Marion schools recognize National Merit finalists, 'We the People' participants and teacher grant winners

The Marion County School Board meeting on March 11 opened with recognitions for students and community partners.

Four students were introduced as 2025 National Merit finalists: Cody Lou of Forest High School and three students from Vanguard High School: Sanjay Kartlik, Angelina (last name not specified on the record) and Rachel Milbrandt. Dr. Brewer and Dr. Prueter introduced the finalists; the board invited the students and their principals forward for recognition. Board members said they planned to take a photo with the students and congratulated them as they await scholarship notifications in May.

The board also recognized elementary teams selected to participate in We the People — a civics curriculum that includes simulated congressional hearings. Students and coaches from College Park, South Ocala, Saddlewood, Maplewood and Oakcrest Elementary Schools were acknowledged. The district thanked longtime volunteers Buddy Oswald and Cissy McMillan for coaching and sustaining the program.

Finally, the Ocala Marion County Association of Realtors presented $10,000 in classroom grants. The group said it has awarded classroom grants since 2004 and broke awards into tiers ($250, $500, $750 and $1,000) this year so more teachers could be funded. Dozens of teachers from multiple schools were listed as grant recipients in the board packet.

Ending: The board highlighted the May 22 date for the We the People simulated congressional hearing and encouraged continued community support for classroom-level grants and civic education.