Teachers, former students and concerned citizens showed up at the March 17 DeLand City Commission meeting with a request: Help us save Starke Elementary School.

The Volusia County School Board plans a final vote on its school-closing plan at a special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, March 31, in the DeLand High School auditorium, 800 N. Hill Ave.

DeLand Mayor Bob Apgar told citizens attending the commission meeting the city already has written to the School Board, expressing concern about eliminating "a neighborhood school and a focal point of activity for the Spring Hill area of DeLand."   more »

In the grand finale, lights and smoke attracted the audience's attention to the entrance of the auditorium as Manhattan High School's step team started its performance.
A celebration of dance and step brought members of the community together through MHS and Black Student Union's "Unity in the Community" event Friday night at the MHS West Campus.

The Fort Riley dance group Girls With a Future opened with a tribute to U.S. soldiers.
The women of Delta Sigma Theta and Alpha Kappa Alpha followed, incorporating stepping into skits that put emphasis on the historical background of the sororities.
"Having the greeks from K-State participate gives the show more "umph," said Jasmine Cook, president of MHSÕs BSU and captain of the step team at MHS. Alpha Phi Alpha members showed their support with a step-routine performance and an imitation of a scene from "You Got Served" to hype up the audience. Rap group High Poynt Studios changed the event's vibe. They came from Junction City to support the show's "Unity in the Community" theme.   more »