
When your budget gets the thumbs-up! Big Bank Theory is kicking off its 2026-2027 season.
Students are putting their budgeting skills to the test as they make real-life choices about housing, transportation, food, insurance and more. It’s an interactive way to turn financial literacy into a real-life learning experience.
Want to learn more and join the Manatee Chamber of Commerce as a volunteer? Visit https://www.manateechamber.com/BigBank/

Their uplifting celebration resonated with the community, and a video from the Lakewood Ranch Touchdown Club received nearly 30K views on the school district Facebook page.
On Friday, we surprised Coach Paravicini with the news that he was chosen as the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews Champion for September. His ability to remain dedicated to students while navigating such a challenging journey is a testament to his inspiring resilience.
Thanks to all our community partners who support the Good News initiative by donating gift cards and other goodies, including Detwiler's Farm Market.


The School District of Manatee County is joining our community partners, CareerSource Suncoast and RI5E, to host a High School Student Job Fair to inspire, equip, and launch the next generation into successful careers and leadership opportunities.
Students, ages 14 and older, are invited to join their families at Manatee Technical College - Main Campus, located at 6305 State Road 70 East from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
About RI5E: Founded by Adrian McPherson, a Manatee County native and Southeast High School graduate, RI5E empowers youth and young adults through leadership development, academic support, financial literacy, workforce preparation, mentorship, athletics, and exposure to educational and career opportunities.
Register today: https://form.jotform.com/CareerSource/the-launchpad-student-registration


The FAFSA—or Free Application for Federal Student Aid—is an official form that students use to apply for financial help to pay for college or career school.
If you do not fill out the FAFSA, you are losing access to all federal, state, and many institutional financial aid programs for college.
All high school seniors are invited to learn how to earn money for college or technical school regardless of income.
The following in-person events take place from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6: Lakewood Ranch High School
Thursday, October 8: Parrish Community High School
Thursday, October 22: Braden River High School
Tuesday, October 27: Manatee High School
Thursday, October 29: Southeast High School
Tuesday, November 3: Palmetto High School
Thursday, November 12: Bayshore High School
Two additional events are being held at public charter schools on October 13 & 15.
Seniors should contact their college and career advisor with questions.

We're proud to report The Lakewood Ranch High School Band brought home the FFCC Seminole Sound Class 4A Champion trophy at their first competition of the year, earning Best Music, Best General Effect, Best Visual, Best Percussion and Best Colorguard. Go, Mustangs!
MBOP - the Marching Band of Pirates from Braden River High School - took 3rd place in their class and brought home the Best Percussion Award! They'll travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee on October 2 to compete in the Bands of America Regional Competition. More details, including live stream information, may be found at this website: https://marching.musicforall.org/chattanooga-regional/
Congratulations to all as they continue making music and magical performances throughout the season!







During this program, students will hear from County Commissioners, staff, and other elected officials who are involved in the day-to-day operations of county government. The program will culminate in a mock commission session, where students will simulate the roles of county commissioners and other elected officials, discussing and voting on matters they find most important.
Students may apply at mymanatee.org/modelmanatee. Interested students must be able to provide their own transportation. All sessions will take place during the work week, with minimal interruptions to the school day. If a student is interested in applying, please review the full application packet for all relevant information, including release forms, program schedule, and more.

A "Meet and Greet" has been scheduled with newly-appointed LRHS Principal Mike Mullen for 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 15 at the school's media center.








#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Anchors aweigh! Thanks to dual enrollment, hard work, and dedication, Lakewood Ranch High School senior Johnny Kornett has already launched his career, landing a job with local boat manufacturer Yellowfin before graduating high school next Monday.
Johnny will also graduate in June from Manatee Technical College’s Marine Science Technology program after traveling to Atlanta to compete at the SkillsUSA National Championships, where he qualified after earning 1st place at the state competition!
Learn more #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews from Mustangs Ahead at https://www.manateeschools.net/o/lakewoodranch/news

We were blown away 🌬 by the #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews shared by Lakewood Ranch High School recently.
We placed a microphone on campus and asked students to answer one question: “What’s something GOOD that’s happened to you lately?”
View the video here: https://vimeo.com/1189399170/e5d9674d7a?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

Lakewood Ranch High School’s Music Department has once again earned national recognition as a Best Communities for Music Education School Award recipient from the NAMM Foundation marking their second year in a row receiving this prestigious honor!
Out of schools across the country, only a select few are recognized for their outstanding commitment to music education and Lakewood Ranch stands among the best in Florida.
This achievement reflects the dedication of incredible educators, supportive families, talented students, and a community that truly values the power of music. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
