LRHS Class of 2020 finally gets its day

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) – “Congratulations to the unforgettable Class of 2020.”

With these words Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) Principal Dustin Dahlquist closed the school’s graduation ceremony. Around 450 Mustangs graduated at Bradenton’s LECOM Park Wednesday morning.

The 2020 graduation was postponed several times due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, and the celebration at LECOM featured facemasks, social distancing and other recommended precautions to protect both the graduates, families and guests.

Despite the extraordinary circumstances, graduating Mustangs were excited to turn this page in their life stories.

“I kind of thought I was over graduation since it didn’t happen in May,” said Zian Mahfuz. “But then last night I was a little nervous now that it’s finally here.”

Kara Smith appreciated the ceremony,” I’m actually very excited that we’re actually having a graduation.”

Nicolette Ngov agreed.

“I’m excited to end this chapter and start a new one,” she said, “finally.”

Senior class historian Morgan Kirchman focused on the graduates’ special memories.

“As Mustangs, you hopefully own one piece of green clothing,” she said. “You’ve worn that clothing on spirit day, game day, or maybe during a pep rally…the time we get to cheer on our peers, while occasionally watching our teachers dance to 'High School Musical.'”

Dahlquist said the LRHS Class of 2020 is a special group.

“I’m so proud of this class,” he said. “The way they persevered and succeeded over the circumstances that none of them could have expected is inspiring.”

The Class of 2020, like students across the globe, were forced to finish the school year with an “eLearning” system after state officials ordered schools shut as a result of the world-wide coronavirus pandemic.

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