Polk County's newest K-8 school celebrated its "grand opening" with a ceremony on Friday.

  • School opened its doors in August
  • 5 portable classrooms added to handle overcrowding
  • Name of school's new mascot named at ceremony

Citrus Ridge: A Civics Academy opened its doors to students back in August.  During its first week, the campus struggled with overcrowding.

The school has since added 5 portable classrooms, and ten more teachers. Now, the school has 1,522 students.

"It was challenging but we all worked together as a team,” said Kathy Conely, the school’s principal.
 
The school’s first student body president, Maite Lane, said the school's civics curriculum is helping her decide if she wants to become a prosecutor.

"I learned about law studies, and everything about police and the judges and like everything that I need to know about going into the future for voting,  because I am an American citizen,” said Lane.
 
During the ceremony, Lane shared with the crowd the school’s preamble. Students also read essays about what it means to be a good citizen.
 
Towards the end of the event, Congressman Dennis Ross spoke to the students about how important it was to learn about civics and how our nation’s government operates.

"Good things come to those who wait," said Ross. "Patience. Civility, humility, and patience. You practice those qualities and you interact that with your curriculum here at this school, and you will be the leaders well beyond this community, well beyond this state, and well into this world.”

School board members credited Ross with encouraging them to make the new school a civics academy. The congressman capped the ceremony by giving the school a flag that was flown over the United States Capitol in the school's honor.

The ceremony also included the announcement of the winning name for the school’s mascots: Pioneer Pete and Rocky Raccoon.