Lakewood Ranch High
Home of the Mustangs
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
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
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
Dear Teachers, Here's a special message from Dr. Laurie Breslin regarding Teacher Appreciation Week.
https://vimeo.com/1184919879/fdb68f2a7f
#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.
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
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
The Florida Department of Education released the Florida Value Added Model (VAM) Fiscal Transparency Tool, a web-based fiscal transparency tool that identifies public schools and districts with high academic achievement based on the ratio of classroom expenditures to total expenditures. VAM is intended to help taxpayers evaluate the financial efficiency of a school district with other similarly situated school districts. View the VAM for the School District of Manatee County at https://floridavam.org/e/vamPublic.html?w4=54#/entity/262385.
Florida forecast: 0% chance of snow, 100% chance of school spirit.
Lakewood Ranch High School's admin team is geared up for “Winter Sports Day," from ski slopes to slapshots… and maybe a mysterious black eye 👀🏒
You stay safe out there, Mrs. Carlson! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Lakewood Ranch High School's admin team is geared up for “Winter Sports Day," from ski slopes to slapshots… and maybe a mysterious black eye 👀🏒
You stay safe out there, Mrs. Carlson! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
🎉 The EEA Prize Patrol made their next surprise stop at Lakewood Ranch High School! Congratulations to Kristen Martin, Registrar, on being selected as a Manatee County Educational Support Employee of the Year Finalist! Her dedication, organization, and Mustang pride keep LRHS moving forward every day. We’re grateful for you, Kristen! 🌟 #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellenceSDMC #GoodNewsEEA2026
Last week, Lakewood Ranch High School celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new College & Career Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony! Under the leadership of College & Career Advisor Vito Bavaro, students were invited to explore the new space — a hub designed to connect them with scholarship opportunities, jobs, internships, colleges, technical schools, and military options.
The center offers something for every Mustang, whether they plan to attend a 4-year university, 2-year college, technical college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce after graduation.
A special thank you goes out to Career Pathways Coordinator Erin Koerper-Novarro for sharing this #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews and to Vito Bavaro and the entire LRHS administration team for their dedication and hard work in making this resource a reality for students.
The center offers something for every Mustang, whether they plan to attend a 4-year university, 2-year college, technical college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce after graduation.
A special thank you goes out to Career Pathways Coordinator Erin Koerper-Novarro for sharing this #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews and to Vito Bavaro and the entire LRHS administration team for their dedication and hard work in making this resource a reality for students.
🎭 From The Band Room to Broadway 🎶 Lakewood Ranch High School students had a rare and powerful experience this week. Two days of inspiration from Darian Sanders, Broadway’s Simba from The Lion King’s North American Tour. He shared more than a résumé. He shared his journey from worship pastor to national tours, from a $100 garage sale trumpet to standing ovations on stage.
His message? “The world needs you. Make your story ‘your story’." Thanks to award-winning director of bands, Dr. John Wilkerson and team, students walked away with more than advice. They left with belief in themselves.
Join The Mustangs, Southeast High School and more, for the 21st Annual Music in Motion Regional Competition:
Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025
5500 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
Tickets: General Admission $20 | Seniors/Military $15 | Kids 6-11 $10 | Kids 5 and Under FREE | Manatee County Students with School ID FREE
Gates open at 12 PM
Free Parking
Concessions on site
We’re proud to share that Lakewood Ranch High School is one of only three FFA chapters in Manatee County to earn national recognition through the prestigious National Chapter Award Program!
This 3-Star distinction, the highest level awarded, is a testament to the dedication, leadership, and passion of the students, advisors, and the entire Mustangs' agriscience program.
As Ms. J, agriscience teacher and FFA advisor, put it best:
“Earning recognition as a 3-Star National FFA Chapter is an incredible achievement. Our FFA chapter is an extension of the agriscience program, where classroom instruction in horticulture and animal science comes to life through leadership, hands-on experiences, and career development. This honor from National FFA validates the countless hours of hard work our students have poured into planning and executing impactful events, and it highlights the strength of agricultural education here at Lakewood Ranch High School.”
Congratulations to the LRHS FFA chapter for continuing to grow leaders, build community, and strengthen agriculture right here in Manatee County! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
This 3-Star distinction, the highest level awarded, is a testament to the dedication, leadership, and passion of the students, advisors, and the entire Mustangs' agriscience program.
As Ms. J, agriscience teacher and FFA advisor, put it best:
“Earning recognition as a 3-Star National FFA Chapter is an incredible achievement. Our FFA chapter is an extension of the agriscience program, where classroom instruction in horticulture and animal science comes to life through leadership, hands-on experiences, and career development. This honor from National FFA validates the countless hours of hard work our students have poured into planning and executing impactful events, and it highlights the strength of agricultural education here at Lakewood Ranch High School.”
Congratulations to the LRHS FFA chapter for continuing to grow leaders, build community, and strengthen agriculture right here in Manatee County! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
On Tuesday, Superintendent Laurie Breslin and the School Board recognized Sydney Suppa, an athletic trainer at Lakewood Ranch High School and a valued member of our District for nine years. She was recently honored with the Life Saver Award by the University of South Carolina.
Last fall on the sidelines, Sydney's quick action and lifesaving CPR saved the life of Coach Jerry, one of the Mustangs' assistant and volunteer football coaches (also pictured in below photo).
Sydney's actions exemplify the absolute best of our District: dedication, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of others. Thank you, Sydney.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Last fall on the sidelines, Sydney's quick action and lifesaving CPR saved the life of Coach Jerry, one of the Mustangs' assistant and volunteer football coaches (also pictured in below photo).
Sydney's actions exemplify the absolute best of our District: dedication, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of others. Thank you, Sydney.
#ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
In a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who serve and protect our community, Buffalo Creek Middle School hosted their annual event to commemorate the events of September 11th and to honor local first responders and veterans. The reception, led entirely by students, highlighted the power of remembrance, gratitude, and community connection.
Mr. Baker's Global Perspectives students paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and military veterans. The event featured speeches, handmade thank-you cards, goodie bags, and the installation of 2,977 flags near the school marquee, to honor those who lost their lives in the attacks 24 years ago.
It's more than just a history lesson. It’s an opportunity for our students to engage with the real heroes of our community and to say thank you in their own words and actions. Students had the unique opportunity to speak directly with first responders and veterans to learn more about their lives, experiences, and careers.
Mr. Baker's students unknowingly extended their gratitude beyond Buffalo Creek. We surprised a few school safety guardians, many of whom served in NYC and police departments nationwide, with their heartfelt thank you cards and care packages.
These heroes, now protecting our schools in retirement, were truly touched by the unexpected show of appreciation today. Pictured are guardians from Lakewood Ranch and Southeast High Schools.
A huge shoutout to our Hawks for leading with kindness and inspiring us all to do the same! 💫
Congratulations to Samantha Biggs of Lakewood Ranch High School, who has been recognized as a recipient of the 2025 Yale Educator Award. Only 61 educators and 26 counselors were honored worldwide. She was nominated by 2025 graduate, Addison Shea.
Read more at www.manateeschools.net/goodnews #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
From the grab-and-go window to the lunch line, the dedicated School District of Manatee County Food and Nutrition Services team at Lakewood Ranch High School is always ready to serve the Mustangs with a smile! Meet Kim Newman and Carol Gorman — two incredible "lunch ladies" with a combined 18 years of service to the School District of Manatee County. Their favorite part of the job? The polite students, the occasional side hug, and the unexpected moments that make it all worthwhile.
Kim, a proud Southeast High alum (Class of 1982), still dreams of the days when milkshakes were on the menu. And while today’s most popular lunch picks include popcorn chicken and orange chicken bowls, it’s the students who leave the most lasting impressions. From being gifted a football jersey by LRHS grad CJ McRae, to a former student offering a discount on an oil change... these everyday heroes are making connections that go beyond the cafeteria.
Thank you, Kim, Carol, and the entire LRHS team, for the care, connection, and consistency you bring to The Ranch each and every day.
Kim, a proud Southeast High alum (Class of 1982), still dreams of the days when milkshakes were on the menu. And while today’s most popular lunch picks include popcorn chicken and orange chicken bowls, it’s the students who leave the most lasting impressions. From being gifted a football jersey by LRHS grad CJ McRae, to a former student offering a discount on an oil change... these everyday heroes are making connections that go beyond the cafeteria.
Thank you, Kim, Carol, and the entire LRHS team, for the care, connection, and consistency you bring to The Ranch each and every day.
Today’s #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews Day in the Life at Lakewood Ranch High School began and ended with two familiar faces of safety: School Guardians Tim and Danny.
Tim, a retired NYPD detective who also served on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, and Danny, a retired Bradenton police officer who previously served as the School Resource Officer at both Manatee High and Sugg Middle, now dedicate their expertise to protecting Lakewood Ranch students.
Alongside their SRO colleagues from the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, these school safety guardians ensure that every student walks onto campus — and heads home — with safety and peace of mind. 💙
Spending the day at Lakewood Ranch High School for a special Day in the Life series — come along with us! ✨ "When life gives you a rainy day, play in the puddles." #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews
Lakewood Ranch High School is back in the saddle and ready to ride into a brand new year starting Monday! Administrators and staff are proud to welcome students back to an A-rated school - where excellence is the tradition and success is the goal. Let's Go Mustangs! ¡Vamos Mustangs! #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews #DiscoverExcellence
Security Screening at Secondary Schools – Beginning Monday, August 11, 2025, all students and visitors at district middle and high schools will be screened each school day using a high-tech security scanner system.
For more information on this enhanced security screening procedure, visit https://www.manateeschools.net/securityscreening.