Ted Wright 

    I was born at a young age in the sprawling metropolis of St. Petersburg, Fl. At the age of six my family moved to Bartow where we attended First UMC. I attended Bartow Elementary (now Bartow Elementary Academy) through the sixth grade and then moved on to Union Academy Jr High for 7th (now called Union Academy Magnet Middle School), went to Bartow Jr. High for 8th and 9th (now called Bartow Middle School.) and finished out my illustrious educational experience at Bartow High School (now called Bartow High School) in 1995.
    The next phase in my life began when I left to attend the University of Florida (Go Gators!) With the firm foundation I received from my home church and my family I was able to make the transition. While there I attended University UMC. My sophomore year I was asked to serve on the Upper Room Staff. As part of that program I, along with nine others, served the needs of the Church and Student Center doing everything from cleaning the facilities to leading worship. For 2 1/2 years I was blessed to serve with some of the closest friends I have ever made.
 In 1999 I graduated from UF and did what any grad with a degree in History would do: I moved back home and became a Youth Director. While I have always felt the presence of God in my life, I feel is strong presence working through me as the Youth Director of the Church that laid such a firm foundation in my Christian Walk.