LHS Grad Soars with Falcon 9: Catherine Schlabach’s Space Force Success

Posted on August 20th, 2025 by

LHS Grad Soars with Falcon 9: Catherine Schlabach’s Space Force Success

We are so proud to share this story! Lecanto High School graduate and now U.S. Space Force First Lieutenant Catherine Schlabach is playing a crucial role in helping a Falcon 9 rocket lift off this week. It’s not every day we get to celebrate one of our own being part of such a high-profile and historic mission in aerospace.

As a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Space Force, Catherine is applying her engineering expertise, leadership skills, and calm under pressure to support the successful launch of one of the world’s most advanced rockets. This is no small feat. It takes years of preparation, countless hours of technical training, and an unwavering commitment to excellence to earn a place on such a mission. And Catherine has done just that.

Big thanks to Casmira Harrison at the Citrus County Chronicle for telling this story and shining a light on Catherine’s incredible journey. You can read the full article here: LHS grad to help Falcon 9 rocket get off the ground this week

What makes this story especially meaningful for us is that Catherine’s roots are right here in Citrus County. A proud graduate of the International Baccalaureate program at Lecanto High School, she has taken what she learned in our classrooms and used it as a foundation for success on a national and global stage. From her time in IB to now managing technical and operational details for a Space Force rocket launch, Catherine’s path is a powerful example of what’s possible when education, determination, and opportunity meet.

Her success is not only a testament to her own dedication but also to the educators, mentors, and family members who supported her along the way. In the Chronicle article, Catherine credits “a Citrus County education and a supportive family” for helping her get to where she is today. That’s something we can all take pride in.

We are incredibly proud of you, First Lieutenant Schlabach! Your work doesn’t just propel rockets—it lifts the dreams and ambitions of young people in our community and shows them that the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning.

Let’s keep cheering Catherine on and celebrating the amazing things our Citrus County graduates are accomplishing every day.

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Visiting Floral City Elementary: Exciting Progress on Safety and Expansion

Posted on August 18th, 2025 by

Visiting Floral City Elementary: Exciting Progress on Safety and Expansion

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting Floral City Elementary to see the progress on the new entrance, part of the school’s overall expansion and safety improvements designed to better serve our FCE Bullfrogs, staff, and families.

Principal Kahler enthusiastically showed me around, and it was amazing to see the changes since I last visited over the summer when FCE was in the midst of many construction projects. From the new secured entrance and welcoming lobby to the redesigned offices, guidance suite, and state-of-the-art health station, these enhancements are truly transformative. They will make a real difference for students, families, and staff alike.

I also toured the new classroom wing, where teachers have recently moved in and students have started learning. The classrooms are exceptional—bright, modern, and thoughtfully designed to provide an outstanding learning environment that complements the rest of the historic FCE campus.

Looking ahead, Principal Kahler shared that FCE plans to host a community open house, giving families and community members the opportunity to see the school’s classrooms and improvements firsthand.

A heartfelt thank you to Principal Kahler, Assistant Principal Furniss, the FCE facility and custodial team, and the district facility and construction team led by Eric Stokes. These improvements are more than bricks and mortar—they directly impact student learning and success, helping to build a stronger, better community for everyone.

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2025 Veterans in the Classroom Program to Inspire Citrus County Students This Fall

Posted on August 12th, 2025 by

2025 Veterans in the Classroom Program to Inspire Citrus County Students This Fall

Citrus County Schools is proud to announce the return of the 2025 Veterans in the Classroom (VITC) program, running October 27 through November 7. This cherished tradition in our community, invites local veterans to share their personal military experiences with students — fostering a meaningful connection between generations.

“The mission has always been to educate our youth about the honor of military service,” says Mark Bodenheim, U.S. Army (Ret.) and current VITC program manager, speaking to the Citrus County Chronicle. “It’s one of the few programs of its kind in Florida and the nation.”

The program provides students with a rare opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from veterans across all branches of the armed forces. These stories bring history to life, teaching valuable lessons about courage, resilience, and sacrifice that textbooks alone cannot convey.

“This program thrives because of our community,” adds Col. Curt Ebitz, U.S. Army (Ret.), in an interview with the Citrus County Chronicle. “Teachers want their students to hear real stories. Veterans want to give back. The VITC lets those goals meet face-to-face.”

Veterans interested in participating can register now through September 20 via the Citrus County School District website at www.citrusschools.org/home. Scroll down to the row of red icons and click the “Veterans In The Classroom” flag to complete the registration process.

Citrus County Schools continues to honor its veterans with distinction. The district proudly holds the title of the nation’s first Purple Heart School District, and all Citrus County schools have earned the prestigious Florida Purple Star School designation — a testament to the community’s respect for military families and dedication to preserving their legacy.

The Veterans in the Classroom program remains a cornerstone of this commitment. By sharing their journeys, veterans help keep history alive and inspire students to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy today.

Join us in making the 2025 Veterans in the Classroom program a memorable experience for Citrus County students. Register today and be part of this powerful tradition honoring our military heroes.

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There’s Nothing Better Than First Day Energy

Posted on August 11th, 2025 by

There’s Nothing Better Than First Day Energy

There is nothing quite like the first day of school. Today, I had the privilege of visiting six campuses: three elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, and the energy was contagious.

The common thread everywhere I went was the same: This is going to be a great year! You could see it in the fist bumps between students and teachers, the side hugs from staff, the joy in seeing returning students, and the big smiles on everyone’s faces. This kind of optimism fuels the belief that the year ahead will be encouraging, positive, and full of possibilities.

At each stop, I had a chance to speak with the principal, members of the administrative team, teachers, and staff. For them, this is the day they anticipate all summer. It is the day when months of planning turn into action and support systems for students begin moving in full swing.

At Citrus Springs Elementary, Principal Julie Jones was outside the school double-checking students’ end-of-day plans. She personally greeted the youngest students, attaching color-coded wristbands to either their wrists or backpacks to ensure they would get home safely.

At Lecanto High School, as lunch was ending, I witnessed Principal Troy LaBarbara step in to help a new student who had arrived late. When he realized she might miss lunch, he had her sit down and made sure she had a nourishing meal before returning to her schedule. He also mentioned that he had already been in 28 classrooms, and it was not even halfway through the day. That is a hands-on leader.

That was the kind of leadership I saw throughout my visits to all the schools.

This enthusiasm was not limited to the school level. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert was out before sunrise, greeting the first buses and drivers as they rolled out. Assistant Superintendent Jen Greco was at Crystal River High School as the sun came up, meeting with students and staff. I crossed paths with many district leaders, including Director of Secondary Education Laura Lindeman, who, along with others, jumped in to help with transportation needs by personally co-driving a student across the county so they could make it to Citrus High School in time for their next class.

And this is only Day One. There are still 179 days left in the school year. That means 179 days of opportunities to learn, grow, and connect.

If today’s energy is any indication, this is going to be a year to remember.

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Welcome Back, Citrus County Schools!

Posted on August 10th, 2025 by

Welcome Back, Citrus County Schools!

Today marks the official start of the 2025–2026 school year, and we are thrilled to welcome our students and families back to campuses across Citrus County. This morning begins another year filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities—made possible by months of preparation, collaboration, and the dedication of our caring and compassionate educators, support teams, and leaders throughout the district.

Over the summer, our maintenance and facilities teams have been busy refreshing classrooms, upgrading spaces, and ensuring our schools are safe and ready. Our technology teams have prepared devices and systems so teaching and learning can run smoothly. Transportation crews have mapped out bus routes, conducted safety checks, and finalized schedules so students arrive at school efficiently and on time. Meanwhile, our food service staff have been planning menus and stocking kitchens to provide healthy, delicious meals every day.

Behind the scenes, administrators have been hiring new staff, scheduling classes, and coordinating resources. Teachers have spent their summer in professional learning, collaborating with colleagues, and creating engaging lesson plans to inspire and challenge students. Support staff have organized materials, updated records, and fine-tuned procedures to ensure everything runs smoothly from day one.

All of these efforts share one goal: to provide our students with the best possible environment to learn, grow, and thrive. This year brings exciting possibilities—new academic programs, expanded extracurricular opportunities, and a renewed commitment to helping every student reach their fullest potential.

Students and staff, remember these words from A.A. Milne in Winnie the Pooh: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

Here’s to a year of curiosity, creativity, and connection. Welcome back, Citrus County!

Important Back-to-School Resources

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Honoring America’s Heroes: Purple Heart Day in Citrus County

Posted on August 9th, 2025 by

Honoring America’s Heroes: Purple Heart Day in Citrus County

Each August 7, our nation observed Purple Heart Day, a time to honor and remember the courage, sacrifice, and service of America’s wounded and fallen warriors. This past weekend, the community came together at the Inverness Elks Lodge 2522 in Hernando, Florida, for a heartfelt ceremony marking the 243rd anniversary of the Purple Heart. The event, hosted by the Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), was a moving tribute to those who have endured the wounds of battle in defense of our freedoms.

The Purple Heart is among the most respected and recognizable military decorations. Since its inception, approximately 1.8 million Americans have received this honor. Today, there are an estimated 500,000 living recipients, with more than 140 right here in Citrus County.

The ceremony featured special proclamations from U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ aide Colby Dawson, State Representative J.J. Grow, and Citrus County Commissioner and Chairperson Rebecca Bays, each delivering messages of gratitude and respect for the recipients and their families.

One of the event’s traditions is the reading of the history of the Purple Heart, normally presented by Col. Curt Ebitz, U.S. Army (Ret.), a Purple Heart recipient and Adjutant of Chapter 776. Although Col. Ebitz was unable to attend this year, MOPH 776 Junior Vice Commander Jerry Frease stepped in and delivered the history with dignity and reverence.

He shared how the Purple Heart was reinstated on February 22, 1932, in honor of the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. First created by Washington during the Revolutionary War as the Badge of Military Merit, the modern Purple Heart is awarded to those wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States, retroactive to April 5, 1917, the eve of America’s entry into World War I.

The medal’s design carries deep symbolism. It is a heart-shaped purple badge edged in gold, bearing a profile of George Washington on the front and the words “For Military Merit” on the back. The ribbon of purple silk with a silver border reflects both the honor and solemnity of the award.

As always, MOPH 776 Commander Richard Hunt led with warmth and sincerity, making every recipient feel recognized and appreciated. In a surprise moment, Commander Hunt “ambushed” two individuals with special Chapter 776 awards for their outstanding service to the organization.

Citrus County is proud to hold a unique distinction in Purple Heart history. On May 5, 2014, the Citrus County School District was recognized as the first Purple Heart School District in the nation, a testament to our community’s deep respect for those who serve and sacrifice.

As we reflect on Purple Heart Day, let us remember that the freedoms we enjoy were secured by those willing to give their all. May we continue to honor and support our Purple Heart Patriots, not only on August 7 but every single day.

God bless all our Purple Heart recipients—their valor, service, and commitment will forever inspire us.

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