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December 17, 2025

A group of young adults wearing matching t-shirts pose for a photo.

A group of young people pose with Santa Claus, smiling for the camera.

 

 

Citrus High School Student Government and
Key Club Spread Holiday Cheer Through Angel Tree Shopping

 

This weekend, members of the CHS Student Government and Key Club came together for a special tradition of giving back to the community through Angel Tree Shopping. With the holidays approaching, both organizations dedicated their time to helping local families who may be facing challenges this season. 

 

 

The Angel Tree program connects donors with children in need by providing wish lists that include clothing, toys and other essentials the children may need. Students volunteered their weekend to shop for these items, carefully selecting gifts that will bring both joy and comfort to the children they had shopped for. 

 

 

For the students, it was a meaningful reminder of the importance of generosity, kindness, and service. Student Government’s dedication to leadership and community involvement and Key Club’s mission of service, made angel tree shopping a perfect project for the holidays. These acts of service not only helped local families but also strengthened the bonds within the school's service community. With their successful Angel Tree shopping event, Student Government and Key Club have once again demonstrated that small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Their service stands as an example of how students can lead to help build a stronger and more caring community. 

 

 

 

Citrus County Student Leaders Meeting, Florida Political Leaders:
The Superintendent's Advisory Councils of Citrus County travel to Tallahassee

 

Student Writer: Jan Amadeus Solis - Lecanto

Most students rarely meet their elected officials, let alone spend a whole day inside the Florida Capitol. But members of the Superintendent’s Council from Lecanto, Citrus, and Crystal River High Schools were given that extraordinary opportunity by traveling to Tallahassee for an immersive experience in state government.

 

Each Superintendent’s Council includes student representatives from all four grade levels who meet monthly with Superintendent Dr. Sam Himmel to share their perspectives on school operations and student needs. The trip to Tallahassee extended that civic engagement to the state level, offering students firsthand exposure to the legislative process.

 

After a three-hour charter bus ride, students arrived at the Florida State Capitol, where Government Affairs Consultant Dr. Danielle Thomas and Sunrise Consulting Group Partner Gene McGee welcomed them. The pair guided students through the Capitol and provided insight into the work of lobbyists, who advocate for issues, such as education, before lawmakers.

 

While gathering in the main lobby, students unexpectedly crossed paths with Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent, who was in Tallahassee for a statewide sheriffs’ meeting. The encounter was one of many meaningful interactions the students had throughout the day.

 

Inside the Senate chambers, the students met an impressive lineup of state lawmakers, including Senate President Ben Albritton, Senator Ed Hooper, chair of the Joint Legislative Budget Commission, and their own State Representative J.J. Grow. Each official spoke candidly about public service, leadership, and their individual paths into government.

 

For Devin Pulham Jones, Co-President of the Lecanto High School Superintendent’s Council, the experience was nothing short of inspiring.


“Luckily, we get a sneak peek at meeting representatives and ask questions that a lot of people never get to ask,” Pulham said.

Sophomore Colin Curtis found equal value in hearing the personal stories behind the elected officials’ careers.
 

“It taught me that you don’t have to come from an important place to do important things,” Curtis reflected. “Powerful people are made in the process, not the beginning.”

 

Following the presentations, students engaged in a rare hands-on learning activity: a mock Senate session held in the actual Senate chamber. The bill debated whether flip-flops should be designated as formal attire was humorous in nature, but educational in practice. The students learned how to debate respectfully, collaborate across differing viewpoints, and vote with the community’s best interests in mind. The mock bill ultimately passed.

 

The day concluded with remarks from former State Senator Blaise Ingoglia, now Florida’s Chief Financial Officer. Ingoglia spent time speaking with each student individually, asking about their future career goals. Responses ranged from medicine and engineering to military service—but all shared a common theme: a desire to serve others, mirroring the lessons emphasized throughout the day.

 

The visit to Tallahassee provided students with a deeper understanding of how the Florida Legislature functions and demonstrated the importance of civic engagement, leadership, and service. As members of the Superintendent’s Councils continue advocating for their peers back home, they are laying the foundation for thoughtful, community-minded leaders—wherever their paths may take them.

A large group of people pose for a photo on the steps of a building.

Superintendent Dr. Hebert taking a selfie with members of the Superintendent’s Council of Lecanto, Citrus, and Crystal River High Schools on the steps of the Florida Historic Capitol (Courtesy of Dr. Scott Hebert)

 

Three people smile for a selfie outdoors, near a building.

Lecanto Superintendent’s Council members Mikael Sasser and Amadeus Solis posing with Superintendent Dr. Herbert outside the capitol (Courtesy of Mikael Sasser)

 

 

Crystal River High School: Golden Citrus Scholars

 

Student Writer: Kaitlyn Smith

 

Many students at Crystal River High School put their all into their academics, extracurriculars, sports, etc. The Golden Citrus Scholars program through Citrus County gives these exceptional students the opportunity to showcase their true talents and be recognized for their extraordinary efforts. At Crystal River High School, the following students were nominated for their love for their craft and outstanding credentials for each earned topic: Jeremiah Randall for Career and Technical Education, Jeralyn Lay for Fine and Performing Arts, Amya Francois for Science, Colton Wilson for Mathematics, Melissa Weir for Social Studies, Ava Newton for Leadership and Service, and Kaitlyn Smith for English Language Arts and World Language. All of these phenomenal students have their own perceived ways of success and have had times of distress that have ultimately built the pathway for their own accomplishments, such as being nominated for Golden Citrus Scholar.

 

 

Jeremiah Randall, a Biomedical Science senior, has been accepted into Florida Southern College, in which he will be majoring in Biology and minoring in Pre-dentistry. Jeremiah has the ultimate goal of becoming a Dentist when he is finished with his extended education. When asked what his biggest drive for success in high school was, Jeremiah stated “My biggest driving force has been my desire to achieve my goals both personally and professionally. This desire has driven me to pursue multiple fields to expand my knowledge on topics that can be applied to real world work. This has made me gain my plethora of certifications through the career and technical education opportunities offered at Crystal River High School.” His pursuit for success is seen greatly through his ability to earn challenging certifications, such as the Biotechnician Assistant and Medical Administrative Assistant credentials, that shows his academic integrity and grit unremarkably.

 

 

Jeralyn Lay, a Veterinary Assistant senior, has been admitted into Florida Institute of Technology for Animal Behaviorism, which will allow her to reach her dream of being an Animal Behaviorist. Jeralyn is a student who shows great perseverance and endurance, when tackled with any social or academic challenge. “The biggest setback for me has been finding where I fit in and what field I would be appreciated in. It was hard to find out what I enjoyed doing compared to my peers. However, in the end I was able to find the perfect career for me and people who support me every step of the way.” Her beautiful support system and ability to push through obstacles demonstrates her will-power and desire for more.

 

 

 

Amya Francois, a Biomedical Science senior, hopes to attend Vanderbilt University to major in either Chemistry or Chemical Engineering to become a Biochemist. Amya is a student who has faced challenges that have allowed her to showcase her determination greatly. “My junior year I faced bullying and discriminatory behavior from a peer that constantly made an effort to “downplay my achievements”. Whenever I was able to write a win in my book, they scribbled it out with derogatory comments that diminished my accomplishments and made me insecure about my place in STEM. Their behavior motivated me to make more opportunities for myself because I was repulsed at the idea of someone who achieved nothing, nit-picking every opportunity that I created for myself. It made me realize that I had to prove to myself that I belonged in STEM, and so I did just that.” Amya is a student of great diligence and dedication to her love of science.

 

 

 

Colton Wilson, a Biomedical Science senior, who hopes to attend Florida State University to become his all time goal of being a Pediatric Plastic Surgeon. Colton has taken on a number of academically rigorous courses, which made him the obvious choice for the Mathematics Golden Citrus Scholar. “My biggest academic challenge was balancing AP Calculus 2 as a junior with my regular workload on my own, but I took it head on and finished with an A.” His ability to push himself academically is nothing short of inspiring and truly impressive.

 

 

Mellisa Weir, a Biomedical Science senior, has been accepted into University of West Florida for anthropology, in which she strives to become a Forensic Anthropologist. Her inspiration for success has a unique take that is beyond beautiful. “I don’t have my entire future planned out, I just love living in the moment and learning about my interests which includes a great deal of human culture. I am inspired by the fear of failure, that does not mean that I am scared of what my family would think since I know they would always support me, I mean that the idea of knowing more and experiencing as much as I can in life is my success. Humanity interests me in every way, psychologically, historically, and metaphorically, people make me who I am and understanding them is my main inspiration.” Melissa is an inspiring and empathetic individual, who deserves great praise for her outstanding recognitions.

 

 

 

Ava Newton, a Biomedical Science senior, has been admitted into Florida Institute of Technology for Chemical Engineering to give her the pathway to become a Chemical Engineer. Ava is a natural born leader like no other. While she may have setbacks that give her a difficult time, she has the determination to not only work for herself, but to teach others how they can balance a workload just as challenging. “While juggling AP classes, volunteering opportunities, and club commitments in high school, the thing that keeps me the most balanced is my amazing support network of friends and parents who support and guide me. For anyone feeling unbalanced or burnt out, my best advice is to lean on your support network and take a step back.” Her undeniable strength as a leader gives her courage like no other to be the best and strongest she can be.

 

 

 

The final Golden Citrus Scholar winner is myself. I personally hope to attend New York University for Neural Science to become my ambitious goal of becoming a Neurologist. Although it may have taken a lot for me to realize my idea of success, I finally understand. Everyone only has one life to live, so why not live it to your greatest ability. I personally have pushed myself to create a legacy for my five-year-old sister to show her no matter what you endure, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

 

 

 

All of the Crystal River High School nominees are outstanding students who strive for excellence.  The grit, perseverance, and strengths all of these students possess showcase the school with such distinction.

  • A person sits at a long table across from a woman and a young child, who are working together on an activity. The table is covered with various small items, including paper, markers, and bottles. Several iced drinks sit in the foreground.
    During his junior year, Jeremiah Randall assisted at the Rock Crusher Elementary School STEM Night, in which he showcased his knowledge that led him to earn his Biotechnician Assistant Credential.
  • A large group of people in dark clothing or theatrical costumes pose together on a stage. They are standing and kneeling in front of a set that includes a patterned wall, a shield emblem above a door, and red curtains.
    Jeralyn Lay, alongside other nominee Melissa Weir, after their theatre showing of “The Play That Goes Wrong,” where they both assisted backstage to ensure everything went smoothly.
  • Four adults stand at the front of a room in front of an American flag and a banner that says "Welcome to Summer RISE," facing a seated audience.
    Over the past Summer, Melissa Weir was awarded a $500 scholarship during the Summer Rise program, where she was chosen alongside twenty-five other students for their achievements and undeniable endurance.
  • Two young women smiling together; one in a ruffled white dress holding a folder, the other in a grey long-sleeved dress and hijab.
    Amya Francois with Biomedical Science junior Sarah Duncan, after Amya won first place in her Science Fair category, where she won a $1,000 Ronald J. Worthington Scholarship for her achievements. (Sarah Duncan on the left and Amya Francois on the right)
  • Four students sit at a cafeteria table marked with a "Calculus 1" sign, smiling and working on papers during a competition or event.
    During his junior year Colton Wilson, alongside seniors, won first place for the Calculus category at the county’s Math Field Day.
  • Two young women smile for a photo in a gymnasium while wearing matching tie-dye t-shirts that say "Link Crew".
    Kaitlyn Smith and Ava Newton, during their junior year, assisted at many Link Crew events, such as the Freshman Orientation, demonstrating Newton’s determined leadership style.
  • A smiling young woman sitting on a bone-themed bench next to a pirate statue while holding a newspaper.
    Kaitlyn Smith with a newspaper that held an article she wrote about her program “The Citrus County Environmental Plan” and an article written by Nancy Kennedy about Kaitlyn’s achievements.