A Joyful Start: Citrus County Schools Welcome Back Teachers in Style

This morning, the Citrus County School District officially kicked off the 2025–26 school year with our annual Teacher Welcome Back event — a tradition that never fails to bring energy, inspiration, and unity to our educational community. This year was no exception.

From the moment our educators stepped into the Curtis Peterson Auditorium, they were greeted with cheers — literally — as spirited cheerleaders from all three high schools welcomed them with enthusiasm and school pride. The atmosphere was electric, setting the tone for a year built on encouragement, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Thanks to the generosity of community partners through the Citrus County Education Foundation, a delicious breakfast was provided to all staff by Mr. Bunch and his team at Oysters of Crystal River. In the LHS gymnasium, educators explored booths hosted by educational and community organizations, many of which helped sponsor the day’s events and offered valuable resources, support, and giveaways.

As teachers entered the theater, the Crystal River High School Band drum line provided a powerful rhythm and infectious excitement, filling the room with energy as people took their seats. The buzz of conversation and the beat of the drums built anticipation for what was to come.

The formal program began with Deputy Superintendent Jen Greco welcoming attendees and inviting the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard to present the colors. Crystal River High School Dean Jessica Price delivered a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to center the room in purpose and reflection.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert then took the stage and reminded us that this year’s guiding focus is on students, with the powerful reminder that we are all in this together. Just as he delivered that message, the audience came alive as Citrus High School’s Breez singers and band launched into a surprise flash mob performance of “We’re All in This Together” from High School Musical. The performance quickly brought the entire auditorium to its feet — clapping, cheering, and singing along — a joyful and symbolic start to the new year.

In a particularly meaningful moment, Dr. Hebert also introduced the incredible team of school resource officers, guardians, and law enforcement personnel who work every day to keep our students, schools, and staff safe. Joined on stage by Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent and Citrus County Schools Police Chief Rachel Montgomery, the safety team received a well-deserved standing ovation for their service and dedication.

The keynote speaker, Damon West — author of The Coffee Bean — then took the stage and captivated the audience with his inspirational story of resilience, transformation, and the power of choosing positivity even in difficult circumstances. His message left everyone energized and ready to begin the school year with renewed focus and purpose.

As we prepare to welcome students back to campus, today served as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. We are a team. We are a community. And we are — truly — all in this together.

Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead.

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