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© St. Petersburg Times, published December 27, 2001
LECANTO -- East Citrus Civitan wanted to do something special for students at CREST School for Christmas. After all, said Civitan member Frank Lewis, "the main thrust of Civitan is helping individuals with special needs."
On Dec. 18, Civitan members Lewis, Bob Iverson, Mary King and Debbie Hudson provided a Christmas party with cookies, candy, drinks, gifts and even Santa Claus himself, to the delight of the children.
Civitan plans to hold three more events for children, including something at Easter time.
The organization sponsors the Special Olympics picnic and sends special needs students to the Lions Camp in the summers.
A Civitan long-term goal is to improve the camp's grounds and equipment to enhance handicapped accessibility, establish accessibility where none exists and to purchase and install handicap accessible equipment in Inverness park areas.
FLORAL CITY -- New Testament Christian School of Floral City has named two Students of the Month for December. Breanne Williams, first grade, was selected for the kindergarten through fourth grade division. Britany Messenger, a seventh-grader, was named for fifth through 12th grades. Breanne is the daughter of Mrs. Brenda Williams of Bushnell, and Britany is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Messenger of Bushnell.
Students who display thoughtfulness, cooperation, helpfulness, diligence, spiritual sensitivity and school spirit are nominated and selected by the school faculty.
Recipients are honored in a chapel service where they receive a certificate and cash award.
LECANTO -- About 84 students participated in a patriotic winter celebration at CREST School before school was dismissed for the holiday vacation. In light of recent events, curriculum specialist Debbie Hudson said, the usual holiday production had a patriotic twist to it.
The students performed a baseball skit, played kazoos, sang the Star-Spangled Banner, and two were dressed as statues of liberty.
There was also a sing-along, and the children proclaimed their patriotism by singing I'm Proud To Be An American.