Archive for News & Updates

CRHS Alumni now Miss Florida USA 2023

CRHS Alumni now Miss Florida USA 2023

From Miss Dixon to Miss Florida

Congratulations to Miss Caroline Dixon on her incredible achievement of being chosen as Miss Florida USA! As an alumna of Crystal River High School, Class of 2016, Caroline has made her mark and brought pride to her alma mater. Hailing from Homosassa, she is the daughter of Chuck and Phyllis Dixon, who are bursting with pride at their daughter’s accomplishments.

Caroline’s journey to this prestigious title has been nothing short of inspirational. Having previously served as an elementary teacher in the Citrus County School District, she has demonstrated her passion for education and making a positive impact in the lives of young students.

Currently, Caroline holds the esteemed position of Senior Legislative Assistant for Florida Senator Ed Hooper. Her dedication and commitment to public service are truly commendable.

As Caroline embarks on her next adventure, competing in Miss USA 2023 in September, we extend our heartfelt wishes for her success. The entire community stands behind her, confident in her abilities, and inspired by her determination. Good luck, Caroline! May your journey continue to shine brightly, representing the best of Citrus County and the state of Florida.

CRHS Class of 2023 Senior Awards: Celebrating Success and Generosity

CRHS Class of 2023 Senior Awards: Celebrating Success and Generosity

The Crystal River High School Class of 2023 Senior Awards night was an unforgettable celebration of success and achievement. Seniors were honored for their remarkable accomplishments and received a staggering $2.4 million in accepted scholarships and grants, including $242,000 in local scholarships. Congratulations to the talented students and their families! We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated educators, leaders, staff, and community members who made this remarkable evening possible. Special thanks go to the organizations, groups, clubs, and individuals whose generous sponsorships contributed to the distribution of these scholarships.

From High School Reflections to Space Force Officer

From High School Reflections to Space Force Officer

2018 LHS grad Catherine Schlabach gives address at Georgia Tech

In 2018, Catherine Schlabach stood before her peers at Lecanto High School and delivered a commencement speech filled with optimism and anticipation for the future. Little did she know that her own journey would lead her to a path far beyond what she could have imagined. Today, she proudly serves as a United States Space Force Officer, a testament to the incredible achievements she has accomplished since that fateful day.

Last week, Schlabach once again took the stage, this time as an aerospace engineering major, for Georgia Tech‘s Spring Commencement ceremonies. Surrounded by about 30 family members, including her parents Commissioner Ruth Schlabach and Jarey Schlabach, and her twin sister Julia, Schlabach celebrated her graduation and reflected on the remarkable journey that brought her here.

In an interview with the Georgia Tech News Center, Schlabach revealed that her sister, Julia, played a significant role in shaping her commencement speech. Through the ups and downs of her time at Georgia Tech, Julia stood by her side, offering unwavering support and inspiration. Schlabach acknowledged that without her sister, she couldn’t have written the speech, let alone have the confidence to address the entire Commencement ceremony.

Schlabach’s transformation from a high school graduate to a Space Force Officer and aerospace engineering major is a testament to her determination, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to her goals. Her journey serves as an inspiration to all those who aspire to reach for the stars and achieve greatness.

Joining the United States Space Force is no small feat. It requires exceptional dedication, skills, and a passion for exploring the unknown. Schlabach’s decision to pursue a career in aerospace engineering further solidifies her commitment to advancing the frontiers of technology and science. As she enters this new chapter of her life, it is clear that she is poised to make significant contributions to the field and leave an indelible mark on the aerospace industry.

Schlabach’s story is a reminder that the path to success is not always linear or predictable. It is filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, but it is in those moments of adversity that true strength and character are revealed. Schlabach’s ability to navigate the challenges and setbacks she encountered along the way is a testament to her resilience and unwavering determination.

The Lecanto High School commencement speech in 2018 was a mere glimpse into the potential that our students like Catherine Schlabach possessed. Today, she stands not only as a Space Force Officer and an aerospace engineering graduate but as a symbol of the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream big. Her journey is far from over, and it will be exciting to see the impact she will continue to make in her future endeavors.

Lecanto High School Class of 2023 Senior Awards

Lecanto High School Class of 2023 Senior Awards

The Lecanto High School Class of 2023 Senior Awards was a night to remember as the seniors were celebrated for their success and accomplishments. It was heartwarming to see the students and their families come together to share in the joy and pride of this momentous occasion.

LHS seniors were awarded approximately $230,000 in local scholarships and $6.5 million in potential scholarships and grants. This demonstrates the commitment of the school and the community to support and invest in the future of these young students.

The event was made possible by the dedication and hard work of the students, who are supported by our educators, leaders, staff, and community. It is a reminder of the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success. Congratulations to the LHS seniors and their families for their well-deserved recognition and the bright future ahead.

Showing off WTC

Showing off WTC

Today, Debra Stanley, the Director of Career & Technical and Adult Education, and I had the great pleasure of giving Karin Hoffman, a CTE innovator and member of the Southern Regional Education Board, and TC Wolfe, the FSBA’s Federal Relations Representative, a tour of Withlacoochee Technical College. We started our tour with the new Industrial Machinery Control Technician program, where Karin and TC were impressed by the state-of-the-art equipment and the level of expertise demonstrated by the students. The program’s instructor provided insight into this emerging field of motor control technology and the industry’s job outlook, emphasizing the high demand for skilled problem-solving technicians. During our visit, I had the opportunity to congratulate Thomas Hauter, one of my former high school swimmers, on his graduation from the program. I was delighted to learn that Thomas and other graduates from the program have secured positions and will be relocating to Jacksonville to begin their new careers.

After an enlightening visit to the Industrial Machinery Control Technician program, we moved on to visit some of the construction programs. The students there were working on various projects, including electrical wiring and systems. Karin and TC were impressed by the students’ attention to detail and the quality of their work. It was a fantastic visit, and I was pleased to showcase the exceptional programs and talented students at Withlacoochee Technical College to Karin and TC.

Congratulations to our 2023 Golden Citrus Scholars!

Congratulations to our 2023 Golden Citrus Scholars!

It is with great pleasure that we extend our sincere congratulations to these students who have worked incredibly hard and achieved outstanding accomplishments. We couldn’t be more proud of each and every one of them.

We also want to express our gratitude to Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Senator Blaise Ingoglia, and State Representative Ralph Massullo for their special personalized letters of congratulations to the Golden Citrus Scholars. Their encouragement and support mean so much to these deserving students and to our community.

Thank you to all the school and district selection teams, including the Citrus County Schools Research and Accountability Department for their hard work in identifying the top students in our community. We appreciate their dedication to this important task, which is no small feat.

Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to the Citrus County Education Foundation for their continued support of this great event. Their community partners and unwavering commitment to education in our community is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for all that they do.

To the 2023 Golden Citrus Scholars, we applaud you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Your achievements are a testament to your resilience and determination, and we have no doubt that you will continue to succeed in all your future endeavors. Congratulations again, and best wishes for a bright and prosperous future.

Read the complete coverage of the Citrus Golden Scholars: https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/education/golden-citrus-scholars-celebrated-with-bus-tour-full-of-gifts/article_214a5ea5-aa5b-51cb-b53c-abc0c0a805fd.html