Thank you Mr. Bosse and Ms. Lofton

Posted on May 26th, 2023 by

Thank you Mr. Bosse and Ms. Lofton

Working with two amazing leaders like retiring Principals Chris Bosse and Vicki Lofton has been an incredible experience that has enriched my understanding of education and leadership. Today, as I witnessed the retirement celebrations for both principals, I couldn’t help but reflect on the profound impact they have had on the schools they led and the individuals they inspired.

My journey with Mr. Bosse began over 14 years ago when he joined Central Ridge Elementary (CRE) as the Assistant Principal, where both my children were students. From there, he went on to become the principal of Homosassa Elementary and Hernando Elementary before returning to CRE for the past three years. Mr. Bosse’s dedication to his students and staff is unwavering, and his servant-leadership approach has been truly inspirational. As he bid farewell to the school for the last time, the love and tears from the students reflected the profound impact he had on their lives.

Ms. Lofton’s leadership journey has been remarkable. I first met her over a decade ago when she was an assistant principal at Floral City Elementary. She later became the Assistant Principal at CRE, coinciding with Mr. Bosse’s promotion. After that, she took on the role of principal at Lecanto Primary School (LPS) where she has served for the last 11 years. Teachers and staff at LPS praised her for fostering their professional growth and creating a supportive environment. Her commitment and passion have left an indelible mark on the students and school community.

Together, Chris Bosse and Vicki Lofton have exemplified what it means to be exceptional leaders in education. Their deep care for students and staff, combined with their relentless commitment to excellence, have elevated the quality of education in Citrus County Schools. Personally, I have grown as a board member through their guidance and example.

As we bid farewell to these extraordinary leaders, we express our gratitude for their remarkable contributions. Chris and Vicki, you will be dearly missed, but your legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of education in our community. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and service.

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Thanks for working to make graduations successful and special

Posted on May 26th, 2023 by

Thanks for working to make graduations successful and special

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who played a pivotal role in the successful outdoor graduations at Lecanto, Crystal River, and Citrus High School. Despite the weather challenges this week that posed additional concerns, their unwavering commitment, diligent efforts, and remarkable adaptability made these graduation celebrations a resounding success.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the principals, administrative teams, activity/athletic directors, and the dedicated on-campus staff. Your leadership, coordination, and hard work ensured that each ceremony was executed flawlessly, allowing graduates to receive their well-deserved diplomas and listen to inspiring speeches.

In addition, we want to express our deepest thanks to the District Facilities Department and staff, as well as the school maintenance teams. Despite adverse weather conditions, they selflessly toiled day and night, setting up, dismantling, and re-setting up the staging, chairs, and other essential elements. Your tireless efforts created a safe and enjoyable environment for each graduate, fostering a truly memorable experience.

To all those involved, we express our utmost appreciation for your unwavering dedication, teamwork, and resilience. Your collective contributions made these outdoor graduations a resounding success, leaving a lasting impact on the graduating students. Thank you for your exceptional work and commitment to ensuring a memorable and meaningful experience for all involved.

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Congratulations WTC Graduates

Posted on May 23rd, 2023 by

Congratulations WTC Graduates

Congratulations to the remarkable graduates of Withlacoochee Technical College! We extend our heartfelt applause to the students who exhibited dedication and perseverance, showcasing their outstanding achievements during the momentous ceremony held at Curtis Peterson Auditorium. The atmosphere was electric as families, friends, and peers enthusiastically cheered for each graduate as they confidently crossed the stage.

Among the graduates, several students successfully fulfilled their GED requirements, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey. Additionally, we commend the numerous graduates from diverse fields of study who completed their programs with excellence.

The accomplishments include graduates in Welding Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Electricity, Medical Assisting, Technology Support Services, Industrial Machinery Controls Technician, Nails Specialty, Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration, Applied Information Technology, Network Systems Administration, Applied Cybersecurity, Medical Coder/Biller, and Automotive Service Technology.

Furthermore, a remarkable achievement was the induction of graduates into the esteemed National Technical Honor Society.

To all the graduates of Withlacoochee Technical College, we offer our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for your future endeavors. May your passion and skills lead you to remarkable success in all your pursuits!

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Coach Dabney

Posted on May 22nd, 2023 by

Coach Dabney

The man, the leader, the mentor, the counselor, the teacher, and the coach.

The community of Citrus County is mourning the loss of a remarkable individual, Archie Dabney, affectionately known as “Coach Dabney.” With a career spanning over four decades, Coach Dabney made an indelible impact as an administrator, counselor, teacher, and coach. His dedication to education and his unwavering commitment to his students touched the lives of countless individuals.

Coach Dabney began his career at Booker T. Washington School, which is now Inverness Middle School. His passion for teaching and mentoring led him to Crystal River High School (CRHS), where he continued to inspire students both in the classroom and on the sports field. Finally, he concluded his career as the principal of Citrus Springs Elementary School (CSES), leaving a lasting legacy in the education system.

Having had the privilege of knowing Coach Dabney personally, I can attest to the profound impact he had on our community. He was a beacon of light, motivating and encouraging students to strive for excellence and reach their full potential. His genuine care for each individual and his ability to see the best in everyone created an atmosphere of trust and support.

For many in Citrus County, Coach Dabney was that special educator who shaped their lives and helped them become the best version of themselves. His contributions extended far beyond the classroom, as he instilled values of perseverance, teamwork, and integrity in his students.

As we bid farewell to Coach Dabney, we honor his incredible legacy and celebrate the immeasurable difference he made in the lives of countless students. His memory will forever remain etched in the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Coach Dabney’s impact will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us of the profound influence that educators can have on shaping the future.

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2023 Chronicle STARS Student Athlete Awards

Posted on May 19th, 2023 by

2023 Chronicle STARS Student Athlete Awards

The 2023 Chronicle STARS Student-Athlete Awards was a night filled with celebration and recognition for outstanding student-athletes in Citrus County. The event, held annually, brought together athletes, coaches, families, and sponsors to honor the exceptional achievements of these young individuals.

Travis Anderson, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Citrus County and former NCAA Florida State University baseball player, delivered an inspiring keynote speech emphasizing the importance of rising above excuses. His words resonated with the audience and set the tone for the evening.

Among the many deserving student-athletes, I wanted to single out some from last evening who were highlighted for their exceptional accomplishments. Check out the Chronicle this weekend for the full coverage of all the student-athletes and award winners.

Kasey Strom from Crystal River was named the Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Kasey excelled academically with a perfect 4.0 unweighted GPA and 4.745 weighted GPA. She also qualified for the state tournament in weightlifting and participated in the discus event at the state track and field meet.

Austin Edwards, also from Crystal River, was named the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Austin showcased his skills on the soccer field and tennis court while maintaining an impressive academic performance. He held the No. 1 singles and doubles spot for the tennis team and had a 3.979 unweighted GPA and 4.813 weighted GPA.

Tim Gray, a junior from Crystal River, received the title of Wrestler of the Year. Tim had an outstanding season, finishing with a remarkable 55-6 record and earning a third-place finish at the Class 1A State Finals in the 220-pound weight class. Gray was also featured this week in the Chronicle as one of two students that challenged Florida Senator Blaise Ingoglia to a weightlifting challenge.

Drew Jenkins from Citrus was recognized as the Boys Swimmer of the Year. Drew had a remarkable career, qualifying for the B finals at the Class 2A State Finals in both the 100 freestyle and 100 backstroke events.

Grace Burkholder, a senior from Lecanto, was honored as the Girls Swimmer of the Year. Grace’s exceptional performances at the Class 2A State Finals, where she placed ninth in the 100 freestyle and 16th in the 100 breaststroke, showcased her talent and dedication to the sport.

I want to thank the Citrus County Chronicle for again hosting this special annual event and for making the STARS Student-Athlete Recognition possible. I also want to thank the sponsors who generously supported the event, and their contributions were acknowledged.

Special appreciation was expressed to the coaches and athletic directors who played a crucial role in guiding and nurturing these student-athletes to reach their full potential. The families and the community were also acknowledged for their unwavering support throughout the athletes’ journeys.

Congratulations to all the student-athletes who were recognized and celebrated at the 2023 STARS Student-Athlete Recognition. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to others and a testament to their hard work, dedication, and resilience.

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The Senator vs The Pirate(s)

Posted on May 18th, 2023 by

The Senator vs The Pirate(s)

CRHS Student(s) challenge Senator Blaise Ingoglia to a weightlifting challenge

It is always a special occasion when our state leaders take the time to visit our schools and classrooms. It gives students and staff the opportunity to learn more about the individuals who make legislative decisions and allows leaders to make personal connections with those in the community they serve. This was certainly the case when Florida Senator Blaise Ingoglia visited Crystal River High School yesterday.

During his visit, Senator Ingoglia took the time to tour several of the school’s classrooms, including the Academy of Health Careers. He was impressed by the school’s programs and excited to learn more about the opportunities offered to the students. While visiting our BioMedical lab, the Senator shared that he had volunteered at a lab in a hospital during his time in high school, where he conducted similar testing to what the CRHS BioMedical students do. The Senator also visited the nursing and dental labs, further expanding his understanding of the school’s healthcare programs. Additionally, the Senator was enthusiastic about the school’s new Vet Tech Pathway program, as he expressed his own love for animals. As a building contractor himself, he found particular interest in visiting the engineering and architectural drafting program, as he could relate to the field.

Throughout his visit, Senator Ingoglia made personal connections with students and staff alike, showcasing his humorous and engaging personality. Students and staff were thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with the Senator, with one person even remarking that he was “like a dad.”

The highlight of the visit, however, was the “Crystal River Rumble,” a special weightlifting competition between Senator Ingoglia and junior Conner Cooper, with support from fellow Pirate, Tim Gray. The competition was the result of a lighthearted conversation that the Senator and Conner had during an earlier visit to Tallahassee. Fueling their competitive spirit, a friendly challenge was proposed, and the “Crystal River Rumble” was born. The competition was a fun and exciting event, with the Pirate Football team in attendance to cheer on their fellow students. To the Senator’s surprise, even his staff members who had attended the event wore shirts cheering for Conner, much to his chagrin.

Check out Chronicle Education Report Georgia Sullivan wrote a great article about the event and I encourage you to check it out at https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/education/senator-ingoglia-faces-off-with-crhs-junior/article_37381196-193f-57be-ad91-93cbf2d2a294.html.

It is great for state leaders to visit schools and interact with students and staff, and Senator Ingoglia’s visit to Crystal River High School was a shining example of why. The visit allowed students and staff to learn more about their representative and showcased the Senator’s commitment. The personal connections that the Senator made with students and staff will not soon be forgotten, and the “Crystal River Rumble” was a fun and memorable event that highlighted the Senator’s willingness to engage with his constituents.

I want to extend my deepest thanks to Conner Cooper and Tim Gray for their outstanding efforts in making the Senator feel extra special. I also want to thank the Pirate Football team for being present and making this occasion even more memorable. Special thanks go to Coach Lohery for coordinating the competition, Dean Dyer for fostering the event, Principal McLeod and his team for their support and work, and to all the Pirate team members who played roles behind the scenes.

Thank you, Senator Ingoglia, for taking the time to visit our school. We look forward to future visits and maybe even a rematch. Stay tuned!

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