Representative from the University of Florida will visit Lakewood Ranch High School Friday. Seniors will have an opportunity to learn about the school's programs and opportunities.

Tuesday is post-secondary education night, an opportunity for students to learn more about the possibilities they face after graduation.

Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Mustangs will have a chance to hear from a wide variety of colleges and universities this month as they prepare for their post secondary futures.

The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has a variety of honors and awards available to student athletes. Contact the FHSAA for further information.

Representatives from the University of South Florida will visit LRHS seniors Monday, Aug. 31 in the school auditorium.

Representative from Florida State University will talk with LRHS seniors during third period Aug. 27.

Opportunity to Earn Volunteer Hours - Stuff the Bus: October 11, 2026

Apply: www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus

Stuff the Bus brings together volunteers, community partners, and generous shoppers to support The Food Bank of Manatee County. Since 1985, The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS, has been Manatee County’s only local food bank and a trusted source of nutrition for those in need.

Last year, 162 volunteers helped collect more than 69,000 pounds of food and cash equivalents, providing critical support for neighbors facing food insecurity. This year, you can be part of that impact. 100% of donations stay local to support Manatee County families.

Join us Sunday, October 11, at participating Manatee County Publix stores through a community-wide partnership with Meals on Wheels PLUS, the School District of Manatee County, Publix, Mosaic, and United Way Suncoast.

Volunteers will greet shoppers, accept and sort food donations, pack boxes, and load the bus. Two shifts are available per location, and spots first come, first served.

Volunteer Age Requirements:
Children 8-12 are welcome to volunteer but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them and they must be added as a guest when their parent/guardian registers.
Youth 13-15 can register using their own volunteer account but must have a parent/guardian volunteering with them.
Teens 16+ can register using their own volunteer account and can volunteer independently.

All volunteers must register in advance to participate.

High school juniors... ready to see where your leadership can take you? Don’t just be a part of Manatee County’s future - help lead it!

Junior Leadership Manatee offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, businesses, government, and organizations shaping our community - while helping 11th graders build leadership skills, make connections, and explore your future.

Apply for Junior Leadership Manatee at juniorleadershipmanatee.org

Deadline: Monday, August 31st.

All Manatee County high school students and their families are invited to attend the annual Post-Secondary Education Night on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Manatee Technical College - Main campus (6305 State Road 70 East, Bradenton).

Join us to meet with admissions representatives from colleges, universities and technical colleges, as well as representatives from military branches.

Learn more about college applications, admissions, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities.

Manatee County Government and the School District of Manatee County are excited to announce Model Manatee, a multi-week program designed to educate high school juniors and seniors on how County government works, how it impacts them, and how to engage in the decision-making process.

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.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 from Lakewood Ranch High School! Your dedication inside and outside the classroom has led to incredible accomplishments and your excellence shines brightly. Go forward with confidence, Mustangs!

Happy Graduation Week! ✨ Superintendent Laurie Breslin has a message for the Class of 2026 and all who have helped them reach this milestone. Watch this video: https://vimeo.com/1191294933/2b0ef8bf2e
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

Encore! Excellence in Music Education at Lakewood Ranch High School

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

The 2026–2027 Superintendents’ Advisory Panel kicked off last week with current 11th-grade student leaders. Throughout the next year, they will meet with the superintendent and district leadership to share their perspectives on student success. Through thoughtful discussions, students will provide input on access to programs and resources, college and career readiness, and what is working well across their schools—as well as areas that could be improved. Their insights will help inform key elements of the district’s next strategic plan. The panel will reconvene in the fall when these students return as high school seniors, and we are grateful for their meaningful contributions and ongoing participation. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

A huge congratulations to our students who excelled at this year’s Florida TSA State Conference!

Manatee County traditional public high school results (by the numbers):
• Our students placed Top 10 in 37 of 39 categories
• Earned 10 State Championship titles

Special recognition to Braden River High School, named Florida TSA State Champions for the 14th year in a row!

Additional overall finishes:
• 9th place: Southeast High School
• 10th place: Lakewood Ranch High School

From coding and engineering to video production and robotics, our students showcased incredible innovation, skill, and determination.

Thank you to our TSA advisors, co-advisors, and volunteers who support these students every step of the way.

At Lakewood Ranch High School, two school leaders (both Bayshore High School alumni) turned fundraising into a full-on showdown. Thomas "Fancy Sauce" Bellantonio and Tommy "Team Ranch" Cuervo challenged students to support United Way Suncoast with a lunch competition. The prize? Ringside seats to a chicken nugget eating battle for the ages.

In just five minutes during “C” Lunch, the cafeteria erupted with chanting crowds, ranch guzzling, and nonstop, live-streamed action. Assistant Principal Thomas Bellantonio claimed the title, downing 29 nuggets and avoiding the ultimate fate… a chicken costume for the rest of the day.

School spirit. Community impact.
Now THAT’s how you give back. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews

View the epic video here: https://vimeo.com/1175524046/d1f1b05901?share=copy