Agenda Item #7
Title
Palmetto Rowing Crew - p.13
Executive Summary
As the Bradenton Sarasota area has rapidly developed into the winter training home of some of the nation's best collegiate rowing teams, Palmetto High School has started its own rowing team, the first in our District. Kenneth Ansbro, the Athletic Director of Palmetto High, has been the driving force behind the establishment of this team.
The team practices at Fort Hamer Park, which has allowed Palmetto's rowers to talk with and learn from the Harvard and Northeastern rowers who practice there, particularly about the large number of scholarship opportunities available to rowers. Head Coach Trish Jackson has competed at the Masters National and World Rowing Masters. She recently led the team to compete in the State Championships at Benderson Park in Sarasota.
Among the supporters of the Palmetto rowing team is television star Jane Lynch, who plays Sue Sylvestor in the Fox network show, Glee. Ms. Lynch donated over $15,000 in ERG equipment to the Palmetto team. ERGs allow students to practice their rowing on dry land. Ms. Lynch and her companion Lara Embry have committed to participating in a large fundraiser for the team on May 14, the First Annual Chopper Dropper Fundraiser in Parrish, sponsored by Rive Isle, River Wilderness, and L'il Critters Vitamins. The team hopes to raise funds to purchase more shells (boats), blades (oars), and ERGS (rowing machines). To find out more about the fundraiser, go to Palmetto High School's web site and click on their outstanding Online Newspaper, The Prowl.
Palmetto High School's rowing team has engaged in goal setting and demonstrated enthusiasm for learning as they pursue their dream of a world class rowing team.
Angela Essig, Director of Secondary Education, will introduce Palmetto High School Athletic Director Kenneth Ansbro, Coach Trish Jackson, Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie, Dave Gustafson, Manatee County Project Manager, and members of the Palmetto High School rowing team.
Recommendation
No action is required by the Board.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact to the Board.
Contact
Secondary Education
Angela A. Essig/wl
05/09/11