Lecanto High School

Achieving success. Every Panther. Every day.

Teaming up to keep kids safe

Written by: Lourelai Cavanaugh-Montgomery

Here is Guardian Tom on the left and Deputy Greatrex on the right both ready to actively do what it takes to keep CHS safe. Photo credits : Chloe Dunn

Citrus high school has many different things to offer and many things to learn and do. But have you ever thought of who protects our students and staff?

Well, here at CHS we have our Guardian Tom and Deputy Greatrex, these dedicated individuals play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff, creating a secure learning environment.

Deputy Greatrex has been protecting our school for 5 years now, he had been a sheriff for 24 years. He became a school resource officer when he found out our old deputy was leaving, so he decided to take on the role and fill in his spot at the high school he graduated from himself! He ended up loving his new job here at CHS. “I enjoy helping out the students and guiding them in the right direction”

Guardian Tom has been protecting our school since 2021. Before, he worked in the military for 4 years, then worked in nuclear security at the power plants for 10 years, that’s some dangerous work, he’s pretty amazing. His aunt showed him the opening to work at our school knowing it was right up his alley, soon after he got the job.

Guardian Tom shares that he enjoys his job “there are many ups and downs but regardless I am proud of my job, I’m here for the students and I’m always open to conversation or assistance”.

So, what do these 2 men do during their day on campus? Well, you can usually find them walking around watching over our students and staff, as well as being friendly with everyone!

Deputy Greatrex shares that he “counsels students talking to them about problems while giving them direction” because he knows everybody struggles sometimes.

Deputy Greatrex and Guardian Tom brighten my day when I see them, they’re always in a good mood and are very welcoming. (Senior Brayden Schloss)

Guardian Tom shares that he “makes sure there isn’t anything threatening going on, while checking on any suspicious activities making sure students and staff are safe.”

They give insight to the teamwork in their days of being at the high school,

“If one of us is busy with a student the other can still walk around and maintain checking on everything, we also do security checks, making sure all classroom and entrance doors are secure and in check, monitoring the school.”

Deputy Greatrex and Guardian Tom help me to feel secure and protected while going to school, they also have given me great advice. (Jermaine brown)

Guardian Tom and Deputy Greatrex “Create an atmosphere of safety so students can focus on school and not have to worry about protecting themselves.”

They’re very friendly people, they aren’t “out to get us” they are at our school to protect us and keep us safe and supported (Senior Brinlee Ball)

These two hope that students can take any advice they have given them, whether it’s common sense or basic life skills, they support our students here at CHS good or misbehaving, they want the best for us.

CHS Teacher Mr. Bridge shares that “both Deputy Greatrex and Guardian Tom provide a safe and comfortable learning environment that facilitates student discipline through positive measures developing a great culture to be a part of.”

Deputy Greatrex and Guardian Tom play a huge part in keeping our school safe, while also being kind to all our students and staff. We are all very great full for them.

Bringing Cultural Richness Home: Why Families in Citrus County Should Consider Hosting an Exchange Student

Written by Titus Theis

Citrus County, nestled along Florida's beautiful Nature Coast, boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant communities, and warm hospitality. Yet, amid the serene landscapes and bustling towns, there's an opportunity for families to enhance their lives in a profoundly enriching way: by hosting an exchange student. While the idea might seem daunting at first, inviting an international student into your home can offer countless benefits, both for the student and the host family.

Embrace Cultural Diversity

Hosting an exchange student introduces your family to a world of cultural diversity right at your doorstep. Citrus County, like many other regions, thrives on its unique heritage and traditions. However, by welcoming an exchange student from a different country, you open your home to new customs, languages, and perspectives. Through daily interactions, shared meals, and cultural exchanges, both the host family and the student gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of global diversity.

Expand Perspectives

In today's interconnected world, understanding different cultures and viewpoints is crucial. Hosting an exchange student provides an invaluable opportunity for families to broaden their horizons and gain insights into global issues, politics, and social dynamics. Whether discussing international affairs over dinner or exploring local attractions together, hosting fosters meaningful exchanges that challenge stereotypes and promote mutual respect and understanding.

Forge Lifelong Connections

One of the most rewarding aspects of hosting an exchange student is the chance to build lasting friendships that transcend borders. For the student, living with a host family offers a supportive environment to navigate life in a new country, while also forging bonds that can last a lifetime. Similarly, host families often find themselves forming deep connections with their exchange student, creating cherished memories and establishing connections that extend far beyond the duration of the exchange program.

Share Your Culture

Just as hosting an exchange student exposes your family to new cultures, it also provides an opportunity to share your own. From introducing traditional dishes and celebrations to showcasing local customs and landmarks, hosting allows families to proudly share their heritage while fostering cross-cultural understanding. Through these exchanges, both hosts and students gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and diversity of human experiences.

Foster Personal Growth

Hosting an exchange student is not only a rewarding cultural experience but also a catalyst for personal growth and development. For the student, navigating life in a foreign country fosters resilience, independence, and adaptability—skills that are invaluable in today's globalized world. Similarly, host families often find themselves inspired to step outside their comfort zones, learn new languages, and embrace unfamiliar customs, leading to personal enrichment and self-discovery.

How to Get Involved

If you're considering hosting an exchange student in Citrus County, there are several reputable organizations that facilitate cultural exchange programs. These organizations provide comprehensive support to both host families and students, ensuring a smooth transition and a rewarding experience for all involved. From matching families with compatible students to providing ongoing guidance and assistance, these programs make the hosting process accessible and enjoyable.

In conclusion, hosting an exchange student is a transformative experience that enriches the lives of both host families and students alike. By opening your home and your hearts to cultural exchange, you not only create lifelong memories but also contribute to building a more interconnected and  understanding global community. In Citrus County, with warmth and hospitality abound, embracing cultural diversity through hosting is not just an opportunity—it's a rewarding journey of discovery and friendship.

Finding a Balance to Nutritional Health

Caption: Elijah Giguere looks up ways to balance a healthy diet (Photo:Rodriguez).

Leila Rodriguez, Student Writer - A person's diet can heavily impact their daily mood. Students at Lecanto High School [LHS] know the proper steps to balancing their nutrition to improve their daily mood. Students should eat less fast food and eat more things like fruit, veggies, carbs, and proteins.

Nutrition plays a vital role in regulating mood as it directly impacts brain chemistry. A balanced diet supports mental health, fostering a stable and positive emotional state.

“Organizing a healthy routine for eating can really benefit your health over time, and can reduce health issues,” said junior, Avery Schwarer.

Students can start by eating a healthy breakfast before school, eating before the day starts ensures a healthy start and a better mood. Students can eat at home or come to school and eat the breakfast they provide before classes start. School food is free for all students and should be taken into consideration when it is time for your nutritious breakfast.

“The lunch ladies always make sure my breakfast is balanced by making me always add a fruit or veggie to my tray every morning and making sure I stay hydrated with a drink,” said freshman, Wyatt Rodriguez.

Students should cut fast food out of their diet and instead should turn to healthier alternatives like cooking their own food. Fast food is processed and it's so easy to get sick, or get an upset stomach from eating it.

“Ever since I started eating real food that didn’t come out of a window, I started feeling more energized and less sick all the time compared to when I used to get fast food multiple times a week,” said junior, Liam Kobel.

It's proven that adding fruits and vegetables to your diet can influence better self-confidence and a better mindset. This is because students are making an effort to achieve a goal of feeling better.

“When I started eating healthier, I felt better about myself because I knew I was working towards being and feeling healthy for the purpose of bettering my lifestyle,” said senior, Elizabeth Stewart.