COLUMN: Prizeweek is gone; SunPreps event is set

Sometimes, when my kid has been out of the house for a few days, the family cat starts looking at me with accusing eyes.

“Where is she? You idiot … where is my kid?” the cat states as it meows.

I’m pretty good at translating cat. My ferret-language skills are iffy.

So, as you scan today’s paper and can’t find Prizeweek Puzzle, it has been officially retired. We know some people look forward to it, and I apologize for its ending. The creators literally retired.

We have added a new crossword puzzle in its place, but I know there was a genuine interactive experience with Prizeweek Puzzle, and we are looking into ways to recreate that — just not with my family cat.

Speaking of interactive, the SunPreps All-Area Athletes is set for June 6 with doors opening at 6 p.m. at North Port High School. Free tickets are now available for families of athletes involved.

Those involved can go to our website (www.yoursun.com), click on the fancy-fancy All-Area Athletes Award banner where they can download and save their free tickets to their cellphones or scan a QR code that will send them to the site.

Our annual event is going to honor the best student-athletes from our area schools, including DeSoto County, Imagine, Port Charlotte, Lemon Bay, Charlotte, Venice and North Port.

North Port High, you likely know, is the home of the Bobcats. I assume I can translate bobcat. It’s not that far off of domesticated cat.

The All-Area Athlete awards are always inspiring events showcasing, obviously, athletic excellence — but there are also always amazing stories behind the teenagers. You never know all the behind-the-scenes, but you’ll get a glimpse and see a little grit goes a long way.

Having been here the better part of a decade, I would have thought I would have found a “favorite” high school team, but it hasn’t happened. Part of that is professional and being an adult, but I’ve also had an opportunity to talk to kids and educators from almost all the area schools and each has its cool stories.

Speaking of cool stories, if you know of one, let me know. Or if you know of a story that we haven’t covered, let me know. I’m always here for a news tip. You can email me direct at scott.lawson@yoursun.com or call me at 941-429-3002.