2024 4-H Public Speaking Contest, 4^th & 5^th Grade

Today, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 4-H Public Speaking Contest for the 4th and 5th grade division, a longstanding event sponsored by Citrus County 4-H and the Rotary Club of Crystal River, made possible by the Citrus County UF | IFAS Extension University of Florida. This event underscores the belief of the Florida 4-H Public Speaking Program that mastering public speaking is crucial, especially at a young age.

Among the standout performances, Joseph Fernandez from Lecanto Primary claimed the first prize with his speech on “Field trips in Student’s Education.” His clear delivery and compelling argumentation left a lasting impression on the audience. Ella Cooley from Inverness Primary secured the second spot with her speech titled “Kids Vaping,” shedding light on a pressing issue affecting today’s youth. Nora Eustace from Seven Rivers Christian School clinched the third position with her insightful discourse on “Best and Worst Ways to Drink Coke.” Additionally, Scarlet Capahi from Central Ridge Elementary received an honorable mention for her speech titled “Not All Heroes Wear Capes,” showcasing her creativity and passion.

The significance of public speaking cannot be emphasized enough. Beyond formal presentations, it shapes daily interactions and holds considerable sway in personal and professional realms. Equipping young people with the ability to express themselves clearly and react swiftly lays the groundwork for their future accomplishments.

The success of events like this wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of numerous individuals. From student teachers to school specialists, volunteers, judges, and contest participants, each plays a crucial role in making the event a success. Special recognition goes to Dr. Marnie L. Ward from the UF/IFAS Citrus County 4-H Extension Service for her invaluable contribution.

Congratulations to all participants for their outstanding efforts and contributions to the art of public speaking. Events like these not only showcase individual talent but also inspire and empower the next generation of communicators.

Below is a list of the 2024 elementary students and their speech titles who qualified as the top two finishers from their respective school levels:

4TH AND 5TH GRADE SPEAKERS

Saint John Paul II Catholic School

Brooklyn Jahnke “I Love Pigs”

Landon Gilpin “My Favorite NFL Team”

 

Homosassa Elementary

Rylee Monoghan “Ponyo”

Araya Young “Homosassa Elementary”

 

Inverness Primary

Ella Cooley “Kids Vaping”

Elizabeth Lewis “Traveling”

 

Lecanto Primary

Joseph Fernandez “Fieldtrips in Student’s Education”

Shelby Clark “Pancakes”

 

Pleasant Grove Elementary

Emma Williams “Annoying Abby”

Jade Napolitano “My Crazy Family”

 

Rock Crusher Elementary

Brinley Nippers “Competitive Cheerleading”

Casey Phillips “Rowdy Determination”

 

Central Ridge Elementary

Scarlet Capahi “Not All Heroes Wear Capes”

Demarco Evans “Black Holes”

 

Citrus Springs Elementary

Wyatt Wilson “Orangutans Vs. Dolphins”

Akasha Hopkins Capabianco “Dragons”

 

Crystal River Primary

Ainsley Glenn “Being a Staff Student”

Abby Kreusch “Privacy”

 

Floral City Elementary

Tyler Caraway “Cancer Awareness”

Riley Bledsoe “Nikki Haley”

 

Forest Ridge Elementary

Siya Barad “Ready, Set, Go Green”

Alondra Trochez Castillo “Life Challenges”

 

Hernando Elementary

Kayleigh Danner “Mental Health”

Jack Laughlin “My Brother’s Naval Journey”

 

Seven Rivers Christian School

Lucy Hart “Adventures in New York”

Nora Eustace “Best and Worst Ways to Drink Coke”

 

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Celebrating Excellence in Mathematics: Math Field Day 2024

It was a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and intellectual challenge as students from their respective schools across the district gathered to participate in the 2024 Citrus Schools Math Field Day. Hosted at Citrus High School and supported by sponsors Suncoast Credit Union and the Citrus County Education Foundation, this event provided a platform for young mathematicians to showcase their skills, engage in teamwork, and foster a spirit of healthy competition.

Math Field Day is not just a competition; it’s an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the world of mathematics beyond the confines of the classroom. From problem-solving to strategic thinking, participants tackle a series of challenging tasks tailored to their respective skill levels. Whether they are exploring algebraic equations or unraveling complex geometric puzzles, each challenge encourages critical thinking and creativity.

One of the highlights of Math Field Day is the recognition of outstanding achievement. Students vie for top honors in their respective categories, with awards ranging from ribbons to gleaming medals. Additionally, the coveted high point award is bestowed upon the school with the highest cumulative score across all levels. This year, Lecanto Middle School and Seven Rivers Christian School emerged victorious, showcasing the depth of talent and dedication within their ranks.

In addition to the exhilarating competitions, Math Field Day also celebrates artistic talent through its annual t-shirt design contest. Jeffrey Thomas, an eighth-grade student from Citrus Springs Middle School, captured the essence of this year’s theme, “Ready, Set, Accelerate,” with his captivating artwork created entirely on an iPad. His design not only adorned the event’s official t-shirts but also served as a visual representation of the participants’ enthusiasm and determination.

Behind the scenes, Math Field Day owes its success to the dedication of numerous individuals and organizations. From the tireless efforts of school coordinators to the invaluable support of district volunteers, every contribution plays a vital role in making this event possible. Special thanks are extended to CCSD Math Specialist Mindy Melito, Director of Specialty Programs Darrick Buettner, Chief Trish Kahler, as well as to all our students’ teachers, and families for their support of our students.

Last but not least, gratitude to our event sponsors, Suncoast Credit Union and the Citrus County Education Foundation, as well as Executive Director Shaunda Burdette, for making this event possible. A special thanks to Citrus High School, Principal Mark Kahler, and his team for graciously hosting Math Field Day on their campus, providing a conducive environment for learning and collaboration.

As another successful Math Field Day draws to a close, it’s evident that the pursuit of excellence in mathematics goes beyond individual achievement—it’s a collective journey fueled by passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of the community. Here’s to inspiring future generations of mathematicians and problem-solvers through events like Math Field Day.

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Empowering Future Healthcare Leaders: LifeSouth’s Internship Program

Nurturing Skills and Compassion in High School Students Through Hands-on Healthcare Experience

Tonight, I had the privilege of attending the LifeSouth Blood Center‘s second annual internship program orientation for a group of junior high school students, and I must say, it was an inspiring event. This program represents an exceptional opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the field of healthcare, gaining valuable skills and firsthand experience. Established in 1978, LifeSouth Blood Center has been a cornerstone of the community, tirelessly collecting, processing, and distributing blood and blood products to hospitals and patients in need.

The internship program is meticulously crafted to provide students with a well-rounded educational experience. Combining online learning modules with hands-on training, it caters to diverse learning styles and individual needs. Under the guidance of seasoned professionals at LifeSouth, students have the chance to work alongside employees and learn the art of phlebotomy – the process of collecting blood from donors.

This year’s cohort comprises four ambitious students from Crystal River High School’s Academy of Health Careers. Over the course of the program, spanning 25 hours from March to May, these students will delve into various aspects of blood banking. While they won’t be practicing phlebotomy on actual donors, they will have the opportunity to refine their skills using simulated arms, ensuring a safe and controlled learning environment.

Beyond phlebotomy, students are exposed to the intricacies of the blood banking process. From recruiting donors and delivering blood to hospitals to navigating HIPAA compliance and conducting donor interviews, the curriculum is comprehensive and enlightening. This hands-on experience not only equips students with practical skills but also instills in them a deep understanding of the importance of blood donation.

Blood donation is a vital and life-saving act that plays a crucial role in healthcare. Blood products are indispensable in a wide range of medical treatments, including surgeries, cancer therapies, and emergency situations. LifeSouth Blood Centers stand as a beacon of hope, ensuring a steady supply of blood to meet the needs of patients in the community.

The internship program serves as a testament to LifeSouth’s commitment to education, community service, and helping develop the next generation of phlebotomists and health career professionals. I extend my heartfelt thanks to CEO Kim Kinsell, COO James D. Pettyjohn, District Director Amber McCue, and the entire Citrus LifeSouth Team for their unwavering dedication to this initiative. Their support and guidance have paved the way for countless students to embark on a journey of discovery and service.

I also wish to express my gratitude to Citrus County Schools Director of Specialty Programs Darrick Buettner and Crystal River High School’s Academy of Health Careers coordinator Danielle Doherty-Koch for their invaluable contributions to this program. Their efforts have played a pivotal role in making this opportunity a reality for our students.

The LifeSouth Blood Center’s internship program represents a beacon of hope for the future of healthcare. Through education, hands-on experience, and community collaboration, it empowers students to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. As we witness the impact of this program, we are reminded of the profound significance of giving back to our community and nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

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