CITRUS COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Lecanto High School held a special assembly on Friday Dec. 5, 2025, to celebrate the dedication of the Miles Teller Theatre. The renowned actor and celebrated LHS alumnus, was welcomed back to the place where it all began.
As the Panther drumline took the stage to play a celebratory rhythm, LHS students and drama students from several surrounding schools, community leaders, and Teller’s family and friends filled the Curtis Peterson Auditorium with anticipation.
The assembly began with a warm welcome by Dr. Scott Hebert, superintendent of Citrus County Schools. “His journey to success began in the classrooms, on the baseball field, and right here in this theatre. Obviously, Miles has incredible talent, but his success is also a testament to his teachers and to the value of public education in Citrus County. From this day on, this theatre, where Miles first started acting will now be named the Miles Teller Theatre.” announced Dr. Hebert.
Soon after, principal of Lecanto High School, Troy LaBarbara stood at the podium to welcome the Panther home. Followed by Beth Bedee, former drama teacher, and Darrick Buettner, former English teacher and current director of community relations for Citrus County Schools. Both reminisced and shared stories of a young Miles Teller.
After the heartwarming introductory remarks, moderator and co-founder of Citrus County Live, Ryan Downs took the stage. As Downs introduced the alumnus of honor the room roared with applause. This special event celebrates the 20th anniversary of the “Top Gun: Maverick” actor’s high school graduation on the same stage where he once preformed. Teller gratefully addressed the crowd as he began to express what this dedication means to him. “I’ve been in some really prestigious rooms. I’ve been a part of some really wonderful celebrations of different talent and different films, but for me this is the greatest thing that’s ever happened to me,” said Teller.
Known for his critically acclaimed work in “Whiplash,” “The Spectacular Now,” and recent film “Eternity,” as well as global blockbusters “Top Gun: Maverick” and “Divergent,” Teller has shown his talent in a range of films, becoming one of Hollywood’s prominent actors. During the question-and-answer session with fellow LHS graduate Downs, Teller offered advice to young aspiring actors and shared stories of the films he has been a part of.
The assembly culminated in Teller being presented a custom plaque by Dr. Hebert, LaBarbara, Buettner, and Bedee, joined by Abby Runk, head of the LHS School Advisory Council; Stacey Worthington, board chair of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce; and Shaunda Burdette, executive director of the Citrus County Education Foundation.
The decision to name the theatre was made earlier this year by the LHS School Advisory Council, which lent its full support. Troy LaBarbara spoke directly to the impact the famous LHS alumnus has left the community. “Miles, having you here shows our students something powerful. It proves that your dreams can take you places, even if your story begins right here in little Lecanto. You remind us that success isn’t about where you start but it’s about the courage to keep pushing, keep growing, and keep believing.” she said.
For Lecanto High School, the Miles Teller Theatre will now be a source of pride and inspiration for current and future generations of students. Its declaration was a well-deserved celebration for Teller, the teachers, the school administrators, and the community that works tirelessly to make Citrus County Schools better for their students.