Cate Kitcher- Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL)- Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Class of 2026 graduated at LECOM Park on Monday.

The class of 2026 had 567 graduates. They were instructed to arrive at 6:30 to receive their name cards and their seating arrangement from teachers.

Guests were greeted by LRHS Principal Dustin Dahlquist.  Then three Mustang graduates gave speeches- Zachariah Kersey, Julia Vendramini, and Madison Goodwin. They each left the audience with a message or a quote.

Goodwin stated, “People matter. The way we treat others matters.”

Kersey said, “If there’s one thing high schools taught me, its that life doesn’t move in a straight line.”

Julia Vendramini added, “Continue to look from the valley and recognize it because it will teach you lessons the mountaintops never could.”

Graduates were feeling many emotions finishing out their high school career.

Valeria Para, 2025-26 “Mustangs Ahead” Podcast Editor said, “This feels unreal and bittersweet. I am excited for what’s to come but leaving everything behind makes me want to cry. Wishing everyone luck.”

Jacob Cunningham added, “I'm so glad to be done. School was a blast.”

This night is not only important to the graduates but also to the teachers.

LRHS history teacher Brian Ross said, “One of my favorite nights of the year for us as the staff. This is the last group of freshmen I taught, so this is extra sweet for me."

Spanish teacher Ivana Klammer stated, “It’s exciting to see kids that’s I’ve known since freshman graduate… it’s very moving.”

LRHS administration expressed how happy they were to see all of their students graduate as well as wishing them luck in the future.

Assistant Principal Thomas Bellantonio said, “I absolutely love this event because it is a culmination of our students and their accomplishments at a pivotal moment when they reach adulthood. It is exciting to know that there are so many options waiting for them and it’s my favorite event by far.”