Learning Beyond the Classroom: Lecanto High IB Students Showcase TOK and CAS Excellence
Learning Beyond the Classroom: Lecanto High IB Students Showcase TOK and CAS Excellence
Each year there are a few events on the school calendar that I make every effort to attend, and one of my favorites took place again this week at Lecanto High School. The 2026 Junior and Senior candidates in the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme presented their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) exhibitions. It is always an inspiring experience and a powerful reminder of the intellectual curiosity and character development taking place in our classrooms.
The exhibition highlights two defining pillars of the IB Diploma Programme. Theory of Knowledge challenges students to examine how knowledge is created and understood. Rather than simply learning facts, students analyze real world objects and connect them to broader questions about truth, perspective, and evidence.
CAS, which stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service, complements that academic reflection with meaningful real world engagement. Students design and carry out projects that combine creativity, physical activity, and service to others. These initiatives require planning, teamwork, perseverance, and reflection, and many of them make a lasting impact in our community.
One of the things I enjoy most about attending this event each year is the opportunity to listen and learn from the students about their projects and their future plans. Hearing them describe their work and the challenges they overcame is always inspiring.
This year’s projects once again reflected the creativity, compassion, and initiative of Lecanto’s IB students.
Ella Cripe combined art and literacy in a project inspired by a request from the principal at Citrus Springs Elementary School. Ella organized a project to paint decorative bricks that resemble classic children’s book covers. These colorful pieces will decorate the campus and encourage younger students to develop a love of reading.
Aedan Ellis-Morris addressed a practical need for his peers through “The Rental Closet.” The program provides professional clothing for students who need appropriate attire for interviews and other opportunities. His project recognizes that confidence often begins with preparation. Aedan has also been accepted to the highly respected Culinary Institute of America in New York.
Madison Brought demonstrated the power of community partnerships through her project Splash n’ Dash. She organized a fundraiser night at Culver’s to support the Lecanto High School swim and dive team. The event raised funds for equipment and travel while strengthening connections between the school and the local community. Madison will attend Florida Gulf Coast University.
Branden Neveau blended technology and storytelling in his project As I Fade. He developed a visual novel gaming application centered on a teenage girl in hospice care while teaching himself a new coding language and working through technical challenges. The experience helped prepare him for his future studies in computer science at the University of Florida.
Cole Tobias created a meaningful tribute with “LHS Connections to Veterans.” His remembrance display honors veterans connected to Lecanto High School and recognizes several branches of the military, including the Navy, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Cole will continue his education at University of South Florida.
Jenna Ramsey presented a collaborative service project called Easter Goodie Bags. Working with several partners, Jenna helped organize and assemble holiday bags for children in a hospital. The project required coordination among multiple organizations and highlighted the importance of teamwork and service. Jenna will attend Florida State University.
I also had the opportunity to speak with Devin Pulham, who shared the exciting news that she has received an appointment to the highly competitive United States Coast Guard Academy. Achievements like this reflect both the dedication of the student and the support of the educators guiding them.
While each project was unique, the broader message of the evening was clear. These students demonstrated curiosity, empathy, determination, and a willingness to turn ideas into meaningful action.
I also want to recognize the educators who guide students through these important parts of the IB program and thank the many IB and general education teachers who attended the exhibition and support their students every day. The junior TOK teachers, Celeste Rausch and Anna Buettner, and the senior TOK teachers, John Weil and Stephanie Smith, play a vital role in helping students develop the analytical and reflective skills that define the Theory of Knowledge course.
CAS projects also require strong support and coordination. Angela Rausch serves as the CAS coordinator, helping students develop meaningful projects and guiding them through the program’s learning outcomes.
A special thank you also goes to Dr. Ashley Shidner for organizing another outstanding event and for her leadership of the IB program at Lecanto High School.
The Lecanto High School IB program is one of several choice magnet opportunities offered by Citrus County Schools. Students apply during eighth grade for the opportunity to participate beginning their freshman year. Those who commit to the program take on rigorous coursework while also developing leadership, service, and critical thinking skills.
Events like the TOK and CAS exhibition offer a glimpse of that growth. Students enter the program curious and motivated, and they leave prepared to lead, serve, and make a difference in their communities.
Congratulations to the Lecanto High School IB students on another outstanding exhibition. I look forward to seeing the many ways they will make a difference in the years ahead.
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