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October 1, 2025
“Stormy” poses for a picture with Superintendent Dr. Hebert, Principal of CHS Mrs. Leonard, Assistant Principals Mrs. Love, Mr. Einspahr, Mr. Brooks, Athletic Director Mrs. Stanton, and Guests; Mrs. Lindeman, Mr. Verlato.
Citrus High School Unveils New Mascot: Meet Stormy the Hurricane!
Written by Student writer- Delaney Laurence
There’s a new face stirring up school spirit at Citrus High School and it’s not a student or a teacher. Meet Stormy, the school’s brand-new official mascot, ready to rally the crowd and bring a wave of energy to every game, pep rally, and school events.
Stormy, a spirited and larger-than-life Hurricane, made his debut this semester to an enthusiastic welcome from both students and staff. The arrival of a school mascot has long been anticipated at Citrus High, and Stormy is already making a strong impression.
“The students are really excited,” said Athletic Director Lita Stanton. “He is going to be at as many games as possible with the Citrus Crazies.” The Citrus Crazies, the school’s loud and proud student fan section, are thrilled to have Stormy join their ranks, adding even more energy to the sidelines.
More than just a symbol, Stormy represents the heart of school pride. Whether he’s pumping up the crowd from the sidelines, posing for pictures at halftime, or joining in community events, Stormy embodies what it means to be a Hurricane spirited, unified, and proud.
At Citrus High, school spirit is more than just cheering in the stands; it’s about creating a sense of belonging, celebrating student achievements, and supporting one another both on and off the field. Stormy’s presence is a reminder that every shout, every cheer, and every moment of support makes a difference.
So, the next time you see a black and gold Hurricane waving from the bleachers or dancing through the halls, remember it’s always a great day to be a Hurricane!
International Impacts From IB Global Village at Lecanto High School
Every other Friday at Lecanto High School, dedicated students demonstrate a willingness to participate in various, internationally impactful activities. These humanitarian impacts are made possible through the students’ work at a humanitarian club in Lecanto High School, International Baccalaureate Global Village. IB Global Village is overseen by IB Coordinator Dr. Shidner, and former Lecanto High School teacher Dan Carella. Both of these adults lend their experience, expertise, and supervision to the program, which helps the club thrive in its work.
Although IB Global Village is listed as a single club on Club Directories, the program actually encompasses 5 different service projects. These projects are Medshare, Hands on Hunger, Culture Club, Amnesty International, and Ugandan Pearls. Each project has different activities and purposes, but all of them have impacts internationally.
Medshare is the medical supply branch of IB Global Village. The activities of Medshare include the sorting and inventorying of hundreds to thousands of different medical supplies, which includes respiratory devices, packs of saline, medical tubing, gels, and much more. All supplies are eventually shipped to communities around the world that are in need of these medical resources.
Hands on Hunger handles food packaging for countries that are facing food scarcity crises. Students assist in packaging simple-to-cook meal packets which contain a balanced source of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins, such as beans, rice, and soy. The nutritional balance ensures that the people in need of this food are receiving meals that fulfill their dietary needs to the best extent possible.
Ugandan Pearls is notable for their appearances at various Citrus County festivals, such as the Strawberry Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, and other festivals. At these festivals, members of IB Global Village will sell handmade jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, as well as other goods in order to fund education in Northern Uganda.
Amnesty International may also appear at festivals for fundraising purposes. As a branch of the global organization under the same name, the club advocates and campaigns for the end of human rights abuse. Fundraising assists in supporting the global scale of this mission.
Culture Club hosts at least one event per year at Lecanto High School, where volunteers will present the cultures of different countries to foster international mindedness among students. At these events, the food from these different cultures will be displayed and available to eat, accompanied by a form of presentation to introduce information relating to these cultures.
Despite its name, there’s no need to be a part of the IB Program at Lecanto High School to participate in IB Global Village. Any student that is willing to dedicate time and effort into these activities is welcome and encouraged to join and make a difference globally.
Lecanto School of the Arts – Where Creativity Becomes a Career
At Lecanto High School, the arts are more than an elective; they are a pathway to the future. Since its founding in 1997, the Lecanto School of the Arts (LSA) has transformed students’ passion for visual creativity into professional ambition, producing graduates who go on to thrive at some of the nation's most prestigious art institutions, as well as in productive careers in the film industry, directing, and writing.
For years, LSA students have immersed themselves in a curriculum designed to foster both artistic mastery and career readiness. Graduates have earned acceptance into the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and Florida’s own Ringling College of Art and Design. Along the way, they also earn industry certifications that prepare them for higher education and the workplace, proof that Lecanto’s investment in the arts pays real dividends.
The program’s structure ensures that students explore both breadth and depth. Freshmen begin with fundamentals, the elements and principles of art, while building a strong digital foundation. By sophomore year, they select one of three specializations: two-dimensional art, three-dimensional art, or animation. From paintings to sculptures to digital storytelling, LSA provides the tools for every young artist to find a voice.
But the Lecanto School of the Arts extends well beyond the classroom. Students showcase their work in exhibitions, participate in fundraising, and experience art in the broader world through field trips. Already this year, they have visited Full Sail University, with upcoming trips scheduled to the Ringling College of Art and Design and the Ringling Museum. In November, their talents will be on display at the Inverness Festival of the Arts, offering the community a glimpse into the creativity flourishing within Citrus County schools. The highlight, however, comes each spring with the Senior Show at the College of Central Florida, where the graduating class presents the culmination of four years of dedication.
The Lecanto School of the Arts is more than a program; it is a community of collaboration, discipline, and imagination. For students serious about transforming artistic passion into a professional career, LSA provides not just the training but the stage to succeed. The newly appointed principal of Lecanto High School, Troy LaBarbara, has made it a personal mission not only to acknowledge, recognize, and appreciate the Lecanto School of the Arts but also to regularly attend performances, festivals, and classroom sessions. Principal LaBarbara has developed a gallery walk within his office to showcase the talent of his students. He plans to bring the students in for coffee with the principal to discuss their individual work. Lecanto teachers suspect that enrollment for the next school year will continue to grow, and they are excited about another opportunity for young artists to turn their vision into a vocation.
