Back to school is less than a week away in Manatee County and Wednesday teachers were being celebrated by receiving generous checks.
With tight back to school budgets, local organizations gave out grants at The Ready For School Rally held at Bayshore High School where 222 teachers received grants.
One of those teachers was Brendan Murphy. Murphy is the theatre teacher at Bayshore High School. He said that his $500 check will go a long way for his students. Murphy said when the students have “real costumes,” it gives them confidence.
“It changes how they do things. Changes how they feel and gives them more confidence when they are on stage. So having professional quality stuff is a great thing for our kids here at Bayshore,” he said.
Junior Christopher Patrick and senior Abel Blanco agree.
“The cloths, the masks, the head wear and seeing what role will fit me and how I feel comfortable in that character,” said Patrick.
“It makes me feel like I am the character when I am in it,” said Blanco.
But costumes and masks are expensive said Murphy.
“Professional masks through the theater can run anywhere from $80 up to$300," he said.
Through the grant funding Murphy will be ordering professional renaissance costumes.
Bayshore High School junior Andrew Brady films and edits the plays. Brady said professional costumes make his video also look professional and that may help him get into a good college.
“I’m building up a great portfolio and I have absolutely no doubt that I will be able to get into a college when I apply,” he said.
Bayshore High School will use the new costumes in several productions this year including Star Wars in Shakespearian Iambic Pentameter and Homeless Hamlet.