Citrus County School District

"Where learning is the expectation and caring is the commitment."

The Return of Activity Day: Fun and Surprises at Citrus High School

By student writer  Bonnie Bunn

For the first time since COVID-19, Citrus High School brought back its highly anticipated Activity Day, giving students the opportunity to explore unique interests outside the classroom. From culinary challenges to comedic relief, this year’s activities were a hit with everyone.

In Mr. Garcia’s Sous Chef Cook-Off, upper-level culinary students took on the role of sous chef. Brayden May explained, “This activity gives Culinary Three and Four students the chance to step up and become a sous chef, which is the second-highest rank in the kitchen. We assist the head chef and handle different tasks to keep everything running smoothly.” The cook-off allowed students to develop their leadership skills in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Sam Morningstar summed it up: “The only thing better than the food is the company.”

Meanwhile, the Spanish Club, led by President Kaylee Beery, shared a flavorful glimpse into Hispanic culture. “In this club, we explore Hispanic traditions through food,” Kaylee said. “Today, I made tres leches so everyone could try an authentic dish. At our next meeting, we’ll make churros!” The hands-on experience of tasting traditional food was a fun and delicious way to learn about Hispanic heritage.

For students seeking a lighter mood, Mrs. Woodbury’s Dad Jokes class provided plenty of laughs. Scarlet Witten, an avid fan of puns, joined the class with high expectations. “I’m an enthusiast for dad jokes, so I thought it would be fun,” she shared. She even got the class giggling with her own joke: “What do you call a dog who meditates? Aware wolf.” The room was filled with groans and laughter as students shared their favorite jokes.

Mrs. Kransy’s Arts and Crafts activity offered students the chance to get creative. “We’re painting handprints and turning them into animals,” she explained. “Some students are doing thumbprints or painting freely—it’s all about creativity.” The colorful creations added a lively and artistic touch to Activity Day.

Music lovers gathered in Mr. Tremante’s Rock Appreciation class, where students discussed their favorite bands and iconic rock history. Tristan Baker, who joined the class, shared, “I love rock music, and my favorite band is the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This class was awesome.”

Finally, in Mr. Archambault’s Karaoke activity, students found a platform to perform and build confidence. Grey Bazo, a music lover, said, “I love to sing, and I’m also in Chorus. Everyone’s having a blast, and it’s great to see people get up and give it a try. I sang ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ by Elvis, and we’ve all been singing along together.”

Citrus High School’s return to Activity Day was a resounding success, filled with laughter, creativity, and exploration. From the kitchen to the karaoke stage, students had the chance to break from the usual routine and dive into new experiences, making this year’s Activity Day one for the books.

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Students Prepare for the PSAT: Strategies, Stress, and Success

By Student Writer Bonnie Bunn

As the PSATs approach, students at Citrus High School are gearing up for the challenge. The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, is not only a practice test for the SAT but also a gateway to scholarships and recognition for high-scoring students. For many sophomores, it marks a significant milestone in their high school careers.

Page Knazur, a sophomore, shares mixed feelings about the test. "I’m not excited for the test itself," she admits, "but I am happy that it’s going to help me prepare for the SAT and that I’ll have a better chance to earn scholarships to get into college."

For others, the PSAT is an opportunity to assess their readiness. "I’m excited to see what I get and to figure out if I need to study more for the SAT," says Michael Szumski, also a sophomore.

However, not everyone is feeling as confident. Andy Nguyen expresses his nerves about the upcoming exam. "I’m nervous," he says. "It’s a big test, a kind I’ve never taken before."

As the exam date looms closer, students continue to balance their nerves and excitement, with the hope that their efforts will set them on the path to college success.

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Lecanto High Celebrates Teacher and Staff Member of the Year Honors

By Student Writer Harlan Riley Smith

In a heartfelt ceremony held on the morning of Friday, October 18th, Lecanto High School (LHS) celebrated two individuals whose dedication has made a lasting impact on the school community. Peter Rausch was honored as Teacher of the Year, while Kim Head, a devoted member of the front office, received the Staff Member of the Year award. As the announcements came to a close, Rausch and Head received another round of applause, with students, as well as fellow staff members cheering them on. Both expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received over the years, and each said they’re excited to continue serving the Lecanto High School community.

Math teacher and athletic director Peter Rausch was named Teacher of the Year for his innovative approach to teaching and his unique ability to engage students. Rausch’s approach in the classroom is known for being both rigorous and relatable. Colleagues and students alike describe him as a teacher who can make math feel alive, and into focus.

“Well, it's funny. I started teaching 30 years ago. I didn't go to school to be a teacher. I had gotten out of playing athletics as a profession. I was working in the juvenile detention center and private health care centers. I realized that I wanted to work with kids, but I wanted to get to them sooner before they got in trouble. So I sought to become an educator. I started in ESE, went from ESE to AP to IB IB to now the athletic director. And that's been a 30 year journey. I'm a strong believer that before you can ask students to perform for you in the classroom, they have to believe you're invested in them. If you keep saying do this, do this, it's for you, it's for you. If they don't see any proof in it, you know what I'm saying? If they don't see that you genuinely have a concern for what's good for them, you often won't get the results you're looking for. So I guess the practice that I had is developing educational, personal relationships that can push you to, you know, to have the kids do or reach their potential,” Peter Rausch, Teacher of the Year, said.

Principal Jason Koon, who presented the awards, praised both honorees for their unwavering dedication and influence within the school. “Coach Rauch and Ms. Head both, along with all of the nominees, are here for one reason, and that's to do what's best for kids. The fact that they rose to the top just shows their dedication to, you know, what they do day in and day out. You know, everyone sees Coach Roush at every single event, and they hear his voice every morning. You don't hear Ms. Head or see her every day, but she's the one doing everything behind the scenes that makes sure everything is working systematically. That makes things right for teachers, which then in turn makes things right for students. So I think that says a lot about who they are and how they were recognized.”

For Kim Head, being named Staff Member of the Year was a deeply personal and humbling moment. Having worked in the school’s front office for nearly a decade, she has developed strong relationships with students, parents, and faculty, all of whom see her as a cornerstone of the school.

“I think it’s a very important moment. It truly means a lot that my peers thought so enough of me to nominate me for this award, and to nominate me. It means a lot to know that I do so much to make sure everything runs smoothly, and is handled properly,” Kim Head, School Related Employee of the Year, said.

Their commitment to education has not only shaped the lives of students but strengthened the entire Lecanto High community, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and inspired. "We both want what's best for kids and try to help kids as much as possible. And our colleagues at work, we just wanted to improve the cancer school spirit and all the stuff that we can offer the kids so that they have a good experience while they're in high school. Coach Rausch and I really started working in the school district about 20 years ago when we came to Florida. We just like helping the kids. We're both very humble that our colleagues feel so highly of us. We don't do it for recognition, but it's very nice. But our main goal is to do what's best for the students,” Angela Rausch, 2022-23 Teacher of the Year, said.

For Principal Koon, the morning was not just a celebration but a reminder of the importance of community and connection. 

“‘Success for Every Panther, Every Day’ kind of just goes hand in hand with what they do. I mean, they both want what's best for kids. They want to see students be successful, and first and foremost, they want every kid to have an opportunity to do what's best for them. So giving kids opportunity and letting kids show their best and mature into big, productive community members, especially showing the culture of Lecanto High School, I think, is what we're all about,” Koon said.