There’s a new gym in Sarasota. However, it’s not your typical gym, filled with treadmills and bench press machines. Ninja Squad Athletics is a Taekwondo gym where students of all ages can learn the Korean martial art under elite instruction. This Saturday, Ninja Squad Athletics will hold its Grand Opening, a free event featuring food, games, giveaways and prizes. Attendees will also be offered the chance to attend two weeks of classes at Ninja Squad Athletics free of charge.

Ninja Squad Athletics started in a garage, born from the passion of a mother, her son and his Taekwondo instructor. Owner Denise Nerland had enrolled her son Cooper in Taekwondo lessons a few years prior, watching a rambunctious four-year-old turn into a black belt in just under two years. More importantly, Taekwondo gave Cooper a sense of purpose–he found a way to channel the excess energy that can be found in many children. Instead of quarreling with his parents or sister, he would divert his attention to training.

Soon into Cooper’s Taekwondo career, however, his instructor Deven Rutland left the gym where Cooper was training. “When Deven left the dojo, it devastated my son. The students develop quite the relationship with their masters. I got a hold of him and he started coming over to train Cooper privately in my garage. He’d come over 2-3 times a week and train with him,” says Nerland. “I asked Deven about opening his own place. He told me that he could teach anybody Taekwondo, but he doesn’t know anything about opening or running a business. As luck would have it I know nothing about teaching kids Taekwondo but a lot about running a business.”

From there, Ninja Squad Athletics was born. The gym focuses on Olympic style Taekwondo training and while they do have a competitive team–with a couple students heading to Nationals this Summer–there is no incentive to compete. The classes are small, topping out at “an absolute max” of 20 students, with the focus on quality instruction and creating strong master-student relationships. With Ninja Squad Athletics, Nerland aims to create the type of environment where her son Cooper flourished–a place that welcomes all and pushes their students to become the very best version of themselves.

June 22, 12pm to 3pm, 4422 Bee Ridge Rd, Sarasota, 941-402-8833. 

Pictured: Master Deven Rutland trains students of all ages at Ninja Squad Athletics. Photo courtesy of Ninja Squad Athletics.

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Shannon Wynne, a fifth-grade teacher at Pine View School, was recently honored with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award for her selfless dedication to the development and growth of her students. Created by the Barancik Foundation in memory of Chuck and Margie Barancik, the Ripple Effect Award celebrates exceptional Sarasota County public school teachers and awards each with a $5,000 gift. Wynne’s journey into teaching is a heartfelt story of following in her mother’s footsteps. Her mother's passion and dedication to teaching at an elementary school left a lasting impression, leading Wynne to embrace the profession wholeheartedly. Wynne's love for working with children and witnessing their growth fuels her passion for teaching. She finds immense fulfillment in the excitement and energy that students bring to the classroom. Wynne's innovative approach to education is exemplified by her successful implementation of a TV studio at her previous school. She fondly recalls the vibrant atmosphere and the positive start to each day that the TV studio provided.

Upon joining Pine View, Wynne missed the TV studio experience and approached Dr. Covert, the principal at Pine View, with the idea of starting a similar program. Despite initial nervousness about the program's reception, Wynne's TV studio initiative received overwhelming support. The program became a beloved part of the school day, with teachers and students alike eagerly participating. “Every single morning, the kids come into the studio. We have two anchors, two people that do commercials, and people that are backstage while the cameras are running” describes Wynne. Wynne's role is primarily training the students, who eventually take full responsibility for the studio's operations. This sense of ownership and responsibility empowers the students, fostering their leadership and public speaking skills.

Reflecting on her journey, Wynne advises fellow educators to bring their passions into the classroom, whether through drama, public speaking, or other interests. She emphasizes the importance of connecting these passions to academic subjects, creating engaging and enriching student learning experiences. “Doing the TV Studio not only allows for public speaking opportunities but also leadership opportunities. Kids who might be a little shy would work backstage and in a year, those same kids would become great leaders teaching others how to use the equipment,” says Wynne.

Shannon Wynne's story is a testament to the profound impact that dedicated teachers can have on their students. Her innovative TV studio initiative not only enhances public speaking and leadership skills but also creates a vibrant and supportive school community. Wynne's recognition with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award highlights her exceptional educational contributions and unwavering commitment to her students' success. 

Pictured: Shannon Wynne (center) was surprised with the Ripple Effect Teacher Award during a live broadcast of Pine View News. Photo courtesy of the Barancik Foundation.

About 60 Latino high school students enrolled in a college preparation program organized by UnidosNow, a local community organization, are spending almost two weeks of their summer at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee learning what it might be like to attend USF, the region’s only preeminent global research university. The students are part of UnidosNow’s Future Leadership Academy, described on the group’s website as “a rigorous year-round program focused on addressing the disparity in college enrollment of low-income, first-generation Latinx high school students and their families in Sarasota and Manatee counties.” Sarasota-Manatee campus leaders, including Regional Chancellor Karen Holbrook and Brett Kemker, regional vice chancellor academic affairs and student success; Darren Gambrell, director of student success; and Clara Buie, USF’s assistant vice president for student success in Tampa, gave the students an enthusiastic welcome, before other members of the faculty and staff led students on tours of the campus. Kemker noted that about 20% of the students at USF Sarasota-Manatee are of Hispanic/Latino origin, and many are the first in their families to attend college. “We provide the best support to each and every student,” Kemker told the students. “Take the tour and feel the vibe. This can be your home.” Holbrook touted for the students the myriad academic options available to them on all three USF campuses, including more than 40 majors in various fields at Sarasota-Manatee, and the benefits of attending college close to their homes. “And if you don’t want to be at home, we have this beautiful new residence hall,” Holbrook said while pointing out the window to the new Student Center and Atala Residence Hall that will open in August. Students saw the outside of the building and just about everything else that is part of campus life for students, including the Bloomberg Lab, the Bullpen, the café and the renovated and expanded fitness center. They also heard from Brandon McLeod, the campus director for USF World, who described the various opportunities for USF students to study abroad in dozens of countries on six continents. The students will spend almost two weeks at the Sarasota-Manatee campus learning about various facets of a campus life at USF and participating in other programs and training that are part of the Future Leadership Academy. 

Sarasota County Schools is pleased to announce the following new Principals: Mrs. Marya Annicelli – the current Assistant Principal of Gocio Elementary – has been appointed as the new Principal of Emma E. Booker Elementary, effective Monday, July 1, 2024. Mrs. Michelle Giddens – the current Assistant Principal at Lakeview Elementary – has been appointed as the new Principal of Lakeview Elementary, effective Monday, June 24, 2024. Ms. Jessica Fuesy – currently an Assistant Principal at Riverview High – has been appointed as the new Principal of Laurel Nokomis School, effective Monday, July 1, 2024. 

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The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime will be open this Saturday after hours from 5-7pm. After torrential flooding and a hard week of cleaning, The Bazaar is more sparkling than ever.  Suzanne Lucas and the Hot Boys will be performing on the outdoor stage from 5:30-8:30. Come for dinner, shopping and dance the night away. The Bazaar is home to over 40 artists, makers, creators,  curators and Hamlet’s Eatery. Regular hours are Thursday - Saturday 10-3. Located at 821 apricot Ave in Sarasota. For more information visit www.BazaaronApricotandLime.com. 

The Sarasota Sharks, in partnership with Visit Sarasota County , will host their 2024 Sharks Open at the Selby Aquatic Center June 20-23rd. Sanctioned by USA Swimming, this preliminary/finals event will lure over 500 young competitors and visitors from across the U.S. and Canada for a chance to see and experience Sarasota County, while competing for gold during the Sharks’ annual meet. Coinciding with the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials for the 2024 Paris Games, the Sarasota Sharks have seen tremendous growth within its team, in addition to rising demand by more prominent college and club teams to compete at their facilities in Sarasota County. More information about the event can be viewed below and here: www.sarasotasharks.org.