In the spring, hurricane students bid Principal Scarborough adieu as she took on the new, challenging role of the district’s executive director of secondary schools. Although faculty and the student body were going to miss her, they also knew she was more than qualified for this role and would be an asset to the district’s education team. Temporarily filling in as interim principal was Mr. Hall, who made the transition go as smoothly as possible. Entering the new year, students had no clue who would be responsible for upholding the pillars of tradition, honor, and excellence.  

Introducing Principal Shannon Fleming: Manatee High alumnus, former Sugarcane dancer, forever ‘Cane proud has stepped up to the plate. Fleming comes from experience in the field as director of secondary curriculum in the district, but prior to that she served as a math teacher, math program specialist, and as Booker High’s assistant principal, but evidently she could not stay away from her alma mater for long. 

“As they say, ‘’Cane pride never dies!’ I had an amazing four years here, and I am just excited to be back and serve as principal.” 

Moira Corbett took the time to interview the new figure.  

Principal Fleming is committed to instilling a sense of school pride in students: “…we are really lucky because there is a lot to be prideful about here at Manatee… we have to continue finding things for people to be excited about.” She continues to speak of bringing awareness to student involvement in extracurriculars and sports on campus, as there are more opportunities available to students than ever, which is no small feat.  

Fleming expresses that she understands societal changes will influence a school’s needs. She is committed to making these changes and making decisions about changes after listening to what is needed and wanted from both students and staff she wants to be a problem solver she doesn’t want to take things on her by herself and it is clear that she understands that although she is ahead of the school she is a part of a team. She believes collaboration is how projects will get done. 

Moreover, on societal changes, Corbett noted that with the dawn of social media, and exponential rise in social media screen time that a high rate of adolescents deal with some form of mental health issue in high school. In response to this quote, Flemming addressed the accessibility of mental health professionals on campus who can help. She claims that she and the staff are committed to tackling this growing problem. 

“[M]aking this campus a place where students want to be… and finding ways we can continue to give students that sense of belonging so that if they are struggling with something they have somebody that they can reach out to” are initiatives of Fleming this and every academic year. 

With goals for the betterment of extracurriculars, academics, and student well-being, the future of Manatee is bright with Principal Fleming to light the way.