INVERNESS, Fla. — Teachers at Citrus High School are connecting over a unique bond they share.

The school is home to many alumni who returned to teach current students. It’s a full-circle moment that is helping former Hurricanes find their way back to their alma mater.

Gathered around a table in a Citrus High School classroom is a special group of teachers. Sharing one commonality — they are all alumni.

“Since I’m from this community, I knew I always wanted to come back and somehow give back to the community.”

Among them is Nancy Boudreau. She has been teaching photography at the school for the last 30 years.

“I would always joke with my high school teacher and say, ‘One day I’m going to take your job,’” she said. “And it just so happened that right when I was able to graduate college, she was actually going to be retiring. I joke with my kids today and I tell that story and say that I’m not that old and you can’t take my job from me yet!”

Boudreau said photography has always run in her family. Being able to teach the art she loves in the place she grew up has been special.

“I know what it’s like in the school, and that’s what I pride myself on. Knowing that we’re here to make a difference in these kids’ lives and I think that’s why I am one of those proud alumni that is very proud to have come back and teach in this community,” Boudreau said.

And she is not alone. Boudreau is one of 40 Citrus High alumni who have returned to work at their alma mater. Including McKinley Franklin, Sr., who is a teacher and head football coach.

“It’s not a workplace. This is like a home,” said Franklin. “It’s a very special place. The family atmosphere — I can’t even explain it. The support that l’ve received over the years, in difficult times as well, astronomical. And I’m so proud to be a Hurricane.”

It is this unique bond each of them shares with the school that has made them want to return, Franklin said.

“We have the same feeling about coming to school and coming to — I hate to say the word ‘work,’ because it’s not work, but being here,” said Franklin. “The summer went by extremely fast and now we’re back and extremely excited about it.”

Excited for another school year.

“It’s an amazing thing,” said Lita Stanton, alumni & activities director at Citrus High School. “They’ve been a part of my life growing up and now as an adult. But the most rewarding is now seeing my child get to do those same experiences that I was alluded to back when I was in high school. That’s my favorite part, is getting to keep that family atmosphere for years to come.”

Helping teach the next generation of Hurricanes.

To add even more perspective to this, Citrus High School has the highest alumni return rate in all the county.