A Night to Remember: Celebrating Citrus Excellence at the Florida Teacher of the Year Gala

Honoring Autumn Crabtree on Florida’s Biggest Stage

What an incredible night we experienced at the Florida Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year Finalist Celebration in Orlando. This annual event brought together the brightest lights in Florida education—district Teachers of the Year from across the state—with a special spotlight on the five exceptional finalists, including our very own Autumn Crabtree, the Culinary Arts CTE teacher at Crystal River High School.

A strong delegation from Citrus County made the trip to Orlando to stand in support of Mrs. Crabtree and her family. It was a proud moment for all of us to cheer her on and honor her achievements. The evening was not only a celebration of excellence, but also a tribute to the power of education and the impact great teachers make every day.

In the days leading up to the event, all of the Teachers of the Year had opportunities for high-quality professional development and networking with fellow educators. It’s become a cherished tradition to include alumni from past district Teachers of the Year, and Citrus County was well represented. Former honorees traveled to Orlando to support Autumn, making this moment even more meaningful.

During the evening’s ceremony—attended by education leaders, dignitaries, and Florida’s new Commissioner of Education, Anastassios Kamoutsas—each finalist was recognized with a beautifully produced video tribute. Autumn’s video captured the heart of her classroom, including powerful interviews with her students, colleagues, administrators, and family. Their voices painted a moving picture of the difference she is making in their lives each and every day. It was a heartfelt moment that brought pride and even a few tears to the room.

Earlier that day, Governor Ron DeSantis presented each of the five finalists with a $20,000 award in recognition of their exceptional work and impact. It was a meaningful gesture to honor the dedication and passion these educators bring to their classrooms.

The night concluded with the announcement of the 2025 Florida Teacher of the Year: Mark Harrison of Union County—a Citrus High School Class of 2000 graduate and proud alum of Citrus County Schools. Mark will now serve as Florida’s 2026 Christa McAuliffe Teacher Ambassador, traveling the state to represent the profession and inspire fellow educators. We couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate his success as one of our own.

We are deeply proud of Mrs. Crabtree—not only for being named one of Florida’s top five teachers but for representing the excellence and heart of Citrus County educators. Her passion, leadership, and love for students reflect what makes our schools so special.

Behind every great teacher is a team. Our incredible non-instructional professionals—bus drivers, paraprofessionals, food service workers, custodians, and many others—work hand in hand with our teachers to build an environment where every student can thrive.

Congratulations, Autumn. Congratulations, Mark. Citrus County Schools celebrates you both and all that you have accomplished. Your stories inspire us, and your legacy will continue shaping lives for years to come.

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