Lakewood Ranch High seniors enjoy last dance before graduation

Prom was bittersweet for seniors who were able to dance the night away with classmates at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

By Liz Ramos
| 8:00 a.m. April 22, 2023

Seniors Kaitlyn Harper, Ryan Garrison, Tyler Woodin and Ali Thomas say it feels great to be at prom.

East County
Schools

Tony Lenchinsky, a senior at Lakewood Ranch High School, echoed the thoughts of many of his classmates at the Senior Prom.

"It feels like we finally made it," he said.

The celebration took place at the Hyatt Regency in Sarasota.

"After everything we've had to put up with, it's nice to celebrate and be with all my friends in one place," Lenchinsky said. "It's magical."

Some students said the prom also is a bittersweet time.

"Prom, to me, is the last time before graduation that I get to be with all my friends before going off to college," senior Kate Tuchman said. "I like saying 'hi' to everyone and seeing what dresses everyone is wearing."

Senior Grayson Guevara and Briana Bird can't wait for more people to hit the dance floor so they can join in on the fun.

Juniors Savanna White, Jonna Denny and Kati-Collins look forward to spending time with friends at prom.

Juniors Connor Meyer and Sydney Julien are excited to dance the night away.

Juniors Alex Vaillancourt, Kieran Dean and Nikolai Sabou grab props to take a memorable photo.

Seniors Nick Misuar and Tyler Howald, juniors Brooke Harris and Alex Vaillancourt and sophomore Makenna Elliott have fun together at prom.

Students throw their hands up in the air and jump to the beat.

Students show off their moves on the dance floor.

Lakewood Ranch High students pack the dance floor during the prom.

Seniors Abigail Cackowski-Schnell and Ayana Rivera have fun at prom.

Seniors Yasmeen Soares and Stephanie Freisz are well dressed for the occasion.

Seniors Valeria Erazo and Muda Osman show off their style at the prom.

Senior Madilyn Gemme dances to "Cotton-Eyed Joe."

Seniors Darcey Bullas, Kate Tuchman and Eden Gibbs are thrilled to be at prom. Tuchman says her senior prom is bittersweet.

Senior Skylar Cox is crowned prom queen by junior Sophia D'Orazio.

Seniors Jaithan Phillips and Skylar Cox are named prom king and queen.

Seniors Skylar Cox and Jaithan Phillips have their first dance as prom queen and king to "Don't Stop Believin'."

author

Liz Ramos

Senior Editor Liz Ramos previously covered education and community for the East County Observer. Before moving to Florida, Liz was an education reporter for the Lynchburg News & Advance in Virginia for two years after graduating from the Missouri School of Journalism.