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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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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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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