Olivia Clapcich - Mustangs Ahead
(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - New Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Assistant Principal Dr. Melissa Dowling returns to LRHS after 21 years, and in a different role.
Dowling graduated from LRHS in 2005 and was inspired to become an educator.
Dowling spent the first eight years of her career as a physical education coach at Bashaw Elementary and Head Softball Coach at Braden River High School. The last four years she has been a student support specialist at Braden River Elementary and Lake Manatee K-8.
Dowling started playing softball when she was 7 years old. She played varsity softball for LRHS from 2002-2005. When graduated she went on to play Division 1 Softball at Jacksonville State University and then professionally in Italy and Holland.
In 2019, Dowling was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame for LRHS. She still holds some records to this day.
Dowling is excited to be back at LRHS.
"It has been an absolute pleasure being back at Lakewood Ranch High School," she said. "Being a former student and now Assistant Principal has really been full circle. Lakewood Ranch was where I had some of the best moments of my life. I wouldn't want to be in any other place."
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Dowling attended LRHS when it was brand new. She was in the fifth graduating class and was a part of some of the core activities that still happen today. Dowling helped contribute to the first district championship for softball that the school ever won, along with the first undefeated season coached by Coach K.
Dowling was an officer in Student Government Association (SGA) and Quill and Scroll, as well as a Key Club member, and the faculty at the time honored her as a Senior Notable.
When new LRHS Principal Mike Mullen gave Dowling an opportunity to be a part of his staff and work alongside him and the rest of the administrative team she was ecstatic.
“I couldn't be happier to be back home.”
At LRHS, Dowling hopes to build strong, meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families to create a positive and supportive school community. She wants every student to know they are valued, capable, and encouraged to reach their full potential. One of her greatest goals is to inspire students to see the best in themselves, even when they may not yet recognize it.
"I look forward to helping students grow academically and socially while celebrating their unique strengths. Together, I hope we can foster a culture where every student feels empowered to succeed and pursue their goals with confidence," Dowling said.
Photo - Melissa Dowling