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Schools aim for traditional graduation in July

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — In an effort to provide high school seniors a graduation that will be "as close to normal as possible," schools have pushed back in-person ceremonies to July. "The (seniors) wanted the opportunity to walk," School District of Indian River County Superintendent David Moore said in a Tuesday Facebook update, sitting by school paraphernalia for Sebastian River High School and Vero Beach High School. "I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday weekend than having the opportunity to stand on a stage, watch (seniors) walk across that stage and receive their diplomas." Now, graduation for Sebastian River will be held July 11, with another ceremony for Vero Beach on July 10, Schools spokesperson Cristen ...

‘It’s nerve-wracking’ – High school senior copes with virus concerns

VERO BEACH — Alicia Maneiro felt a rush of excitement when she stepped on the football field with her color guard team. The Vero Beach High School senior described the bond between the teammates as a "sisterhood" and a "big happy family." Performing alongside the Vero Beach "Fighting Indians" Marching Band is a memory that Maneiro will never forget. Maneiro, 17, of Vero Beach, said she also has a unique connection with her graduating senior class of 681 students. "I will miss the band, the teachers and the senior class," Maneiro said. "The teachers always make me feel like I can go to them and talk to them about anything. I always felt loved and nurtured." But, what was supposed ...

Man who led deputies on foot chase at VBHS: ‘Call the cops, arrest me’

VERO BEACH — A 28-year-old man who led deputies on a foot chase on a high school campus where a graduation ceremony was taking place nearby told authorities, "Call the cops, arrest me," reports show. The man was drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes outside of the Freshman Learning Center at Vero Beach High School, authorities said. Deputies arrested Brendan Thomas Madigan, of the 2100 block of 85th Court, on a variety of charges including disorderly intoxication, trespass on school property and resisting an officer without violence. He was released Saturday from the county jail on $4,000 bond. A deputy responded to complaints about 8 p.m. Friday of a suspicious man downing alcohol outside of the freshman learning center, 1507 19th Street. The ...