Celebrating Highlights from the IB Class of 2024 Senior Banquet

This past Sunday evening was the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at LHS Class of 2024 Senior Banquet and Awards held at the College of Central Florida, a celebration of academic achievement and community spirit.

The festivities began with a lively social hour, where students and their families immersed themselves in laughter and camaraderie, capturing cherished moments with special photos. Adding to the ambiance, Robert Emond, a talented pianist and student at LHS, once again graced the event with his musical talents, setting the perfect tone for the evening.

The warm welcome by IB Coordinator Dr. Ashley Shidner set a tone of appreciation and anticipation for the night ahead. Attendees were treated to an exquisite dinner provided by the local favorite, World Fusion, skillfully prepared and delicious food and served by students from the LHS culinary program, adding a touch of culinary excellence to the event.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Special Awards and Superlatives, recognizing the outstanding achievements and contributions of IB students and staff. The room buzzed with excitement and pride as these remarkable individuals were honored for their dedication and excellence. The last award given was a special acknowledgment to Shawyn M. Newman, Director of Curriculum & Instruction K-12, and former program administrator of IB at LHS, for her significant service to the IB program.

Adding a creative and entertaining touch to the evening, the IB students showcased their talents in a funny and engaging video, sharing special memories and moments from their IB journey. The video was a testament to the close-knit community and vibrant spirit within the IB program.

The IB Alumni Guest Speaker was Madelyn Chandler, from the LHS IB Class of 2022, captivated the audience with her insights into life after IB graduation. Miss Chandler shared valuable experiences and advice, offering a glimpse into what the graduating seniors could expect in their first year following IB graduation. Her impressive undergraduate research and studies at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg served as an inspiration to all present.

The International Baccalaureate program stands as a beacon of academic rigor and global education, fostering critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and a well-rounded perspective among high school students. With a comprehensive curriculum spanning various disciplines and emphasizing skills development, IB prepares students for success in higher education and beyond.

Dr. Shidner shared a remarkable statistic before the evening concluded, highlighting that 42 out of 46 IB seniors had been offered an astounding $5.5 million in scholarships, a testament to their hard work and academic excellence.

The success of the Senior Banquet and Awards is a testament to the dedication of IB teachers, LHS administrators, and the continuous support of individuals like Darrick Buettner, the Citrus Schools Director of Specialist Programs and IB Founding Coordinator at LHS. Special thanks were extended to IB Coordinator Dr. Ashley Shidner for her tireless efforts in organizing the event and her ongoing commitment to the success of the IB program.

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