Celebrating Success: Honoring the Team Behind Citrus County’s Class of 2026 Graduations
Celebrating Success: Honoring the Team Behind Citrus County’s Class of 2026 Graduations
As the final caps are tossed into the air and graduation celebrations begin to wind down, Citrus County Schools proudly reflects on another successful graduation season for the Class of 2026.
The outdoor ceremonies at Lecanto High School, Crystal River High School, and Citrus High School marked meaningful milestones in the lives of hundreds of graduates and their families. These events represented far more than the end of a school year. They symbolized perseverance, growth, achievement, and the beginning of new opportunities for the Class of 2026.
While graduates rightfully stood in the spotlight, it is essential to recognize the many individuals working behind the scenes whose dedication made these celebrations possible. Outdoor graduations require months of planning, coordination, flexibility, and teamwork. Despite weather concerns and complex logistics, Citrus County Schools once again delivered ceremonies that were memorable, meaningful, and worthy of our students’ accomplishments.
We extend sincere appreciation to the administrative teams, activity directors, athletic directors, faculty members, and campus staff at each high school. Their leadership and commitment ensured every ceremony ran smoothly. From rehearsals and student logistics to speeches and guest coordination, these teams managed every detail with professionalism and care.
To families and guests, graduation ceremonies often appear seamless. What is not seen are the hours of preparation long before graduates step onto the stage. Seating plans, security coordination, programs, communication, and contingency planning all require careful attention to detail. These efforts are essential in creating ceremonies that honor students with dignity and pride.
We want to extend special recognition to each school’s graduation coordinator: Sabrina Paquin at Citrus High School, Peter Rausch at Lecanto High School, and Scott Marshall at Crystal River High School. Each played an essential role in bringing these ceremonies to life. For weeks and months leading up to graduation, they worked tirelessly behind the scenes managing cap-and-gown distribution, stage layouts, seating arrangements, rehearsals, and countless logistical details. Their steady leadership, dedication, and attention to detail ensured each ceremony was a meaningful celebration for students and families. Citrus County Schools is fortunate to have professionals who care so deeply about creating these milestone moments.
Special appreciation is also extended to the District Facilities Department and campus maintenance teams. Outdoor graduations bring unpredictable challenges, but these teams ensured each venue was safe, clean, and fully prepared.
Their resilience was especially evident in the demanding logistics. As soon as one ceremony ended, they quickly dismantled equipment, transported materials, and reset everything at the next school. Their long hours and physical effort reflect the teamwork that defines Citrus County Schools. They did not simply maintain campuses; they created safe, welcoming spaces where families could gather to celebrate student achievement.
We are deeply appreciative of our JROTC Color Guard teams, whose professionalism added dignity to each ceremony. Thank you to Eric Brown and Rodney Hammond, Dean Kelly and David Brown, and Liz Rivera and Keith Bryska. Our cadets represented their schools with pride and distinction.
We also extend gratitude to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, its dedicated SROs and deputies, our CCSD Guardians, and CCSO Capt. Rachel Montgomery, who ensured the safety and security of students, families, and staff throughout each graduation ceremony. A special thank you goes to David Vincent, whose presence at all three ceremonies reflected his strong commitment to our schools and community.
We also recognize our incredible community stakeholders whose support strengthened this year’s graduations. The Citrus County Education Foundation once again provided meaningful support for our graduation ceremonies and graduates, helping ensure each event reflected the importance and dignity of the occasion. Their continued investment in our schools reinforces the strong partnership between our community and Citrus County Schools.
We also extend great appreciation to the Citrus County Schools Communications Team, Lindsay Blair, PIO, and Hillary Hammerle. From pre-event announcements and social media updates to event coverage, they played a vital role in keeping families informed and connected. Most especially, their outstanding photography captured meaningful moments for students, families, and schools. We are grateful for the care and professionalism they bring to telling the story of our schools.
Graduation season also serves as a reminder of the broader community that supports students throughout their journey. Parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, counselors, mentors, volunteers, and support staff all contribute to student success. Every diploma represents years of encouragement, guidance, and belief in these graduates.
The Class of 2026 leaves Citrus County Schools with bright futures ahead. Some will continue their education at colleges and universities, while others will pursue technical training, military service, or careers in the workforce. Whatever path they choose, they carry forward the lessons, relationships, and support systems that helped shape their success.
As a community, we should take pride not only in our graduates, but also in the collective effort that made these celebrations possible. The successful graduations at Lecanto, Crystal River, and Citrus High Schools reflect the dedication, resilience, and teamwork of Citrus County Schools employees, families, and community supporters.
To every administrator, teacher, graduation coordinator, facilities worker, maintenance staff member, volunteer, and employee who contributed, thank you. Your commitment ensured the Class of 2026 experienced ceremonies filled with pride, joy, and lasting memories.
Most importantly, congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2026. Your perseverance has brought you to this milestone, and your future is filled with possibility. Citrus County celebrates your accomplishments and looks forward to all you will achieve in the years ahead.
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Last night was one of those moments that reinforces why local schools and student programs matter so deeply. Attending the STARS Student Athletic Recognitions on May 13, 2026, was a privilege. Sitting in the audience, I found myself viewing the evening through several perspectives: as a school board member, as a coach, and as a parent of two former student-athletes who came through our system.
I had the privilege of being invited to Washington, D.C., to join a small delegation representing the Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force at the EDSAFE AI Alliance Policy Lab Summit on May 5, a national gathering focused on the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in education policy and practice.
This year, our family had the profound honor of presenting the 2nd Annual James & Clarine Kennedy Memorial Health Care Scholarship at the Crystal River High School Senior Awards Ceremony.
Ava Newton will attend the Florida Institute of Technology to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She sees the science behind health care not simply as a field of study, but as a pathway to transform lives. Her passion lies in using STEM as the foundation for modern medicine, with goals that include developing new pharmaceuticals and advancing bionic technologies to improve patient outcomes. Her curiosity, academic excellence, and strong sense of purpose reflect both the spirit of this award and the heart of the chemical engineering profession.
Jeremiah “Jerry” Randall will attend Florida Southern College to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in pre-dental studies. He has earned acceptance into the Early Acceptance Program for the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, a distinction that reflects both his dedication and preparation. Known for his leadership and genuine compassion, he brings academic discipline and a service-minded character to his future in dentistry.
Keira Elizabeth Lee will attend the University of Florida to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. For her, veterinary medicine is a calling rooted in advocacy and protection for animals who cannot speak for themselves. She is especially driven to preserve exotic species and improve animal welfare. Her clinical strength, compassion, and determination reflect both her potential and the deeper purpose guiding her path.
Lane Komara will attend the University of Florida to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. He is motivated by the critical connection between animal health and the well-being of agricultural communities. His goal is to provide dependable care to livestock producers and farming families. His work ethic, humility, and resilience form a strong foundation for a life of service in veterinary medicine.
Kaitlyn Smith will attend Fordham University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Neuroscience. She is drawn to understanding the complexities of the human brain and neurological disorders. Her aspiration is to become a neurologist who not only treats illness but also advocates for comprehensive and compassionate care. Her initiative, leadership, and academic drive define her commitment to this field.
Jeralyn Marie Lay will attend the Florida Institute of Technology to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on Animal Behavior. She is passionate about improving the mental and behavioral health of animals, including exotic species. Her approach combines compassion with scientific curiosity, reflecting a commitment to healing through behavioral insight and care.
Julia Santiago will attend the College of Central Florida to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is dedicated to pediatric care and aspires to serve communities in need as a travel nurse. Her resilience, maturity, and sense of purpose reflect a deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
James E. Kennedy Sr. and Clarine Kennedy shared nearly 58 years of marriage and more than five decades of devoted service in health care and health care administration. Their lives were grounded in Christian principles, with a shared commitment to healing, dignity, and service to others.
Today I had the honor of attending the solemn Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Fallen Officer Memorial Ceremony in Inverness. It was a powerful and humbling reminder of the sacrifice made by those who have served and protected our community.
There is a unique energy that fills the air when a community comes together to celebrate a milestone built on service, growth, and shared vision. Today, that energy was on full display under the pavilion in Lecanto as we gathered to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA.
I am especially proud to reflect on the bold step the Citrus County School Board and the YMCA took together a decade ago. At the time, we entered into a visionary 25-year agreement that was designed with one singular goal in mind: saving lives. Back then, drowning was (and remains) the leading cause of death for children in Florida. By partnering with the Y, we ensured that every elementary student in our district would have access to life-saving water safety programs. Not only did this agreement protect our children, but through the public and private partnership, it was also a win for taxpayers, saving approximately $425,000 in general fund costs over the life of the contract. Seeing that vision flourish ten years later is a testament to the power of long-term thinking. (Read more from than at: 