IB program celebrates students’ accomplishments with ceremony

 

Student success is a mix of many factors, but one of the most important is the unconditional support of a student’s parents. That parental support was on display last Saturday night as the Citrus County International Baccalaureate Parent Organization held the inaugural Lecanto High School IB Ceremony at Curtis Peterson Auditorium.

Currently three classes (2012, 2013 and 2014) at Lecanto High School are on track to finish the IB Diploma Program. The two-year IE Diploma Program is an academically challenging and balanced program of education with final examinations that prepare students for success at university and life beyond.

In addition to taking two language classes, social studies, science, math and art, students in the program are also required to write an extended essay of up to 4,000 words, take a Theory of Knowledge class and learn from realworld experience by engaging in activities that are creative, active and service based.

Mr. David Strickland, president of the Parent Organization, opened the festivities by calling each class into the auditorium. Mrs. Lainie Strickland, Parent Organization vice president, then thanked the many people who have been involved in IB. One of those, Citrus County School Board Member Linda Powers, spearheaded the’ campaign in 2006 to bring IB to this communiunity. Lecanto was officially authorized as an IB World School in 2009.

Since IB begins during the junior year of high school, Saturday night was extra special for the Lecanto juniors because it was also their Pinning Ceremony – the official recognition that they are finishing their first year of IB. Each student was called on stage to be “pinned” by his or her parent(s) with an IB LHS lapel pin.

Behind every successful IB student is a supportive parent or adult. “My success in this program is all because of my parents,” said junior Jessica Jackson. “If it hadn’t been for their support, I wouldn’t be here.”

Mrs. Judy Castillo, IB English teacher, said of her students: “They are the most enjoyable students I have ever taught. They are quick witted, intelligent, lively, and energetic. It will be sad to see them move on.” She then added, “It was wonderful tonight to meet parents of my students.”

With more than 900,000 IB students in more than 140 countries, International Baccalaureate – at its heart – is “motivated by a mission to create a better world through education.”

At the close of the ceremony Citrus County Schools Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel echoed IB’s mission by adding these kind words about the students: “You truly are our future and, we can rest assured that our future is in great hands!”

Related Links

• IB Awards Thoughts by Coordinator Darrick Buettner
• Citrus County International Baccalaureate
• IB Parent Organization

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