Citrus County School District

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

Written by: Student Author Jesenia Cuento  

Over the years at Citrus High School, students and faculty have worked together to be able to carry on the tradition of hallway decorating for the annual Homecoming Week. Many students, teachers, and staff members come together as a whole, to share, learn, and grow as individuals. They are able to share their ideas, learn teamwork and communicate with each other, while collaborating to make their hallways designs come to life and win the competition.  

Each year, Freshman, Sophomore, Juniors and Seniors are free to create a unique design based on the chosen theme each year.  Students are allowed to choose ideas from their favorite cartoons, movies, shows, books, or anything that they love. Once they decide on a theme, they work together to make magic happen, so that when students come to school on the first day of Homecoming week the hallway is transformed into a new world.  

The Citrus High School tradition provides students with the opportunity to explore new friendships, discuss their judgment, and to showcase their commitment to CHS. “I love how students come together on their day off to decorate the hallways, it brings the community of the school together,” said Miss Boudreau. This year students, staff, and teachers came to school on “Pajama Day” AKA Labor Day to decorate their grade level hallway.  

Students are encouraged to participate in decorating each year, because it helps create a sense of community, to design future projects, and construct leadership. Every student that gets involved with designing their hallway gains an understanding from their peers and builds on new and existing skills. Getting involved sets the stone for future generations, by showing that the tradition should continue. At CHS traditions do not die and the Alumni are proud to be a part of the same activities they participated in when they were students.  

This year's themes were: The Freshman hallway was decorated to create “Candy Land” in D wing with gumdrops, and a gameboard feel. The Sophomores created a “Rainforest” in West Wing with snakes, and trees and vines oh my. The Junior hallway was an underwater theme where jellyfish, sandy floors and even SpongeBob and his friends were present in B wing. The Seniors transformed A wing into a scene from Star Wars where the Darkside and the Jedi were present, even Grogu showed up representing all the Seniors for the class of 2025. The four hallways were decorated and designed with creativity and excitement. Freshman were Candy land because they’re described as pure and fresh. Their hallway was layered with many colors, confetti, and lollipops. Sophomore rainforest theme was to represent how fragile and enchanting they are. Every locker, and all the walls and even the ceiling was filled with green layering, and many animals. The Junior theme of Under the Sea expresses how curious and hyper they are. Many characters, beach ball, surfboard, and confetti were all along the lockers, walls and ceiling. Star Wars was chosen for the seniors because it gives a message that we are going to say goodbye soon to high school, and officially move on from being kids. There were spaceships hanging from the ceiling, Yoda making an appearance, and each senior name being included on the walls.  

“There was a lot more creativity this year from students,” said activities director Mrs. Stanton. “I personally think the Star Wars theme was amazing because it gave a goodbye message but in a fun way,” said senior Lily Himes. “I think all the hallway decorations were creative and the students really expressed themselves,” said senior Kayla Gordon. “All the decorations were very colorful, and it felt like you were in a movie,” said junior Iris Pacheco-Fontanez.  

Harlan Riley Smith, Student Writer- Since fall 2022, Lecanto High School (LHS) has solidified itself as a dominant force in varsity sports, raising the bar for excellence across Citrus County. Boasting a remarkable 17-7 record in opening games, LHS has consistently outshined other schools in the region, establishing their leadership and consistency from the start of each season. The Panthers’ preparation, strategic execution, and competitive spirit have been key drivers behind their impressive early-season performances.

This stellar record has not only set a high standard for other schools but has also generated tremendous pride and excitement within the Lecanto community. LHS' success in these crucial opening games reflects the talent and determination of its athletes, alongside strong coaching and support systems. Among the standout players, Peyton Dison has been instrumental in the Panthers’ victories. Dison scored six touchdowns and gained 297 total yards with 16 completions, earning her the Girl's Opening Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) title.

“I got motivation from my teammates and my coaches; they motivated me to do better and not to get in my head. If I'm under pressure, if I make a mistake, just keep going,” Peyton Dison, flag football player, said.

On the other hand, Dylan Czerwinski has been named the Boys MVP for his role in the victories of our baseball opening games. Czerwinski went 2-0 with a 2.67 earned run average (ERA) and 16 strikeouts. 

“[Dylan] is a hard worker. He works hard, doesn't miss practice, always in the weight room trying to get bigger and stronger, which is huge in today's game. In both of those starts each of the last two years, he had great games like that during the season. This year being a junior, I expect a lot of the same,” David Logue, baseball coach, said.

As Lecanto High builds on its recent achievements, the excitement for future games and seasons is only increasing. With their record of strong performances, LHS is poised to maintain its status as a leading force in Citrus County sports.

“I think it was just the way the whole thing worked out because our offense was in such good routes, so I was able to pull away the defenders to where I had the opening, and just at those moments, I saw the opening, and took it and was able to score. And also, because sometimes the defense of the teams that we played broke after we were already beating them, I took advantage,” Dison said.

"It's a reflection of her hard work and dedication. Peyton has so much inner drive that pushes her to compete and give her best at all times. So it doesn't matter if it's the beginning, the middle, or the end—she's always going to do her best," Richard Keeran, flag football coach, said.

This blend of seasoned experience and fresh talent has been key to Lecanto’s recent successes, especially in season openers. The football team has secured consecutive victories in its opening games, setting the tone for the rest of the season. Likewise, the volleyball and girls' basketball teams have displayed early-season dominance, sweeping their competition and positioning themselves as strong contenders for titles.

“Lecanto has reestablished itself as an athletic powerhouse, not just in our county but across our districts. I've been very excited to see not only our veteran athletes but also the young talent coming in, contributing, and driving us to where we are today. Having been in athletics for 32 years, one thing I’ve learned is that continuity and consistency in coaching are key to success. And here, we have both. Our coaches are veterans. They've been here for a while. It's not their first rodeo,” Peter Rausch, Athletic Director, said.