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October 8, 2025
Storm Surge Unites Citrus High in Spirited Homecoming Tradition
Written by Student Delaney Laurence
Homecoming week at Citrus High School is always a time of excitement, pride, and school spirit. Among the many competitions that take place throughout the week, one event stands out as a student favorite: Storm Surge.
Held on Thursday night following the annual parade and pep rally, Storm Surge brings together all four grade levels in a series of spirited mini games. Students gathered on the school's grassy fields, proudly wearing their class-colored shirts and ready to compete. From the classic egg toss to a thrilling game of tug-of-war, the event was packed with energy, laughter, and enthusiasm.
This year’s Storm Surge saw the highest level of participation in recent memory. Students showed up in full force, cheering loudly for their classmates and bringing their best effort to every challenge. Teachers and staff also joined in the festivities, serving as referees and energizing the crowd with their support and encouragement.
“The atmosphere was electric,” said one student. “Everyone was just excited to be out there together, showing school spirit and having fun.”
By the end of the evening, one class rose above the rest. The Class of 2027 was crowned this year’s Storm Surge champion, earning bragging rights and plenty of cheers.
Though the competition was fierce, Storm Surge is ultimately about more than just winning. It’s a celebration of unity, school pride, and the special bond between students and staff that makes Citrus High School such a vibrant community.
Students from all grades gather to compete in the “Storm Surge” (Photo Credit Ella Merchant).
Educators and administrators from IB schools across Florida, including Lecanto, gather in St. Petersburg to strengthen their respective IB programs and student opportunities. (Photo Credit: Lecanto High School, Coach Peter Rausch)
Fresh from the Sunshine City:Florida League of IB Schools Brings Valuable Insights for School Administration
Student Writer: Amadeus Solis - Junior
This week, Lecanto High School’s administration returned from a Florida League of International Baccalaureate Schools (FLiBS) meeting energized and ready to bring new ideas back to our classrooms. As a student in the IB program, Amadeus Solis commented, “It’s exciting to see how much effort goes into making sure our program not only survives but thrives. It is what we call the Panther Way.”
For those who don’t know, FLiBS is a nonprofit organization that exists to “foster excellence in international education for students.” They achieve this by promoting the expansion of IB, offering high-quality professional development for teachers and administrators, and supporting school-wide improvement initiatives. Pam Stewart, former Commissioner of Education for Florida, is now the executive director who attended this week's conference and is pictured.
One of the strongest signs of a successful IB school is its commitment to professional growth and development. That’s where FLiBS plays such a big role. Teachers and coordinators can attend three different types of professional development: Professional Development Workshops, Membership Quarterly Meetings, and Subject-Specific Extended Sessions. For more than 30 years, IB educators worldwide have benefited from these sessions, which are held at the beautiful Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach. Lecanto High School has been attending FLiBS professional development sessions since its inception under Darrick Buettner at Lecanto.
Dr. Ashley Shidner, Lecanto’s current IB coordinator, not only leads our program but also helps train new coordinators across Florida. She has founded the IB Career Program (CP), which Lecanto is proud to offer as one of only 11 schools in Florida. At the September quarterly meeting, Dr. Shidner shared insights into CP with schools that are considering adding it to their own campuses.
This week's meeting also focused on college and career opportunities. A panel of five colleges, the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, Oglethorpe University, Vanderbilt University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, spoke with administrators, counselors, and school staff about their universities' admissions processes. One major takeaway was that college essays really matter. Dr. Shidner has emphasized to the Lecanto seniors that admissions officers at these universities said essays are often the deciding factor, and she was relieved to hear they will remain a “human” process, with two real people reading each essay instead of AI.
The meeting was also the first for our new principal, Mr. Troy LaBarbara. He said he enjoyed connecting with leaders from other districts to see how they incorporate IB into their schools’ culture. He wants to ensure that people know Lecanto High is an IB school by updating the school's entrance signage, so visitors instantly recognize the high standards and rigorous instruction that define Panther Nation.
Already, every LHS student is impacted by IB through our “IB for All” model. Every student takes an IB Language and Literature course, which gives them access to college-level critical thinking and writing skills. Dr. Shidner and Mrs. Stephanie Smith, our HL Language and Literature teacher and English department head, will also be presenting at the next FLiBS meeting in February on how to bring IB courses to a general student population. Their success, which is indicative of strong pass rates in Language and Literature, proves that it can be done.
What inspires me most as a student is knowing that our teachers aren’t just teaching us, they are also helping other IB schools learn how to succeed. By sharing what works at Lecanto, they are raising the bar for IB programs all over Florida.
From the outside, IB might appear to be just another advanced academic program. But when you see the dedication of people like Dr. Shidner, Mr. LaBarbara, and our teachers working together with organizations like FLiBS it becomes clear: Lecanto isn’t just part of the International Baccalaureate world. We’re helping lead it.
Leadership: Within the Walls of Crystal River High School
Student Writer: Kaitlyn Smith
Most kids are told to “be a leader, not a follower.” But, what does it really take to be a leader? At Crystal River High School, many students understand the true measures of being a leader. From sports to clubs, students of each grade level have taken the stand to represent the school and themselves greatly.
“A great person attracts great people and knows how to hold them together.” - Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Most great leaders are inspired by the success of their driven team and many other unique factors. Amya Francois — President of O.P.A.L. (Organization and Preparation for Adult Life) — believes “work experience and a good environment” is key within the success of her club. Alanei Hart — President of Health Occupations Students of America and Co-captain of our cheer team — stated what success looks like for each of her groups; “For cheer, everyone getting along and being on the same page. For HOSA, when we advance to the next levels.”
Having a motivational leadership style will aid any team or club to success. Jessica Tobin — President of Key Club — determined her leadership style as “organized, communicative, and driven” because it keeps her club together and well thought out. When Sienna Turschmann — President of National Honor Society and the Student Body Vice President — was asked the same question as Miss. Tobin, she stated “I would describe my leadership style as inclusive, as I try my best to make everyone feel a part of the team, ensuring all voices are being heard, and all ideas are expressed.”
Every leader has an inspiration, whether that is a person or goal. Lacey Strickland — Secretary of National Honor Society and Secretary of the senior class — says that her biggest inspiration is to be an exemplary leader is her little sister. “I want her to look up to me and I want to set a positive example for her and others.” Chelsea Lynn — President of Future Farmers of America — stated that “having those who look up to me and being a good role model to encourage them to be as well” is what inspires her the most to be an inspirational leader.
A great leader strives to give a great deal of motivation to their peers and whom they are leading. Colton Wilson — Student Body President and President of the Superintendent Council — finds the best way to motivate and drive his class is “appealing to their passions,” which he does through advocating for the student body at a district level. Ava Newton — Secretary of Superintendent Council and Citrus County Blessings Student Board leader — believes motivation of her peers stems from helping put their goals into perspective, while constructing a plan to make their ambitions more attainable.
As a leader, it is important to learn from all of your mistakes. Student leaders, like Jeremiah Randall — Captain of the swim team and Co-president of Interact Club — believe to grow and develop as a leader you must learn from all of your mistakes. Mistakes are the true pathway to success.
At Crystal River High School, many students rise above to be determined leaders within the walls of the school. To recognize the amazing student leaders and how they lead their club and/or sport lets those see all sides of leadership throughout the school.
Student leader, Sydney Pool, joined other Academy of Health Careers students at Citrus Springs Middle School to speak in front of eighth grade students about their specific pathway, hers being the Biomedical Science pathway. (Photo by the Biomedical Science Instructor Danielle Doherty-Koch)
The 2025 - 2026 elected Key Club officers from left to right: Jeremiah Robbins, Kaitlyn Smith, Adalin Swisher, Kyla Grantham, Jessica Tobin, Allyson Maruszczak, and Emma Smith. (Photo by Key Club Advisor and English Instructor Samantha Monroe)
Colton Wilson aided in building the senior class float for the Crystal River High School 2025 Homecoming Parade, alongside senior Lainy Kofmehl. (Photo by Crystal River High School senior Lily Hodges)