Celebrating Math, Teamwork, and Academic Excellence at the 2026 Citrus County Schools Math Field Day

Celebrating Math, Teamwork, and Academic Excellence at the 2026 Citrus County Schools Math Field Day

This past weekend, I had the honor of attending the 2026 Citrus County Schools Math Field Day, and it was truly an inspiring event. Math Field Day provides students with a fantastic opportunity to engage in teamwork, problem-solving, and friendly competition while applying their mathematical skills in creative and challenging ways. The activities were engaging and impactful, giving students the chance to experience math beyond the classroom in ways that were both meaningful and memorable.

Students from across the district gathered to represent their schools and test their abilities through a series of rigorous math challenges. These activities encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and perseverance, while also reminding students that mathematics can be both exciting and rewarding. Competitions like Math Field Day are foundational for the future success of these students, helping build the problem-solving skills and confidence that will serve them throughout their lives.

Middle schools participating this year included Citrus Springs Middle School, Crystal River Middle School, Lecanto Middle School, Inverness Middle School, and Seven Rivers Christian School. At the high school level, students represented Citrus High School, Crystal River High School, Lecanto High School, Inverness High School, and Seven Rivers Christian School.

Throughout the competition, students participated in different math-level categories designed to challenge a wide range of abilities. Individual and team performances were recognized with awards for first through third place, with ribbons presented to the top competitors. In addition, schools competed for the prestigious High Point Award, given to the school earning the highest total number of points across all events.

Congratulations to Lecanto Middle School for earning the High Point Award among the middle schools this year. At the high school level, Lecanto High School took home the High Point Award for their outstanding performance.

The lessons learned through events like Math Field Day reach far beyond the competition itself. Whether these students go on to own a small business, become accountants, engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers, or trades professionals, strong mathematical skills are a key part of success in so many fields.

Events like Math Field Day do not happen without the support of many dedicated individuals and organizations. Special thanks go to the event’s sponsors, Suncoast Credit Union and the Citrus County Education Foundation, along with Shaunda Burdette and the entire CCEF team for their continued support of educational opportunities for our students.

I also want to recognize the many people who worked behind the scenes to make this event successful, including the school Math Field Day coordinators, Citrus Schools Math Specialist Joshua Lambert, Coordinator of Academic Programs and Instructional Materials Dr. Al Balk, Chief Academic Officer Amy Crowell, and the many school and district volunteers who generously gave their time.

A special thank you goes to Inverness Middle School Principal Robert Hermann and his team for hosting the event on the IMS campus.

Math Field Day is a wonderful reminder that when students are given opportunities to challenge themselves, collaborate with peers, and celebrate learning, amazing things happen. Citrus County’s students and educators once again demonstrated that academic excellence and enthusiasm for learning go hand in hand.

When the Classroom Meets the Market: Citrus Students Visit Raymond James HQ

When the Classroom Meets the Market: Citrus Students Visit Raymond James HQ

The most powerful learning often happens when classroom lessons meet the real world. Recently, 28 students from Citrus High School and Crystal River High School experienced exactly that during a remarkable visit to the headquarters of Raymond James Financial in St. Petersburg. The trip was part of the Nature Coast Investment Practicum (NCIP), an innovative program that brings real-world investing and financial literacy into Citrus County classrooms.

The students who participated are enrolled in Accounting 1 or Accounting 2 at Citrus High School, taught by Mr. Russell Wilson, and the entrepreneurship class at Crystal River High School, taught by Ms. Carol Dumas. Through the NCIP program, students do far more than learn about economics in theory. They actively research companies, track industries, and manage real investments through a student-run portfolio fund.

This unique opportunity exists through a partnership with the Citrus County Education Foundation, which helps ensure Citrus County students gain exposure to real-world career pathways and financial decision-making.

The success of the program is remarkable. Just six years ago, the student-managed Manatee Investment Fund (MIF) began with a modest $25,000 seed investment. Today, that fund has grown to exceed $1 million in total value. The growth reflects both market performance and the dedication of the students who carefully manage their share of the portfolio each year.

Unlike simulations used in many classrooms, the Manatee Investment Fund invests real money in actual financial markets. Students operate within strict guidelines designed to teach discipline and diversification. At least 98 percent of their portfolio must remain invested in the market, and no more than five percent can be placed in a single stock. In addition, every company they invest in must be rated a “buy” according to research from Edward Jones. If that rating changes to “hold” or “sell,” students must evaluate the position and move their investment elsewhere.

Each investment decision requires research and justification. Students must understand the company’s business model, analyze financial metrics, and explain why they believe the stock will perform well. In doing so, they develop critical thinking skills that go far beyond a traditional classroom assignment.

The program was originally conceived by Scott Lee of Edward Jones in Inverness, whose goal was to provide students with authentic exposure to financial markets. The initiative has also been supported by Amy McLaughlin of Raymond James in Crystal River, who serves on the executive board of the Citrus County Education Foundation. Together, Lee and McLaughlin bring more than 50 years of industry experience to this local educational partnership.

McLaughlin helped arrange the behind-the-scenes experience at Raymond James headquarters, giving students an opportunity most people never get to see. They toured trading floors, operational centers, and the firm’s Cyber Threat Center. They also stepped inside the Chairman’s Board Room and met professionals responsible for investments, operations, security, and executive leadership.

The experience provided more than just a look at how financial markets operate. Students also learned about the wide range of careers within the financial industry, from analysts and cybersecurity specialists to portfolio managers and operations leaders.

One company that generated discussion during the visit was SpaceX. Raymond James professionals used the company as an example while explaining how private investments may eventually transition into publicly traded companies. These conversations helped students understand the journey many companies take from private investment to potential public offerings.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the day was the way Citrus County students demonstrated their knowledge. Each NCIP student follows not only an individual company but also a broader industry sector. When asked questions by Raymond James professionals, they confidently discussed valuation metrics, industry trends, and their own portfolio decisions.

Students talked about their buy and sell decisions with detailed explanations. They understood financial ratios, market trends, and the economic forces shaping the companies they follow. Several of the Raymond James presenters commented on how impressed they were with the level of preparation and knowledge these high school students displayed.

Lee reminded students that stock values ultimately reflect expectations about the future. Current events, economic shifts, and technological change all influence how investors evaluate companies.

Students also asked about the possibility of an artificial intelligence investment bubble. Lee noted that some technology stocks tied to AI may be priced with very high expectations, but he also acknowledged the enormous potential of the technology. Several Raymond James professionals explained that artificial intelligence is already helping them work more efficiently by improving research and analysis. Rather than replacing people, these tools are helping professionals perform their jobs with greater speed and accuracy.

McLaughlin shared her perspective when students asked about timing markets during bull and bear cycles. She explained that consistently predicting short-term market movements is extremely difficult. Investors may occasionally get lucky, but long-term success typically comes from focusing on fundamentals such as earnings growth, free cash flow, and strong business models.

Students also had the opportunity to spend time with Patrick O’Connor of Raymond James & Associates Private Client Group. A former basketball player at the University of Florida, O’Connor spoke about the human side of finance.

He explained that successful investing is not just about charts and data. Financial advisors must understand the personal stories behind their clients’ decisions. Family goals, retirement plans, charitable interests, and life events all shape how people approach investing. The most valuable role an advisor plays is helping clients navigate those decisions with confidence and discipline.

When students asked what industry would see the biggest change in the next decade, O’Connor did not hesitate. His answer was artificial intelligence. AI, he explained, is already improving client service and strengthening oversight of accounts and securities. Reviews that once required long manual processes can now be analyzed instantly. Raymond James invests roughly one billion dollars each year in technology to support both clients and employees.

For NCIP students, the visit connected classroom lessons with the real-world financial industry. They saw firsthand how investment decisions are analyzed, monitored, and implemented inside a major financial institution.

Experiences like this only happen because of strong community partnerships. Raymond James generously shared its time and expertise with local students. Teachers Russell Wilson and Carol Dumas continue to bring innovative financial education into their classrooms. Scott Lee’s vision created the foundation for the program, and Amy McLaughlin helped make this extraordinary day possible.

The program’s success also benefits students directly. Because the Manatee Investment Fund has grown so significantly, its earnings now help support scholarships for students. At the NCIP awards ceremony on April 2 at the College of Central Florida, more than $55,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students in the program.

What began with a $25,000 investment has grown into a million-dollar educational initiative that is preparing Citrus County students for careers in business, finance, and beyond. Just as importantly, it demonstrates what can happen when educators, community leaders, and industry professionals work together to give students meaningful real-world experiences.

The results speak for themselves, and the future for these students looks even brighter.

Florida Gator Magazine Highlights Our Work in AI Education

Florida Gator Magazine Highlights Our Work in AI Education

A Privilege to Contribute to Florida’s Conversation on AI in Education

It was truly an honor to be included in the recent feature published by Florida Gator Magazine, highlighting the work of the Florida K-12 AI Education Task Force and the leadership of Dr. Maya Israel at the University of Florida.

The article, written by Paige Fry, does an excellent job capturing both the urgency and opportunity surrounding artificial intelligence in education. It also highlights the dedication and collaboration of the many educators, researchers, and policymakers across our state who are working together to help Florida’s students thrive in an AI-driven world.

The task force brings together leaders from school districts, higher education, industry, and policy to develop guidance and resources for responsibly integrating AI into Florida’s K-12 classrooms. Today, the group includes hundreds of members from districts across the state working collaboratively to address issues such as data privacy, ethical use, infrastructure, teacher professional development, and AI literacy for students.

As a founding member of the task force, I was grateful to share some of my own perspective in the article alongside my colleague Roberto Alonso of Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Miami Dade College. One of the most important questions we are grappling with is simple but profound: are we educating students for the world that existed yesterday, or for the world they will enter tomorrow?

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping industries, workplaces, and the daily lives of our students. From healthcare to engineering to business, the workforce our children will enter will require new skills, new thinking, and new tools. Our responsibility in education is not to ignore that reality but to prepare students to navigate it responsibly and confidently.

What I appreciate most about this task force is that it is truly collaborative. Urban and rural districts alike, whether public or private, are sharing ideas, challenges, and solutions. Larger districts may move faster in implementation, but smaller districts often have the advantage of being able to implement successful strategies quickly across their entire system. By working together, we ensure that every district benefits from the collective knowledge of the group.

Equally important, the task force is focused on ensuring that AI enhances teaching and learning rather than replacing the human elements that make education meaningful. Technology should never replace teachers. Instead, when used thoughtfully, it can empower teachers, personalize learning, and help students develop the critical thinking and creativity that will define success in the future.

Paige Fry’s article highlights this spirit of collaboration and innovation beautifully. It also serves as a reminder that Florida has an opportunity to lead nationally in developing thoughtful, responsible approaches to AI in education.

I’m grateful to be part of this effort, and I’m proud of the work being done by so many dedicated leaders across Florida. Together, we are helping ensure that our schools are preparing students not just for the jobs of today but for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Read the feature column here: Florida Gator Magazine

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Lecanto High IB Students Showcase TOK and CAS Excellence

Learning Beyond the Classroom: Lecanto High IB Students Showcase TOK and CAS Excellence

Each year there are a few events on the school calendar that I make every effort to attend, and one of my favorites took place again this week at Lecanto High School. The 2026 Junior and Senior candidates in the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme presented their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) exhibitions. It is always an inspiring experience and a powerful reminder of the intellectual curiosity and character development taking place in our classrooms.

The exhibition highlights two defining pillars of the IB Diploma Programme. Theory of Knowledge challenges students to examine how knowledge is created and understood. Rather than simply learning facts, students analyze real world objects and connect them to broader questions about truth, perspective, and evidence.

CAS, which stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service, complements that academic reflection with meaningful real world engagement. Students design and carry out projects that combine creativity, physical activity, and service to others. These initiatives require planning, teamwork, perseverance, and reflection, and many of them make a lasting impact in our community.

One of the things I enjoy most about attending this event each year is the opportunity to listen and learn from the students about their projects and their future plans. Hearing them describe their work and the challenges they overcame is always inspiring.

This year’s projects once again reflected the creativity, compassion, and initiative of Lecanto’s IB students.

Ella Cripe combined art and literacy in a project inspired by a request from the principal at Citrus Springs Elementary School. Ella organized a project to paint decorative bricks that resemble classic children’s book covers. These colorful pieces will decorate the campus and encourage younger students to develop a love of reading.

Aedan Ellis-Morris addressed a practical need for his peers through “The Rental Closet.” The program provides professional clothing for students who need appropriate attire for interviews and other opportunities. His project recognizes that confidence often begins with preparation. Aedan has also been accepted to the highly respected Culinary Institute of America in New York.

Madison Brought demonstrated the power of community partnerships through her project Splash n’ Dash. She organized a fundraiser night at Culver’s to support the Lecanto High School swim and dive team. The event raised funds for equipment and travel while strengthening connections between the school and the local community. Madison will attend Florida Gulf Coast University.

Branden Neveau blended technology and storytelling in his project As I Fade. He developed a visual novel gaming application centered on a teenage girl in hospice care while teaching himself a new coding language and working through technical challenges. The experience helped prepare him for his future studies in computer science at the University of Florida.

Cole Tobias created a meaningful tribute with “LHS Connections to Veterans.” His remembrance display honors veterans connected to Lecanto High School and recognizes several branches of the military, including the Navy, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Cole will continue his education at University of South Florida.

Jenna Ramsey presented a collaborative service project called Easter Goodie Bags. Working with several partners, Jenna helped organize and assemble holiday bags for children in a hospital. The project required coordination among multiple organizations and highlighted the importance of teamwork and service. Jenna will attend Florida State University.

I also had the opportunity to speak with Devin Pulham, who shared the exciting news that she has received an appointment to the highly competitive United States Coast Guard Academy. Achievements like this reflect both the dedication of the student and the support of the educators guiding them.

While each project was unique, the broader message of the evening was clear. These students demonstrated curiosity, empathy, determination, and a willingness to turn ideas into meaningful action.

I also want to recognize the educators who guide students through these important parts of the IB program and thank the many IB and general education teachers who attended the exhibition and support their students every day. The junior TOK teachers, Celeste Rausch and Anna Buettner, and the senior TOK teachers, John Weil and Stephanie Smith, play a vital role in helping students develop the analytical and reflective skills that define the Theory of Knowledge course.

CAS projects also require strong support and coordination. Angela Rausch serves as the CAS coordinator, helping students develop meaningful projects and guiding them through the program’s learning outcomes.

A special thank you also goes to Dr. Ashley Shidner for organizing another outstanding event and for her leadership of the IB program at Lecanto High School.

The Lecanto High School IB program is one of several choice magnet opportunities offered by Citrus County Schools. Students apply during eighth grade for the opportunity to participate beginning their freshman year. Those who commit to the program take on rigorous coursework while also developing leadership, service, and critical thinking skills.

Events like the TOK and CAS exhibition offer a glimpse of that growth. Students enter the program curious and motivated, and they leave prepared to lead, serve, and make a difference in their communities.

Congratulations to the Lecanto High School IB students on another outstanding exhibition. I look forward to seeing the many ways they will make a difference in the years ahead.

100 Percent Success: The First Graduating Class of AHC Veterinary Assisting

100 Percent Success: The First Graduating Class of AHC Veterinary Assisting

Five years ago, a bold idea began to take shape inside the halls of the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School: the creation of a Certified Veterinary Assisting pathway that would expand opportunities for students in meaningful, career-ready ways. What began as ongoing conversations between dedicated educators steadily evolved into a fully realized certification program that is now opening doors and changing lives.

For nearly eight years before the program formally launched, secondary science teacher and adjunct college veterinary instructor Annaliese Leazott consistently shared her vision. She believed that integrating a veterinary pathway into the Academy of Health Careers would not only broaden opportunities for students but also strengthen their overall medical foundation.

Her reasoning was both practical and powerful. Integrating a veterinary program into a health careers academy does more than prepare students to work with animals. It builds a versatile medical skill set that can translate directly into human healthcare. Students who learn animal science develop self-discipline, attention to detail, and empathy. Caring for a living being that depends entirely on its provider instills responsibility in a way textbooks alone never could.

In many ways, the pathway to caring for four-legged patients becomes preparation for serving two-legged ones.

When Mrs. Leazott was hired at the Academy of Health Careers, the vision moved from concept to action. With support from then agricultural instructor Aimee Owens, she led the establishment of the Veterinary Assisting Pathway within AHC, transforming years of conversation into a structured, career-ready program.

Mrs. Leazott brings an uncommon blend of experience to the classroom. In addition to teaching science, she is a certified veterinary technician, the animal health equivalent of a registered nurse. That clinical background ensures students are not simply learning theory. They are mastering industry-standard skills and procedures. The Certified Veterinary Assistant credential they pursue mirrors the role of a Certified Nursing Assistant in human healthcare. It is hands-on, skill-driven, and rooted in direct patient care.

This school year marks a major milestone. For the first time, seniors in the AHC Veterinary Assisting Pathway were eligible to sit for their Certified Veterinary Assisting exam. Fourteen students completed the program requirements and tested this year. Every single student passed.

A 100 percent pass rate in the first exam year is more than an accomplishment. It reflects rigorous instruction, student dedication, and the value of authentic clinical experience. In addition to passing their exam, many students have already completed the required 500 hours of practical training, half of which take place in real veterinary clinics throughout the community.

Those clinical hours are not simulated exercises. Students assist with exams, observe surgeries, administer medications under supervision, and practice proper sanitation and safety protocols. They learn how to communicate with pet owners and collaborate with veterinary teams.

One of the most impactful partnerships in this process has been with the Citrus County Animal Center, operated by the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners. The collaboration between the School Board and the Animal Center has opened doors that few high school programs can access.

Mrs. Leazott explained the importance of that relationship.

“The animal shelter has allowed us to place the highest number of students at their facility. Their fast-paced, high-volume environment ensures that students make the most of their clinical hours while gaining valuable hands-on experience and successfully completing their required skills.”

In a busy shelter environment, students encounter a wide variety of cases beyond routine wellness visits. The pace requires them to think critically, adapt quickly, and apply classroom knowledge under real-world pressure.

She also emphasized the mentorship students receive there.

“Dr. Mielo is a great communicator and a natural teacher. The shelter is so important to the health and well-being of animals in our county. The broad scope of care and services they provide results in students getting unique opportunities to care for animals that would not often be seen at the average clinic.”

That diversity of experience matters. Students face complex medical situations, behavioral challenges, and urgent care scenarios that deepen their understanding of animal health and treatment protocols.

Mrs. Leazott’s commitment to the shelter extends beyond the school day. As a foster for the Animal Center, she works closely with staff to create even more learning opportunities for students.

“I am a foster for the shelter, and Leah Sweet, the foster coordinator, along with Dr. Mielo and staff, collaborate with me so the vet assisting students are able to help me care for foster kittens, including bottle feeding, deworming, and administering medications. My son and I have completed the training and are official shelter volunteers.”

These experiences are formative. Bottle feeding a fragile kitten or carefully administering medication builds more than technical skill. It cultivates patience, attentiveness, and compassion. Students learn that healthcare is not simply about procedures. It is about stewardship.

What makes the Veterinary Assisting Pathway especially powerful is that it keeps doors open. Some graduates may pursue veterinary technology programs or pre-veterinary studies in college. Others may transition into nursing, athletic training, medical assisting, or other healthcare professions.

As Mrs. Leazott has long emphasized, the purpose of the pathway is broader than a single career track. The program grounds students in essential competencies that apply across the entire medical spectrum.

Ultimately, these diverse tracks empower students to make informed decisions about their professional futures. By grounding their education in timeless skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and sound decision-making, the program prepares them for success whether they choose to work with animals or humans.

Five years ago, this was a dream nurtured through persistence and belief. Today, it is a thriving program producing certified graduates with hundreds of clinical hours and a 100 percent exam pass rate. It stands as a testament to what can happen when vision is paired with collaboration, community partnership, and an unwavering commitment to students.

The Veterinary Assisting Pathway at the Academy of Health Careers is not simply about animal care. It is about preparing the next generation of caregivers, professionals, and compassionate leaders.

And this is only the beginning.

Honoring Our Local Heroes: Citrus County Schools Celebrates Veterans in the Classroom

Honoring Our Local Heroes: Citrus County Schools Celebrates Veterans in the Classroom

On Monday, March 2, I had the privilege of joining my fellow School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert at the annual Veterans in the Classroom Appreciation Luncheon. This special event celebrates the remarkable contributions of local veterans who generously volunteer their time to share their experiences with students across Citrus County.

The Veterans in the Classroom (VITC) program, launched in 1993, has connected former military servicemen and women with students for decades. Its goal is simple yet profound: to provide students with firsthand accounts of service, sacrifice, and the lessons learned in the military. Since its inception, VITC has reached more than 250,000 students, making it one of the nation’s most successful programs of its kind.

This year, roughly half of all students in Citrus County, spanning elementary, middle, and high schools, have had the opportunity to hear directly from one of the 65 active veterans in the program. These veterans bring history to life, sharing how their service shaped their character, values, and worldview. The impact is tangible, students gain a deeper understanding of courage, resilience, and commitment through stories that cannot be captured in a textbook.

The appreciation luncheon itself was a moving and memorable occasion. Each of the three high schools’ JROTC units played an important role in honoring our veterans, beginning with a presentation of colors by the Citrus High School JROTC Honor Guard. The CHS Chamber Choir added an uplifting touch with their beautiful performances, creating a sense of reverence and celebration. Veterans were treated to a delicious meal prepared by culinary students from Withlacoochee Technical College, highlighting not only the district’s commitment to hands-on education but also the talent of its students. I had the honor of offering the invocation, setting a reflective tone for the event.

The most meaningful moments, however, came when the veterans took the stage to introduce themselves and share reflections on their military service and experiences in the VITC program. Each story reminded us of the courage and dedication of men and women who have served our country. Kathy Nielsen, Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy (retired), shared a particularly moving account. She spoke about the joy she finds in discussing her love of country, her pride in being a trailblazer for women in the Navy, and the unique bond she shares with students through the program. She shared a treasured photograph of herself with her father, a former officer who swore her in as a naval officer, a moment filled with pride, emotion, and legacy. Her story, like many others shared that day, reflected both the personal sacrifices of our veterans and the deep satisfaction they gain from inspiring students.

Participation in the Veterans in the Classroom program is rewarding for both veterans and students alike. Veterans have the opportunity to share their personal journeys, the challenges they faced, and the values they learned, including courage, discipline, leadership, and perseverance. For students, these interactions offer an unforgettable, face-to-face learning experience that brings history to life. Listening to accounts of bravery, dedication, and resilience helps students understand the profound impact of military service on our nation and inspires them to apply these lessons in their own lives.

Citrus County Schools has long demonstrated a deep commitment to honoring veterans. The district holds the distinction of being the first Purple Heart School District in the nation, recognizing the sacrifices of military families. Additionally, every school in the district has been designated as Florida Purple Star Schools, setting a high standard for honoring military personnel and fostering a culture of respect, gratitude, and support for service members. These honors reinforce the district’s dedication to keeping the legacy of veterans alive for students.

The success of the VITC program is made possible through the leadership and coordination of Dr. Al Balk, Coordinator of Academic Programs and Instructional Materials for Citrus County Schools, in collaboration with Dr. Mark Bodenheim and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Their dedication ensures the program continues to thrive, connecting students with veterans year after year.

For veterans interested in joining the 2026–2027 Veterans in the Classroom program, opportunities abound. Veterans can contact Dr. Balk at (352) 726-1931 ext. 2490 or email balka@citrusschools.org. They can also connect with the Citrus County MOAA chapter through moaafl.org/chapters/citruscounty. By participating, veterans have the chance to leave a lasting impact on students, sharing wisdom, life lessons, and the values instilled through military service.

The Veterans in the Classroom program is more than a series of classroom visits. It is a living legacy, bridging the gap between history and experience. It ensures students understand the profound impact of service and the enduring contributions of those who have worn the uniform. Through their generosity, wisdom, and courage, our veterans continue to shape the minds and hearts of students, leaving an indelible mark on our schools, community, and nation.

Monday’s luncheon was a heartfelt tribute to these remarkable individuals. Their service, both in uniform and in the classroom, enriches the lives of our students and strengthens our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to the veterans of Citrus County for their dedication, their stories, and their commitment to shaping the next generation.