Leesburg High School has once again impressed us with its sustained success in graduation numbers. For the fourth consecutive year, Leesburg has achieved a graduation rate of over 82%. Considering the school’s position just around eight years ago with a graduation rate of 67%, this is another significant achievement for the institution.

(Leesburg has maintained at or above an 82% graduation rate for the past four years. In 2023 the school was at 86%.)

Since assuming the role at Leesburg High School seven years ago, Principal Michael Randolph has been committed to achieving success not only in the classroom but also in sustaining that success outside the classroom. Whether in athletics, with current students, or graduates, Principal Randolph and his staff have worked diligently to experience sustained success in graduation rates for a program that was once in dire need.

Over the past few years, Leesburg High School has implemented some remarkable initiatives. One such program is the AICE program, providing students with Cambridge Level courses to earn college credits upon graduation. These courses have been highly successful in other Lake County High Schools, such as Umatilla High.

(On a recent college campus tour Leesburg High School students got to visit Washington D.C. Some of these students had never been outside of Florida before.)

Another noteworthy effort by Leesburg High School is the college campus tours. These tours have had a positive impact on the student body, offering valuable insights into what education can look like as students approach graduation. It allows them to experience a college campus and explore potential career paths.

Principal Randolph has stated, “No matter what, we want to make sure we set our students on the path to success. We want our students to understand that college is an option, but if college is not an option, then we prepare them for a trade or technical school. If that is not a desired path, then we want to prepare them for the military and serving our country.”

(Principal Michael Randolph left stands with Leesburg High School class President senior Jacob Wittman center.)

Principal Randolph has successfully implemented these strategies, and the student body has responded positively. He has been recognized for posting a daily message on the school’s social media page titled “Best part about my day,” sharing photos of positive events that occurred that day.

Beyond Principal Randolph, the teachers and faculty have fully embraced success at Leesburg. During football games this year, many teachers were seen wearing their Leesburg gear and volunteering, setting an example for students who also engaged in community service.

(Leesburg High School Students on a recent college campus tour.)

While the work is never finished, Leesburg High School is striving every day, along with all Lake & Sumter County schools, to improve themselves. The 86% graduation rate is a testament to the stability the school has demonstrated over the past four years. This stability is crucial and indicates that Leesburg High School is on the right track to continued success.

Academically and athletically, 2024 is off to a great start for the Yellow Jackets. It’s an exciting time to be at Leesburg High School, and I hope the community shares in the excitement of these impressive numbers—truly a reason to celebrate!

Keep up the excellent work, Leesburg High School!