Florida Strawberry Festival queen Lauren Der and her court members say they are becoming fast friends as they prepare to represent the festival, strawberry industry and the community. ...more

January 22, 2009

Erica Der concedes she was a bit nervous for her younger sister. But Lauren Der - who prayed for God's strength - was at peace. ...more

January 21, 2009

A $175,000 state grant has turned into state-of-the-art equipment for a new charter school. ...more

January 21, 2009

Erica Der admits she was a bit nervous for her younger sister. But Lauren Der – who prayed for God's strength – was at peace. ...more

January 18, 2009

When Lauren Der was crowned Florida Strawberry Festival queen Saturday, she made pageant history. ...more

January 18, 2009

Highlands County Schools have a reason to be proud with the recent selection of the Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year at each campus and the district office. ...more

January 10, 2009

Shyness can be a normal and expected behavior, especially in new situations. ...more

December 22, 2008

When children get done decking the halls and tearing into toys, the state Department of Education recommends slipping them a book. ...more

December 19, 2008

Since the first Highlands County teacher earned her National Board certification in 2001, a steady increase of educators has joined the prestigious ranks, which with 11 newly certified teachers this year now totals 57. ...more

December 10, 2008

It was a little bit bouncing, a little bit waving, a little bit stepping and a whole lot of heart-pounding. ...more

December 3, 2008