Lakewood Ranch High
Home of the Mustangs
Let’s celebrate 22 outstanding Manatee County public high school students who are making a difference through service and leadership! Many of them joined their families at Tuesday’s School Board meeting to be recognized.
The Florida Department of Education, in partnership with the Florida Lottery, launched the Student Service Challenge to inspire student leadership, civic responsibility, and community engagement.
We’re proud that the School District of Manatee County, in partnership with the Manatee Education Foundation, was selected as one of only 20 school districts statewide to participate!
From September 7 to October 5, these dedicated teens each completed 20+ hours of volunteer service and wrote an essay reflecting on their experience. As a reward for their commitment, each student received a $500 scholarship!
Congratulations to:
Josilah S., Braden River High
Denise S., Bayshore High
Genesis R., Bayshore High
Kayla G., Lakewood Ranch High
Faith F., Lakewood Ranch High
Lily P., Lakewood Ranch High
Molly F., Lakewood Ranch High
Lexi S., Lakewood Ranch High
Merritt S., Lakewood Ranch High
Zoe C., Lakewood Ranch High
Leah D., Lakewood Ranch High
Yadira K., Manatee High
Elliot C., Manatee High
Leonard H., Manatee High
Rayna H., MSA
Mason E., Palmetto High
Jermar P., Palmetto High
Nora E., Parrish Community High
Conor K., Parrish Community High
Chloe K., Southeast High
Dulce C., Southeast High
Nohemi T., Southeast High
A special thank-you to the community partners, including Soar in 4 and Manatee County Government, who helped make these meaningful service opportunities possible.
Together, we’re empowering students to lead, serve, and create lasting positive change.
Congratulations to our student leaders and thank you to everyone helping build a stronger Manatee County!
Lakewood Ranch High School is offering the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test Nov. 6.
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/
Coach Scott Paravicini and the Lakewood Ranch High School Mustangs' football team demonstrated extraordinary heart and unity when the players surprised "Coach P" after his final chemotherapy treatment.
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.
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.
LRHS boys basketball tryouts are scheduled for later this month. Coach Kaden Knott starts his second year in charge of the Mustangs.
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 Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens today. Members of the class of 2027 can use this opportunity to help fund their future educational goals.
2026 FAFSA Workshops kickoff on Tuesday, October 6!
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.
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.
Three Manatee County high school marching band programs put their best foot forward at the Seminole Sound Spectacular on September 26, 2026. According to the FFCC (Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit) musicians and performers from Braden River High School, Lakewood Ranch High School, and Parrish Community High School participated in the outdoor competition.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
#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