One theme of this year's "American Idol" fits in with the economic downturn. It's the season of the hard-luck story. ...more

March 10, 2009

There's nothing for teenagers to do in Highlands County. Those words have become a mantra for some local teens, and an excuse for many to move away, in search of greener pastures after high school graduation. ...more

November 2, 2008

Every now and then we come across heartwarming stories of survival and beating the odds that put our own problems into perspective. Like that of Sebring High School junior Cody Breen. Breen looks like a regular kid. He plays the trumpet in the Sebring Marching Band and has dreams of graduating from high school and going to college. Just like many other kids his age. But when Breen wakes up, his days are shrouded in darkness like his nights. They have been ever since he was born. Breen has been blind since birth. Is Breen bitter about his congenital disability? No. ...more

November 27, 2007

SEBRING — Appearances aren't everything. Only after they were told, did some judges realize that a trumpeter in the Sebring High School Marching Band was blind. Junior Cody Breen marches and plays in formation so well that many in the audience never know he's been completely blind since birth. A guide shadows Breen on the field and corrects the trumpeter if he takes a wrong turn. "If I'm off a little bit, they'll put me in the right direction," said Breen. "I'm just trying to keep up with everybody else. The fun part is, I like surprises." ...more

November 27, 2007