Countdown to the start of the DeSoto Heritage Festival with the Children's Parade!
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Haley is the 18 year old daughter of Eric and Tammy Geraldson of Bradenton. She has blonde hair, brown eyes and is a lifelong resident and 3rd generation Manatee County native. She is a 2012 graduate of Manatee High School where she was actively involved in a wide range of school activities, earning many awards and scholarships. Haley is a 10-year classically-trained ballet dancer and also enjoys reading, fishing, Bikram yoga and spending time with her family and friends. Currently Haley is attending the State College of Florida, where she is working towards an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. After graduation, she would like to travel the world and experience firsthand its diverse culture and nature.
Madison is the 19 year old daughter of Maryrose Martin and the late David Brown. She has blonde hair, green eyes and is a 2012 graduate of Dr. Earl J. Lennard High School. Her hobbies include hunting whitetail deer, saltwater fishing, line dancing, horseback riding, horticulture and spending quality time with friends and family. Madison attends Hillsborough Community College where she is working towards her Associates in Science Degree, and then plans to transfer to the University of Florida to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Management in Agricultural and Natural Resources.
Brianna is the 18 year old daughter of Angelo and Deborah DiTommaso. She has auburn hair, brown eyes and is a 2013 graduate of Manatee High School. Her hobbies include dancing, boating and crafting. Brianna currently attends the State College of Florida, and in the future she plans to continue her education at Auburn University to study Veterinary Medicine.
Stephanie is the 21 year old daughter of Rory and Jennifer MacConnell. She has dark blonde hair, blue eyes and is a 2010 graduate of Braden River High School. She enjoys swimming, crafting and baking. Stephanie attends the University of South Florida pursuing a master’s degree in Elementary Education with hopes to become an Elementary School Teacher in Manatee County.
Melissa is the 19 year old daughter of Thomas and Pamela McFall. She has brown hair, brown eyes and is a 2013 graduate of Braden River High. Her hobbies include volunteering and reading. Melissa is attending the University of South Florida and in the future, plans to transfer and further her education at the University of Central Florida, where she will obtain a Masters Degree in Industrial Psychology. Later, she would like to pursue a doctorate degree, and her dream job is to become a professor and teach at a university.
Kara is the 19 year old daughter of Barbara Varnadore. She has brown hair, brown eyes and is a 2013 graduate of Palmetto High School. Her hobbies include cooking, working with animals and photography. Kara currently studies at Manatee Technical Institute, where she is enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program. Her future plans are to travel and experience culinary diversities, eventually becoming a chef in a five-star restaurant.
Jerocoiya is the 20 year old daughter of Jerome and Stephanie Waiters. She has brown hair, brown eyes and is a 2013 graduate of Bradenton Christian School. Her hobbies include playing the trumpet and dancing modern ballet. Currently Jerocoiya is attending the State College of Florida, and plans to transfer and further her education at Florida State University, where she will obtain a Doctorate Degree and become a Nurse Practitioner.
Brianne is the 21 year-old daughter of Terry and Kimlyn Wilson. She has blonde hair, blue eyes and is a 2011 graduate of Manatee High School. While in high school she was a member of FCCA, played (and won awards) for the volleyball team, and was actively involved in an outreach program for Bradenton’s homeless. Currently Brianne is attending the State College of Florida. Her hobbies include acting, art, yoga and volleyball. In her spare time she enjoys painting, drawing, yoga and acting. With her acting she also recently had the opportunity to play a part in an independent film produced in Washington, D.C. In the future she has plans to continue her education, obtaining a Business Degree and then seeing where that leads her.
Hannah is the 19 year-old daughter of Zeke and Kelly Eckersen. She has blonde hair, blue eyes and is a 2013 graduate of Lakewood Ranch High School. While in high school she was a Bright Future’s Medallion recipient, a 3-year Varsity Cheerleader and Co-Captain, a 2-year All-American Cheerleader, a Senior Yearbook staff member, a member of the Junior and Senior Advisory Board, and a Student Aide for children with special needs. Her hobbies include gymnastics, anything outdoors, and reading. When she has spare time Hannah volunteers for Florida Blood Services, Students Working Against Tobacco, and is a board member of the Justin Rowland Foundation. In the future she has plans to get her degree in Biological Science from Florida State University, then return to Manatee County to begin her career as a Physician’s Assistant at a local hospital.
