Lakewood Ranch Mini-Mustangs gallop to graduation

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.