Lake City is a rural community in north Florida. It is known as the "Gateway To Florida" because of the network of major highways which include Interstate Highways 10 and 75 and U.S. Highways 41, 90, and 441.

Several natural lakes, which are popular recreation areas, are within the city limits. Live Oak trees draped in Spanish moss, palm trees, and pines thrive in our moderate climate. As you drive out of the city limits, you see farms with cows, goats, and horses. Major crops are pine trees for pulp wood, tobacco, corn, and hay. In the south end of the county, three rivers--the Sante Fe, Itcheuckne, and Suwannee--provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Many people enjoy hunting deer, turkey, and quail in the wooded areas.

Lake City was a staging area for the South for the Battle of Olustee during the Civil War. Many Civil War artifacts were recovered when Lake DeSoto was drained for street and sewer repair.

Our major industries are agriculture, mining, and governmental services. Many of our young people cherish the country lifestyle so they seek employment and careers that will allow them to remain in this area.

Columbia High School is one of two high schools in our county. CHS serves approximately 1800 students, grades 9-12, on a staggered alternating-block schedule. Students enrolled in 6 classes attend 3 classes every other day for 103-minute blocks. They have opportunities to enroll in academic courses, Advanced Placement courses, dual-enrollment courses at Lake City Community College, academies (environmental and graphics design), vocational programs, and many elective courses.

Our music program includes band and chorus which rated superior at state competitions. Some of our other award-winning programs include Academic Team, Criminal Justice, HOSA, FFA/4H, FHA-HERO, Journalism, Tigerettes(dance team), Math Fair, and Science Fair.

There is an emphasis on extra-curricular activities including clubs, service organizations, and sports for both boys and girls. The Leadership Class and class officers play a vital role in managing activities and providing social events for the student body.

In the morning and between classes, "The Commons" is busy with activity as students meet and greet their classmates. Students take pride in their school, community, and country. During Freedom Week, each student made a paper link with "What Freedom Means To Me" written on it. They were assembled by the Leadership Class and displayed in "The Commons."

My classes are Geometry Honors students in the 9th and 10th grade. Students are actively engaged in the learning process. New technology tools infused into lessons and activities help students develop an understanding of mathematics.