrested on February 3 for violating pretrial release conditions in a domestic violence case. She hadn’t turned over her firearm as required. Police seized the weapon.

Kerestely said the school has fixed the security lapse and is taking all necessary disciplinary actions. District security advisers are now on campus, and staff will undergo mandatory safety training as the school reviews and strengthens its supervision procedures.

Venice High’s principal emphasized that Sarasota County Schools enforces a zero-tolerance policy for weapons. He thanked the students who spoke up and the staff who responded when they saw something was wrong.

The 15-year-old faces a charge of possessing a firearm on school property.

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Houston, who helped lead Venice High to multiple deep playoff runs before heading to Wake Forest University, has long been regarded as one of the top defensive infielders in the country. Known for his lightning-quick reflexes and leadership on and off the field, the 21-year-old cemented his first-round status after a breakout junior season at Wake Forest, where he hit .354 with 15 home runs and 19 stolen bases.

A hometown favorite and two-time All-State selection in high school, Houston’s rise has been closely followed by the Venice baseball community, which has produced a number of collegiate and professional players in recent years.

The Twins cited Houston’s advanced glove, arm strength and mental maturity as key factors in their selection. “We believe Marek has all the tools to stay at shortstop long-term,” said Twins scouting director Sean Johnson. “His background and work ethic are a big part of that.”

Houston is expected to begin his professional career just a few hours north in Fort Myers with the Twins’ Low-A affiliate, keeping the Florida native close to home—at least for now.

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