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October 15, 2025
Citrus High School Celebrates Positive Behavior
Written by Student: Delaney Laurence
At Citrus High School, good behavior isn’t just encouraged—it’s celebrated. In an ongoing effort to foster a respectful, spirited, and supportive campus culture, school administrators and staff have rolled out several new initiatives aimed at recognizing students who go above and beyond in their conduct.
From energizing pep rallies to personalized positive referrals and the coveted CAT 5 Awards, Citrus High is making it clear that doing the right thing comes with meaningful recognition.
One standout initiative is the revamped positive referral system. While CHS has long practiced giving positive referrals, this year brings a new twist. In the past, students would quietly receive their referral and a small treat in student services. Now, the process has moved to the lunch period, allowing students to be recognized publicly in front of their peers. This change not only boosts school spirit but also gives students a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
Pep rallies have also evolved to highlight more than just athletic achievements. Traditionally, a time to celebrate school sports teams, this year’s rallies now include recognition for students demonstrating exemplary behavior. In a new event hosted by the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team, CHS held its first-ever school-day volleyball game and pep rally exclusively for students who have remained referral-free.
The CAT 5 Awards offer yet another avenue to spotlight student excellence. Teachers and staff are encouraged to nominate students who exemplify kindness, leadership, and respect. Whether it’s a small act of generosity or consistent positive behavior, CHS is committed to acknowledging the students who contribute to a welcoming and respectful school environment.
Through these initiatives, Citrus High School is sending a strong message: Positive behavior matters—and it’s worth celebrating.
Lecanto Girls Cross Country: Focused on Running Beyond the Finish Line
By: Izabel Clemens – Lecanto High School Student Writer
Last week, the Lady Panthers showcased their dominance once again, competing on their home course in the Annual Lecanto Panther Invitational. The Invitational field included over twenty teams, with three Lecanto runners placing in the Top 15: Adriana Miller, Alice Jackson, and Izabel Clemens. Their consistent success throughout the season has kept them ahead of county rivals Crystal River, Seven Rivers, and Citrus High School. But while many teams are focused on qualifying for regionals, Lecanto’s sights are set on something greater: a state championship.
“I think it’s very important to look for the next best thing,” said junior Adriana Miller, capturing the forward-looking mindset that drives the team. A visit to their practice reveals exactly what she means—encouragement echoes across the field as teammates push one another to finish every rep stronger than the last. Their unity and drive are as visible as their endurance.
Head Coach Benjamin Simmons and assistant coaches Ashley Shidner and Bob Caroll have witnessed that growth firsthand. “We’re closer to beating River Ridge than we were before,” Simmons said, noting the team’s progress against one of their toughest regional competitors. With every demanding workout and high stakes meet, the Panthers are shaving seconds off their times and building the resilience needed to compete at the state level.
The Lecanto girls don’t just run fast, they run with purpose. Their practices are filled with laughter, determination, and mutual support, creating an environment that fuels both friendship and competition. That balance has made them the most successful program in the county, but it’s their collective hunger for improvement that sets them apart.
As the postseason approaches, the Lady Panthers aren’t content to rest on local success. They’re chasing something far more meaningful: the chance to prove that Lecanto belongs among Florida’s best.
Certification Before Graduation: The Academy of Health Careers
Written by Student: Kaitlyn Smith
Citrus County has a unique form of education. All of our local high schools have their own specialized program to give a stepping stool for students to reach for the stars. At Crystal River High School, the Academy of Health Careers holds the school. The Health Academy provides five different pathways: Dental Assisting, EMT, Biomedical Science, Veterinary Assisting, and Nursing Assisting. Within all the pathways, students have the ability to earn a certification correlating with the class they’ve taken through their four years of high school. For Dental Assisting, students may earn their Medical Administrative Assistant certification. For EMT, students during their second semester of their senior year work with the College of Central Florida to become a certified EMT. Any high school senior that meets the prerequisites may take the course, even if they are involved with another pathway, or none at all. For Biomedical Science, students may earn up to two different certifications — Biotechnician Assistant certification their junior year and the Medical Administrative Assistant certification their senior year. For Veterinary Assisting and Nursing Assisting, students commit to hours of clinicals to earn their Veterinary Assistant and Nursing Assistant certifications. To be able to expand your knowledge on a career of interest, while still in high school, allows students to be more prepared for the future. Students may immediately enter the workforce, with the certification they earned, after high school. These students can pursue these careers and work within their field, while still in college. Even if the students are unsure on which medical career they’d prefer, the Health Academy gives them a wide variety of careers to research. Nursing Assistant Sophomore, Eliana Melchoire, stated “It [the Health Academy] inspired my future education by showing me more career choices that I didn’t even know existed."
Dental Assistant Seniors learning how to use amalgam instruments and how to triturate with an amalgamator. (Photo by Dental Assisting Instructor Tami Corbin)
Veterinary Assisting Sophomores practicing their bandaging skills.
Each pathway in the Academy of Health Careers has a designated teacher. These phenomenal teachers work to earn the certifications themselves, prior to teaching the class. Teachers like Mrs. Doherty-Koch, who was originally a Marine Science teacher and is now the Sophomore through Senior Biomedical Science teacher, has worked undeniably hard to study for each certification and earn both credentials. She specifically studied and earned her Medical Administrative Assistant certification for her senior Biomedical Science students to be able to earn other credentials, alongside the Biotechnician Assistant certification.
Currently there are over 270 students enrolled in the Academy of Health Careers. Every Wednesday, these students wear their scrubs and show a form of unity within the program. Not only are students united through the program, but each pathway grows with their class. Students enrolled in one of the pathways will stick with the same group of students for all four years of high school. Biomedical Science Senior, Emma Festante, stated “One of my best memories from the Health Academy has been growing up with my class. In my specific pathway, there is only one Biomedical Science class for the whole graduating class of 2026, so through the years we have all gotten closer and grown together.” All of these students work day in and day out to ensure they become certified and maintain strong grades throughout the program. Even though the pathways are extremely rigorous, students still have fun through their classes. From labs to clinicals, students gain exciting hands-on experience in their field of choice.
To have programs, like the Health Academy, within our county may allow the student body to reach their highest potential. Students gain on-the-field experience and earn their credentials to build the platform to their building of success. It is a great honor to have such rigorous programs, within our small county, to allow students to see a new scope of education.
Biomedical Science Junior, Sarah Duncan, working with E.coli strains to test its response to different antibiotics. (Photo by Biomedical Science Teacher, Danielle Doherty-Koch)
Biomedical Science Seniors on their last first scrub day with science teacher, Ronald Marshall. Top row from left to right: Ronald Marshall, Amya Francois, Aliyah Sepulveda, Jeremiah Randall, and Kaitlyn Smith. Bottom row from left to right: Emma Festante and Sydney Pool.