Citrus County School District

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

Honoring 9/11 at Citrus High School

By Student Writer: Jesenia Cueto



On the morning of September 11, 2001, a series of well-coordinated events truly affected America as a nation. Nearly 3,000 lives were lost on 9/11; firefighters, workers, pilots, flight attendants, and pedestrians had their life brutally taken from them on what they thought was just a normal day. For the past 23 years, we have honored and grieved every single life lost, and everybody who risked their life to protect and save others. 

For the past 15 years, students and teachers at Citrus High School have been able to pay tribute to each life that was lost. We decorate a hallway with a timeline of the event from beginning to end, and the U.S flag to represent our nation. The students were able to learn and show their emotions towards the tragedy that changed our economy. “Since the students weren’t alive during the time of 9/11, it really brings a lot of emotion to them knowing how it affected our nation” stated by learning strategies teacher, Mrs. Williamson. 

This tradition was started by one of CHS teachers, Mrs. Oliver, she stated that, “it's to help the students see a light and make it come to life, since they weren’t alive during 9/11.” We started this tradition at CHS to provide students with knowledge of the 9/11 tragedy.

We want them to understand that things like this happened in this world, and to know that it could happen again. Our community is based on protecting and caring for our students, it’s the school’s main responsibility and priority. 

Assistant principal, Mrs Mayer gives her insight on the 9/11 tribute at CHS, “Our students were able to see what 9/11 was all about, because it’s a huge part of history, it gives the kids the opportunity to express their emotions and build knowledge.”

As this tradition continues, we encourage each student to share, learn, and express their ideas and emotions towards the remembrance of 9/11 and everyone who lost their life that day. September 11, 2001, a day that our nation will never forget, a day where our hearts broke, a day we grieved over loss, and a day we pay tribute to. 

CHS puts on their annual staff talent show with success

By Student Writer: Delaney Laurence



On Friday, November 8th, Citrus High school put on their annual “Faculty’s Got Talent”, a talent show that lets teachers show off their hidden talents. The talent show was put on by CHS’s chorus department who made the show run smoothly both on and backstage. Many of the acts in the talent show included singing, dancing, jokes, and even a recreation of a scene from Kung Fu Panda.  

This year Mr. Tremante took home the golden stapler trophy after his outstanding performance of Valerie on guitar. Mr. Tremante has been singing for many years but began his singing journey while he was in high school at church, he later even got into a rock band during college. When asked why he chose the song Valerie, he said it had been a crowd favorite when played at live venues. While coming home with the trophy was a big accomplishment, Mr. Tremante says “What was really great for me was my daughter was there, and she was really proud of me and couldn’t stop talking about her daddy!”  
Coming close in second place was Mrs. Woodbury who performed “This Is Me” from the Greatest Showman. Mrs. Woodbury chose to sing this song because it represents having strength in being yourself. Along with the singing acts there were also many more. Ms. Garcia, who grew up doing dance, got to perform on the stage one more time in her hip hop routine. One of the school's deans, Mr. Myers, told dad jokes and got the crowd laughing in amusement. To end the show, the administrative team put on a recreation from a scene in Kung Fu Panda. 

All in all, this year's Faculty’s Got Talent was a humongous success. Teachers performed talents their students may not have known about. The students got to whiteness phenomenal performances by their faculty. CHS chorus even got to raise money for all their upcoming events this year.  

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Foreign Exchange Students Experiences at Crystal River High School

By Student Writer: Elysha Prestidge

This year, Crystal River High School has three foreign exchange students. Each from very different countries: France, Germany, Spain.

Sophomore Amaury Vilain, from France, has been in the United States for three months and is loving every moment. 
              "I love it here in the U.S., and I appreciate all the connections and friends I've made." Villain said. 

These students forge special connections that will last a lifetime, even after they return to their home countries. 

Sophomore Rosa Singer, from Germany, enjoys the opportunities and activities that the U.S. offers. 
               "I really like it here because I love the beach, and I appreciate having the chance to be on the soccer team at my school," Singer said.

Junior Francisco Mateo Lopez Belda is from Spain and has observed many differences between the U.S. and his home country. 
                "The school system, the food, and the people are so different,” said Lopez Belda. “We learn something new every day." 

All three of these students are very excited about experiencing their first Thanksgiving and trying new foods and traditions. 

“I am really excited to experience Thanksgiving, and I’m most excited about trying turkey,” Villain said.