School briefs

Lee student named Young Innovator at competition

BRADENTON -- Lillianna Van Germert, a seventh-grader at Lee Middle School, was one of 10 finalists for a University of South Florida Young Innovator competition in the Tampa Bay area.

More than 700 students in grades K-8 submitted entries.

The USF Young Innovator competition was held Feb. 11 at the University of South Florida in Tampa. The competition celebrates innovation and entrepreneurship in young students.

Van Germert's invention, "Aluminum for Tickets," provides money and services to the homeless in exchange for aluminum recycling. Her invention "prevents aluminum from decomposing in landfills, saves energy, and provides a helping hand to the ever-increasing homeless population by giving them a chance to change their lives and the community through recycling."

Her system deposits 25 cents on an Aluminum for Tickets card for each pound of recycled aluminum they recycle.

Information about "Aluminum for Tickets: 941-727-6500, ext. 2046.

Manatee students compete at health competition

BRADENTON -- Manatee County students are preparing for a state conference in Orlando on health occupations.

Students in the Health Occupations Students of America organizations at Manatee County middle and high schools competed Feb. 4 in regionals. Qualifiers head to state competition in April, followed by a national competition in Nashville, Tenn.

Twenty-four King Middle School students placed in the top five of their events -- the largest group of state conference qualifiers in school history.

Manatee Technical College students won 15 gold, seven silver, and a third- fourth- and fifth-place medal in the college-level competitions.

HOSA is a career-centered national organization for students who want to be health professionals.

-- Herald staff reports

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "School briefs ."