Local principal initiates new student recognition system

Samantha Mattia – Mustangs Ahead

(LAKEWOOD RANCH, FL) - Lakewood Ranch High School (LRHS) celebrates Mustangs character with a new Principal’s List.

The goal of the Principal’s List is to promote greater opportunities for positive student growth, empathy, and kindness through leadership.

LRHS was inspired to incorporate the Principal's List as a means of recognizing students who might not always receive academic acknowledgment.

it represents a collaborative effort among school faculty and the administration at LRHS. Principal Mike Mullen personally signed more than 80 certificates, Assistant Principal Samantha Biggs coordinated graphics and certificate orders and Student Support Specialist Molly Gummerson coordinated the delivery of the honors.

“I wanted something that would give students an opportunity to be acknowledged for their leadership, personal growth, kindness, and empathy. These are all qualities that I think are just as important as academic achievement, and sometimes they are overlooked,” she said.

This initiative also challenges how student success is traditionally perceived by emphasizing accomplishments beyond grades alone.

Stay updated on more LRHS news by following us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or follow the Mustangs Ahead Podcast on Spotify

“I don’t think we should measure student success strictly by grades,” said Gummerson.

Grades don’t define students, but character shapes who they are and who they’re willing to become. Emphasizing compassion, demonstrating leadership, and making an effort to improve oneself are accomplishments deserving recognition.

For Gummerson, one of the most meaningful aspects of the initiative is witnessing students make positive changes in their lives.

“Witnessing student growth at LRHS is probably my favorite part of what I do. Maybe a student who was constantly getting into trouble starts making better decisions. Those are big accomplishments, even if they don't seem that way to everyone else,” she said.

With more than 80 students being recognized in just the first quarter, the new initiative has already gained significant participation from teachers and students, collectively recognizing student journeys at LRHS.

“If being recognized makes even one student feel better about themselves or encourages them to keep making positive choices, then I think we're doing something worthwhile,” shared Gummerson.