Looking Back with Pride: A Year of Progress, Partnership, and Promise in Citrus County Schools

“The work continues, progress is undeniable, and the best is still ahead.”

As the final pages of 2025 turn, I find myself reflecting on a year of incredible achievement, resilience, and community spirit. Much like many families, our household takes a moment at year’s end to pause, reflect, and prepare for the promise of the year ahead. For the Citrus County School District, 2025 has been a year defined by innovation, collaboration, and the unwavering dedication of our students, families, and staff.

Our greatest resource has always been our people. From the longest-standing magnet programs to the frontiers of aerospace, artificial intelligence, and environmental research, Citrus County continues to prepare students not just for the jobs of today, but for a future still being imagined. This year will be remembered for high academic achievements, elite athletic accomplishments, and a deep commitment to civic leadership.

Resilience and Renewal

Our district’s strength was tested by nature this year, and once again, we rose to the challenge. In January, we celebrated the reopening of the Marine Science Station following the storm surge caused by Hurricane Helene. Seeing students return to floating classrooms to observe manatees and test water quality reaffirmed our commitment to hands-on, real-world learning.

We also celebrated the reopening of the historic Crystal River Middle School gymnasium with a brand-new floor, and construction continued at Floral City Elementary, adding a new classroom wing and a secured entrance to enhance both learning and campus safety.

Academic Milestones and Financial Success

Citrus County students achieved remarkable academic milestones in 2025. Our district reached a 92 percent graduation rate, consistently surpassing the state average. A record number of high school students earned their Associate of Arts degree alongside their high school diploma.

The Golden Citrus Scholars Program honored 21 of the county’s top seniors, with Joshua Sevilla of Lecanto High School named the Overall Hall of Fame Golden Scholar for his exceptional 5.0 GPA and achievements in mathematics and engineering.

The Nature Coast Investment Practicum reached historic heights as the student-managed Manatee Investment Fund surpassed $1 million, awarding six $3,000 scholarships. Excellence in mathematics continued at Math Field Day, where Inverness Middle School and Lecanto High School earned High Point Awards, and Danielle Meeks of Seven Rivers Christian School won the annual t-shirt design contest.

STEM, Robotics, and Environmental Research

Our students continued to excel in STEM and environmental research. At the Citrus Regional Science and Engineering Fair, Amya Francois of the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School received the Ronald J. Worthington Award for Scientific Excellence along with a $1,000 scholarship. Lecanto Middle School and Citrus High School earned High Point Awards, and twenty students advanced to the State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida.

The Olympians Robotics Team, Team 9300, earned the Rising Star Award, while Monica Cortez of Lecanto High School and E-School received the Pillar Award for youth leadership from the Chamber of Commerce. Lecanto High students also conducted professional field studies with the Crystal River Bull Shark Project, applying acoustic tracking and water quality testing to real-world conservation efforts.

Athletics and Physical Achievements

Athletic excellence reached new heights across the district. Ava Ruick of Lecanto High School became a two-time state champion and the most decorated female athlete in county history. Logan Bilick won a state title in weightlifting, while Haley Walker earned second- and third-place finishes.

In swimming and diving, Noah Walker earned three medals at the FHSAA 3A State Championships, becoming the most decorated and fastest swimmer in county history and ranking first in the nation for backstroke in his age group. Morgan Gibson medaled at the FHSAA 2A State Championships, and she, along with Lia Richards, committed to swimming at Division II colleges.

Track and field standouts Tez Joseph and Dre Miller set county records, while wrestling standout Austin Cole of Crystal River High School placed sixth at state and earned All-American honors.

Launching Into the Future

Our commitment to preparing students with future-ready skills reached new heights in 2025. In June, the School Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with Space Florida to launch the Space Florida Academy in Citrus County. This initiative aligns career and technical education programs in aerospace, construction, and cybersecurity with Florida’s rapidly evolving space workforce. Students now have access to co-branded credentials and a Talent Heat Map showcasing their skills to global industry leaders.

We celebrated Lecanto High School graduate and U.S. Space Force First Lieutenant Catherine Schlabach, who played a pivotal role in the successful Falcon 9 launch. Five Citrus County teachers earned full scholarships to attend the 2025 Space Port Area Conference for Educators at the Kennedy Space Center, returning with new knowledge and inspiration for students across the district.

Citrus County also took a leadership role in responsible AI use in education. I served on the Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force and as Chairman of the Florida School Boards Association AI in Education Committee, ensuring that critical thinking and human judgment remain central in every classroom.

Looking ahead, Withlacoochee Technical College has proposed an aviation maintenance program, offering Airframe and Powerplant training in just 18 months, connecting local talent to careers starting above $60,000. Integrated with high school CTE programs and the Space Florida Academy, it provides veterans and adult learners a clear path to economic mobility.

Transformative Partnerships

In July, we finalized a three-year agreement with Tampa General Hospital to support the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School. This $300,000 investment provides students with clinical observation opportunities, clinics, and direct pathways into healthcare careers. An additional $1.04 million in Florida State legislative funding, signed by Governor DeSantis, will further expand our healthcare CTE pathway.

Literacy, Arts, and Public Speaking

Students reached incredible milestones in literacy, the arts, and public speaking. The 17th Annual African-American Read-In gifted every participant a laptop and featured a standing-ovation performance by Taylor Jacobs.

At the 4-H Public Speaking Finals, Scarlet Capahi earned first place, followed by Wyatt Wilson and Ronnie Capahi. MLK Essay Contest winners included Suzie Speight, Carter Cox, and Trevor Bowman, while poet Dana Larose Lero Miller had her poem I’ll Be copyrighted with educator sponsorship.

Career Readiness and Civic Leadership

Scholarship success was remarkable. Kade Cornish and Christina Walko earned $4,000 STEPS to CF scholarships, while the Senior RISE Program welcomed a record 160 seniors, each receiving a free laptop.

Career and technical education and agriculture programs thrived. The Citrus High School Construction Academy grew to 138 students, with 51 earning HBI certifications. FFA accomplishments included first-place finishes by Crystal River High School and Lecanto High School, and Gracie Ward was named Grand Champion for the second consecutive year. Students also demonstrated civic heroism through life-saving actions and service leadership.

Team Successes

Autumn Crabtree, Culinary Arts teacher at Crystal River High School, was named a top-five finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year and honored by Governor Ron DeSantis with a $20,000 award for extraordinary dedication and leadership.

Honoring Our Values

Citrus County remains a beacon of patriotism and service, as the nation’s first Purple Heart School District, with all 23 schools designated Florida Purple Star Schools. Veterans Day celebrations and student-led initiatives continue to reinforce service, gratitude, and character.

A Homecoming to Remember

One of the most electric moments of the year was the return of Lecanto High School alumnus Miles Teller. The naming of the Miles Teller Theater at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium celebrated hometown pride, included a $50,000 donation to the Citrus County Education Foundation, and inspired students through performances, school visits, and judging CCEF Fest.

Closing Reflections

Alongside celebration, we honored the lives of Deputy Marcial “Rod” Rodriguez, Nick Bryant, and Deborah Kamlot-Wright, whose legacies remind us to cherish every moment and extend grace to one another.

These highlights represent only a portion of the great work accomplished in 2025. None of it happens in isolation. We are deeply grateful to our community partners, especially the Citrus County Education Foundation and Citrus County Blessings, whose support continues to open doors and change lives.

As we look toward 2026, let us remain student-centered and student-focused. The work continues, progress is undeniable, and the best is still ahead.

God bless our Citrus County Schools, and Happy New Year.

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