MTI to host 9/11 remembrances and blood drive

(Bradenton, FL—September 6, 2013) Manatee Technical Institute will honor the American spirit in remembrance of 9/11 at both the Main and East Campuses on Wednesday, September 11.

EAST CAMPUS:  MTI East and the Lakewood Ranch Community Activities group will co-host the annual community gathering from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. around the flagpole at the East Campus. Guest speaker Garrett Lindgren, survivor and Vice President of the Retired Fire Fighters from 9/11, will share with MTI students, Lakewood Ranch neighbors and community leaders a meaningful message on how EMT, public safety and security is not a routine daily occupation.  MTI East is located at 5520 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.  For more information, contact Lori Basilone, Director, LWR Community Activities, at 941-757-1530.

MAIN CAMPUS:  The MTI Main Campus remembrance will take place at the new campus on State Road 70 East.  SkillsUSA students will hold the remembrance in Cantrell Hall from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Florida One Blood donor relations administrator Dan Eberts will be the guest speaker.  Student Victor Phelps, a retired 27-year Army Veteran and Commander of the newly formed MTI Veterans Association, Gamma Iota Xi, will be the master of ceremonies.  The GIX student members will serve as the honor guard for the remembrance.  MTI alumna and staffer Luisa Betancourt will lead the Pledge of Allegiance; Betancourt became Naturalized U.S. Citizen earlier this year.  The event includes an audio-visual presentation and recognition of students, staff and family who have served their country.  MTI Main is located at 6305 State Road 70 East in front of Braden River High School.

BLOOD DRIVE: The Main Campus remembrance will be followed by a blood drive on the 11th and 12th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The community is encouraged to donate blood.  Each donation saves three lives. For more information on the blood drive, contact MTI instructor and SkillsUSA advisor Kelly Ewing at 751-7900, ext. 1107.