Lakewood Ranch Mini-Mustangs gallop to graduation

Fifteen students graduated from the Lakewood Ranch High School preschool program in which high school students assist kids in learning and interacting.

  • By Jessica Salmond
  • | 3:29 p.m. May 27, 2015
  • East County
  • Schools
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Complete with caps and gowns, the Mini-Mustang class of 2015 proudly graduated today with friends and family cheering on the preschool students.

Lakewood Ranch High School's preschool program, which is operated with the help of high school students, graduated 15 preschoolers this year. 

"This program is so wonderful—it's very special," said Heather Lemke, whose son, Sebastian, graduated today.

Sara Scott and Ryley Shiebler, two juniors who worked in the program this year, both plan to return next year and continue learning about working in a preschool.

"This program made me discover I love kids and I want to be a teacher," Scott said. "It taught me a lot of patience."

If a high school student helps in the program all four years, they can get qualified to work in a preschool upon graduation. Scott said she plans on trying to get a part-time job at a preschool during college, thanks to the experience she's gained with Mini-Mustangs. 

Shiebler said the program was unique because with the teacher, teacher's aide and assisting high school students, there were more adults to work with the students. 

"Each kid gets that one-on-one time," she said.

Christina Mohr leads the graduates into the classroom for the ceremony.
Christina Mohr leads the graduates into the classroom for the ceremony.
Taryn Factor and Carrie Sarkissian stand beside the silhouettes they made in class.
Taryn Factor and Carrie Sarkissian stand beside the silhouettes they made in class.
Sebastian Lemke talks with a friend.
Sebastian Lemke talks with a friend.
Each student—some solemn, some silly—walked to get their diploma.
Each student—some solemn, some silly—walked to get their diploma.
Quinn Krug patiently waits for her tassle to be turned.
Quinn Krug patiently waits for her tassle to be turned.
The preschool grads stood for applause.
The preschool grads stood for applause.
Christina Mohr turns the students' tassles.
Christina Mohr turns the students' tassles.
Proud parents and family caught the graduation on camera.
Proud parents and family caught the graduation on camera.
Students wrote down what they wanted to be when they grew up.
Students wrote down what they wanted to be when they grew up.
Mattie Biggs, Catherine Schutte, Alicia Wagner, Sara Scott, Christina Mohr and Ryley Shiebler ran the preschool program this year.
Mattie Biggs, Catherine Schutte, Alicia Wagner, Sara Scott, Christina Mohr and Ryley Shiebler ran the preschool program this year.
Carrie Sarkissian gets Christina Mohr, the teacher's aide for the preschool class, to sign her book.
Carrie Sarkissian gets Christina Mohr, the teacher's aide for the preschool class, to sign her book.
Christina Mohr, Rosvita and Valentina Suarez
Christina Mohr, Rosvita and Valentina Suarez
Heather, Sebastian and Arne Lemke
Heather, Sebastian and Arne Lemke
Gabor Sztuska gives his daughter, Luella, a bouquet.
Gabor Sztuska gives his daughter, Luella, a bouquet.
Greg and Melissa Broderick with their daughters Ally and Paige, the graduate.
Greg and Melissa Broderick with their daughters Ally and Paige, the graduate.
Carrie Sarkissian's mom, Amy, is starting a tradition: at the end of each school year, Carrie's teachers will sign her copy of Curious You, a Curious George book.
Carrie Sarkissian's mom, Amy, is starting a tradition: at the end of each school year, Carrie's teachers will sign her copy of Curious You, a Curious George book.

 

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