I want to sincerely thank all the individuals and organizations who made this special day possible for Miles Teller, our students, Lecanto High, and Citrus County. In particular, I want to recognize Shaunda Burdette and the Citrus County Education Foundation; Stacey Worthington and the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce; Lecanto High School and Principal LaBarbara; Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, the Citrus School Board, and the Citrus School District; Sheriff David Vincent and the Citrus Sheriff’s Office; Beth Bedee; Darrick Buettner; Ryan and Krystal Downs and Citrus Live; and Amanda Whitelaw Larder and Tony Fay PR.

I also extend my great gratitude to Miles and his wife, his family, former teachers, coaches, friends, and classmates, along with all the other community members who helped make this day so memorable.

You’re a Good Man, Miles Teller

Years before movie premieres and red carpets, Miles Teller took the stage at Lecanto High School playing two very different characters: Snoopy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Willard in Footloose. One brought joy and lightness to everyone around him; the other showed the quiet power of loyalty and simply showing up, qualities Miles carried into real life when he recently returned to give back across Citrus County.

This was not the first time Miles returned to Lecanto High. He visited in 2016 to great excitement, but this visit stood in a category of its own. The LHS community, led by the LHS School Advisory Council and the LHS Alumni Association, championed the effort to honor him by naming the theater the Miles Teller Theatre at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium. What followed was a day defined not just by recognition, but by generosity.

Before he stepped on stage for the first student interview session, Miles was brought into his old dressing room. Waiting for him were photos from his time as an LHS performer, displayed beside images from his film career. The collection was arranged not only to welcome him back, but also to inspire young performers who will get ready in that very space. Also newly installed was a vinyl quote from Miles: “It all started on top of a red dog house in the Curtis Peterson Auditorium fighting the Red Baron.”

Miles’ introduction was powerful and deeply meaningful, anchored in the voices of the educators who helped shape him. Lecanto High School’s new principal, Troy LaBarbara, opened by reflecting on the lasting influence teachers, coaches, friendships, and relationships have in forming a young person and laying the foundation for success. He then welcomed Miles’ high school English teacher, Darrick Buettner, sporting a Snoopy tie in honor of Miles, spoke to the remarkable impact a single teacher can have on a student’s life before introducing one of the educators Miles himself has often described as pivotal, his drama and theater teacher, Beth Bedee.

Beaming with pride, Bedee spoke with heartfelt sincerity, saying, “Miles has been incredibly complimentary to me over the years, for which I am truly grateful. The truth is, he has a God-given gift. I simply provided him the opportunity to use and perfect it. He was never handed anything. He worked hard for everything he achieved and dedicated himself to improving his craft. I can’t think of a greater way for us to honor his legacy than to name this theatre after him, because he helped build it.” Together, their words offered a powerful testament to the impact Miles’ teachers had on him, and the lasting impact he had on them.

Miles then sat for two separate hour-long interview sessions with students. Fittingly, he was interviewed by Ryan Downs, a former LHS classmate and now host of Citrus Live. Miles answered questions, shared stories from his high school years, and spoke about the work behind his success. During the first session, the LHS percussion ensemble performed a tribute to him, fitting for someone whose time as a Lecanto percussionist helped shape his standout performance in the critically acclaimed film Whiplash. When students asked if Miles still played, his eyes lit up. With encouragement from the audience, Miles took a seat at the drum set already on stage with the ensemble. The spontaneous performance was such a hit that it was repeated during the second session to even louder applause.

Then came a surprise no one expected. Miles announced a $50,000 donation to the Citrus County Education Foundation, offered humbly as a thank you to the education community that helped raise him. Afterward, he gave time to local, state, and national media outlets before patiently taking photographs with every person who waited to meet him. Students, former classmates, teachers who guided Miles, and proud community members all had their moment. He did not rush anyone, giving every person the sense that their moment with him truly mattered. After Miles gave heartfelt credit to the educators and mentors who helped him become the person he is today, one of Miles’ former baseball coaches presented him with a Lecanto baseball cap, which Miles immediately put on and wore the rest of the day.

From Lecanto High, Miles traveled to CREST School, where he visited classrooms, read stories, sang with students, and expressed sincere appreciation to the staff for their work. Later that evening, Miles attended a fundraiser organized by the Citrus County Chamber to support the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Teen Driver Challenge. This driver safety program holds personal meaning for him, as he survived a serious crash as a young man.

Proudly still wearing his Lecanto baseball cap, Miles spent time interacting with community members throughout the event. Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek, a Crystal River High School alumnus, playfully teased Miles and the Lecanto crowd about the cap, adding to the warm and good-natured spirit of the evening. Throughout the day, Sheriff David Vincent and members of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office provided quiet support, ensuring safety during events that drew larger-than-usual crowds. In appreciation of Miles’ involvement in support of the Teen Driver Challenge, the sheriff presented him with an honorary deputy badge and credentials, which Miles accepted with genuine enthusiasm.

The day ended at the Citrus County Education Foundation Fest, where Miles served as a celebrity judge before stepping behind the bar as a celebrity bartender to raise funds for the Education Foundation. He laughed with families, spoke with community members, posed for photos, and took part in the evening with the ease of someone who knew he was home.

Everything about the day, from the cap he wore with such pride to the time he gave so generously, reflected a simple truth: Miles Teller is not just a hometown success story. He is someone who carries Citrus County with him, honors it, celebrates it, and remains grateful for the place where it all began.

And Citrus County is just as grateful for him.

Republished in the Citrus County Chronicle on 12/24/2025 – https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/column-thoughts-on-hometown-celebrity-s-visit-to-citrus-county/article_a7218357-ebbf-50ea-86cb-85295af4ce6b.html

Comments Off on You’re a Good Man, Miles Teller
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates

A Busy December Filled with Learning, Celebration, and Community

December has already proven to be a busy and meaningful month, filled with moments that reflect the heart of our district and the strength of our community. While there is much more to share in the weeks ahead, I wanted to highlight some of the experiences and events from the last many days. Together, they capture a season marked by professional growth, community pride, heartfelt remembrance, and the joy that naturally accompanies the holidays.

The month began with the annual Florida School Board Association and Florida Association of District School Superintendents Joint Conference. This is the largest gathering of its kind in the state, bringing together nearly every school board member and superintendent from across Florida. Leaders gathered for meetings, planning, and purposeful professional development. What stood out most were the thoughtful conversations about the future of education. Topics such as artificial intelligence, personalized instruction, operational efficiencies, expanded choice programs, and the upcoming legislative session were central to these discussions. I had the honor of co presenting a session alongside the Google Florida Head of State for K12 Education and one of their lead engineers, focused on the use of an AI tool in education. These conversations strengthened our understanding of what lies ahead and reinforced our shared responsibility to guide our schools with intention and care. I left the conference encouraged by the dedication of leaders across Florida who remain deeply committed to students and educators.

One of the most memorable moments of the week was the celebration at Lecanto High School honoring internationally recognized actor and LHS alumnus Miles Teller. Welcoming him home was a point of pride for the entire community. Lecanto officially named its theater the Miles Teller Theatre at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium, a tribute that reflects both his remarkable accomplishments and the appreciation of the school that helped shape his early years. The excitement among students, alumni, and staff was inspiring. This special moment deserves a fuller story, and I plan to share more reflections in a future piece.

The week also carried a solemn and heartfelt tone as we gathered at Crystal River High School for a ceremony at Bramlitt Stadium celebrating the life of School Resource Officer Deputy Rod. His influence on students and staff was profound. Hearing stories from those who worked alongside him reminded everyone of the lasting impact one caring individual can have within a school community. It was a moving tribute to a man who dedicated his life to creating a safe and supportive environment for young people.

Amid these moments of reflection and celebration, the holiday season brought its own energy and sense of togetherness. Our district participated for the first time in the Crystal River Citrus County Chamber Christmas Parade. The transportation team brought creativity and holiday spirit to life by decorating one of our school buses, transforming it into a bright and joyful part of the parade. Staff members, leaders from the Crystal River compound, and their children walked alongside the bus as families lined the streets. Seeing the smiles, waves, and cheers along the route was a powerful reminder of the strong bond between our schools and the communities we serve.

The celebrations continued with our district Christmas holiday luncheon held at the train depot in Inverness. This gathering gave us the opportunity to pause and recognize the dedication of team members whose work often happens quietly behind the scenes. The holiday season offers a natural moment for gratitude, and I was thankful for the chance to celebrate colleagues who make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families. It was a warm reminder of how fortunate we are to work alongside people who care deeply about our district.

With all of the celebration taking place, important work was also happening across the district. We held our December regular School Board meeting and continued with numerous other activities, including school visits, time spent working directly with families, and additional professional trainings. These efforts are essential to keeping our schools focused, responsive, and centered on the needs of students.

Later in the week, we celebrated another important milestone at the Withlacoochee Technical College Winter Graduation for the Class of 2025 and 2026. The ceremony was held at the newly named Miles Teller Theatre at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium and honored graduates from each of the workforce programs, along with our GED graduates. Watching these students cross the stage was a powerful reminder of the role career and technical education plays in opening doors to opportunity. Their accomplishments reflected determination, resilience, and a commitment to building strong futures.

As we move toward the Christmas break, I am filled with gratitude for everyone across our district. Our students, families, educators, support staff, and leaders all contribute to a community that feels connected and purposeful. These weeks have been busy, but they have also offered meaningful reminders of why this work matters. I look forward to sharing more stories and reflections in the days ahead and remain thankful for each person who helps our students grow, learn, and thrive.

Comments Off on A Busy December Filled with Learning, Celebration, and Community
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates

Giving Thanks for the People Who Lift Us Up

As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the many blessings woven throughout this past year. Life moves fast. We rush from responsibility to responsibility, often without pausing to recognize the people who help lift us, steady us, encourage us, challenge us, and inspire us. This season offers a needed reminder to slow down and say thank you. Gratitude is one of the simplest gifts we can give, yet one of the most powerful. It strengthens relationships, softens burdens, and reminds us that we never walk through life alone.

I am deeply grateful for the many people in my world who consistently work to improve the community around us. Some serve quietly, never asking for recognition. Others step into leadership roles, helping guide vision and direction. Many simply show up each day with a kind word, a solution to a problem, or a willingness to help. Each one makes a difference, whether they realize it or not.

This year, I want to acknowledge some of the individuals who have touched my life in meaningful ways: Shaunda, Darrick, Cliff, Tim, Ralph, Kathy, Andre, Danielle, Arnie and Diane, Ashley and Mechelle, Nick, Amy, Mark, Earnie, Scott, David and Angel, Clarine and Bob, CCEF, Tom and Chris, Debbie, Nancy, Mike, Lori, Patrick, Joelle and Henri, Holli, Andrea, TGH, Adele, Donnie, Shawn, fellow School Board members past and present, Danielle and Dan, Annaliese, Blaise, Kim, Al, Chuck, Harold, Bill and Carole, Linda, Torry and Dianne, Bobby, SCST, Mom and Paul, Mike, JJ, Nikki, Wes, Amy, and Mike. The list could continue for pages because my life is filled with generous and caring people. To each of you, I extend my heartfelt gratitude. Your presence, your support, and your encouragement have shaped my days in more ways than you know. I pray for each of you and thank God for the blessing you are in my life.

While I am grateful for many, I want to offer a special word of thanks to my family, the foundation that steadies me. My wife, Thomasine, deserves the highest praise for her patience, grace, and endurance. She puts up with my work, my passions, and what I often call my lifelong IEP. Truthfully, that IEP should have her name as lead educator at the top because she deserves the credit for navigating it. She keeps me grounded, focused, and humble. She helps me be a better version of myself. I am thankful for her every single day.

My son Ethan brings joy wherever he goes. He has never met a stranger because everyone he encounters becomes a friend. His heart is wide open, and the world is brighter because of people like him. Savannah, my soon to be daughter in law, is talented, intelligent, steady, and a beautifully perfect match for our Ethan. Watching the two of them grow together has been one of the great joys of this season of life.

My daughter Genevieve continues to amaze me. She is a devoted nurse with a genuine love for caring for others. What she does not realize is that she cares for her parents as well, sometimes without even knowing it. She brings comfort, laughter, and encouragement into our lives. G’s Adam supports her, strengthens her, and makes her world better each day. He adds kindness and warmth to every room he enters.

Thanksgiving reminds us that gratitude is not only something we feel. It is something we express. It is something we practice. It is something we choose. When we pause long enough to recognize the blessings around us, we discover that joy grows, relationships deepen, and our hearts soften toward one another.

This year let us commit to being a people who notice and appreciate the good. Let us be thankful for one another. Let us offer grace generously. Let us choose love in our actions, in our words, and in our daily interactions. Gratitude does not erase life’s challenges, but it does help us carry them with renewed perspective. It allows us to see the strength in those around us and the hope that comes from walking together.

As we gather for Thanksgiving and move into the holiday season, may our homes be filled with warmth, may our conversations be filled with kindness, and may our hearts be filled with peace.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Comments Off on Giving Thanks for the People Who Lift Us Up
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates