News Summary
Lakewood High School recently celebrated its 60-year anniversary with an event encouraging alumni to reconnect and share memories. The school, now serving nearly 1,000 students, is noted for its strong athletics and magnet programs focused on college preparation. Principal Connisheia Garcia has been integral in promoting a positive culture and improving academic performance, as reflected in recent test scores and achievements. Community engagement is a priority, with teachers actively supporting students beyond academics as the school aims for continued success in fostering leadership and student support.
St. Petersburg – Lakewood High School is commemorating its 60-year anniversary with a special kickoff event, allowing alumni to reconnect and reflect on their memories. The event occurred on August 1, 2025, drawing former students who enthusiastically looked through old yearbooks and shared stories of their time at the school. Among the notable alumni in attendance were Eileen Healy and Cathy Clayton from the class of 1975, along with Sheila Buchert, head cheerleader of the class of 1976.
Currently, Lakewood High School serves nearly 1,000 students, with approximately 70% identifying as Black. The school has gained a reputation not only for its successful athletics but also for its robust magnet programs that focus on college preparation in various fields including engineering, medicine, science, and computer science. Despite these achievements, disparities in enrollment among various demographics remain a challenge.
Principal Connisheia Garcia has been instrumental in fostering a positive culture within the school. She emphasizes the importance of introducing incoming freshmen to Lakewood’s educational environment and has actively sought to improve student success through leadership and mentorship efforts. The school has made strides in academic performance, most recently earning a ‘B’ grade in the state’s education accountability system, a notable improvement from the previous ‘C’ grades over the last eight years.
Over this period, Lakewood High School has achieved significant gains in standardized test scores, particularly in ninth-grade English Language Arts, Biology, Geometry, and Algebra I. One of the most remarkable achievements has been an increase in math scores for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students, rising from 21% to 49%. Additionally, there has been a concerted effort to reduce the racial achievement gap for Black students, marking a positive trend in the school’s initiatives.
Community engagement has also been a primary focus at Lakewood. Teachers actively attend students’ sports events to provide support and reinforce the school-student bond, encouraging a collaborative environment that benefits academic learning and personal growth. The school’s commitment to community extends beyond the classroom, with various programs designed to promote leadership and mentorship throughout the student body.
Historically, Lakewood High was once referred to as ‘Hollywood High’ due to its glamorous past, reflected in a mural that featured street signs for Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. This artistic piece served as a reminder of the school’s cultural environment before the old hub site was demolished.
Looking ahead, Lakewood High is determined to build on its current success and aims to achieve an ‘A’ grade in the upcoming school year. With a continued focus on academic excellence, the school is taking proactive measures to address existing enrollment disparities while fostering a culture of achievement, leadership, and student support.
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Additional Resources
- The Weekly Challenger: Garcia’s Touch – The Transformation of Hollywood High
- Wikipedia: Lakewood High School
- Lakewood Observer: Nightmare on Merl Avenue Celebrates 15th Anniversary
- Google Search: Lakewood High School 75th Anniversary
- Cleveland.com: St. Edward High School Celebrates 75th Anniversary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
