Leading with Heart: Educators, Healers, and Trailblazers

A Personal Reflection for Women’s History Month on the Legacy of Service

As the month of March comes to a close, I want to take a moment to honor the role of women in history and the vital part they have played in shaping our world as we recognize Women’s History Month. This month is a time to celebrate the incredible women who have inspired generations through their courage, leadership, and determination.

We honor trailblazers like Harriet Tubman, Eleanor Roosevelt, Margaret Thatcher, Rosa Parks, Virginia Woolf, Maya Angelou, Amelia Earhart, and Ada Lovelace, women whose courage, vision, and determination continue to inspire us all. Their stories remind us of what is possible when we lead with strength, creativity, and conviction.

However, I want to take a personal moment to honor some amazing women in my own family and the roles they are playing in this world. They have been inspired by the many great women who came before them, and in turn, they are inspiring those who will follow.

Thomasine Kennedy: A Legacy of Education and Mentorship
Thomasine is my amazing wife of 34 years and a true partner in every sense. For three decades, she dedicated herself to the classroom as an ELA teacher at both the middle and high school levels. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Education with a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s in Secondary Education, Thomasine has a unique passion for literature. She finds great joy in breaking down complex stories and teaching her students the value of critical thinking. She brought literature to life and demonstrated its impact on our world, showing students the power words have to inspire, influence, and empower. It is truly meaningful to hear from her former students who, years later, still remember her introducing them to great authors and influential stories. Since her retirement, she continues this mission of service as a mentor for the Citrus College and Career Coalition and the Citrus Education Foundation, while also serving our church.

Clarine Elizabeth Kennedy: The Matriarch and Trailblazer
My mother, Clarine, was a commanding figure and a model leader. She rose from a Licensed Practical Nurse to become the Director of Risk Management, Quality Assurance, and Patient Relations, one of the first women to hold such positions at New England Memorial Hospital outside of Boston. She was a professional conflict resolver and a trusted resource in complex situations, known for her high ethical standards and deep spiritual devotion. Mom taught me invaluable lessons in self advocacy and education advocacy that continue to guide my work on the school board today. Her protective and determined approach for students with learning disabilities was legendary. My former high school English teacher and principal, Joelle Andrea, another remarkable woman I look forward to sharing more about in the future, once shared that my mother never grew weary of helping the world see the potential and accomplishments of her children and students. She was the foundational influence for five generations of women in our family who followed her into the medical profession.

Clarine Nordell: Healing the Heart and Body
My cousin and my mother’s namesake, Clarine Nordell, BSN, RN, has served as a nurse in Ocala for over three decades, specializing in women’s and children’s health. Within our family, she is a trusted professional we often turn to for guidance and care. Beyond her clinical expertise, she carries a unique gift inspired by her minister father, the ability to speak not only to the mind, but directly to the heart, reflecting faith and compassion in all she does. She is a powerful example of how professional skill and spiritual depth can come together to bring healing.

Dr. Kimberly Silver Dunker: Empowering Future Educators
My niece, Kim, has dedicated more than 25 years to serving patients, students, and fellow educators, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to the nursing profession. She holds both a PhD and a DNP and serves as a full professor with dual certifications as a Nurse Educator and Clinical Nurse Educator. In her current role as Director of Graduate Nursing Programs at Loma Linda University, she leads the development of future advanced practice nurses across our nation. Her academic achievements include a PhD in Leadership and Higher Education from Andrews University, a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Regis University, and a Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Business. A published Sigma author, her research, including her work on the empowerment of nursing faculty and student preceptor relationships, addresses critical challenges in healthcare education today. Through her leadership and mentorship, she is helping shape a future generation of nurses who are supported, empowered, and grounded in strong ethical values. We are incredibly proud of the impact she is making on a national level.

Genevieve Kennedy: A Fifth Generation of Service
My daughter, Genevieve, represents the fifth generation of this calling in nursing. Her journey began at Crystal River High School, where she earned her National EMT certification. She continued on to Florida Southern College, where she competed as an NCAA Division II swimmer while earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and working as an EMT and nursing intern at Tampa General Hospital in Crystal River. Graduating magna cum laude, she now serves as a Registered Nurse in Winter Haven. She carries forward our family’s legacy with the same discipline, compassion, and commitment she has shown since she was a young student.

Savannah Brennan: Excellence in Athletics and Medicine
I am also proud to honor Savannah, my soon to be daughter in law, whose achievements reflect a rare combination of athletic and academic excellence. A former NCAA Division II national qualifier and top finisher, she was recognized as a Top 30 NCAA Woman of the Year in 2023 and the Sunshine State Conference Woman of the Year in 2022. Her success as a CSCAA Division II All American First Team athlete carried into her academic accomplishments. Savannah earned a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Genetics and Biomedical Science and a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from the Florida Institute of Technology, followed by a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Florida. She now practices as a Physician Assistant at UF Health in Jacksonville, representing the highest standards of professionalism, dedication, and care. We are grateful to have her in our family and proud to see her continue forward in a career that reflects her commitment to excellence.

These women are just a few of the many who have impacted and continue to shape our world. I am honored and proud to have them in my life and to witness the difference they make each and every day. Their stories are not told often enough, and their impact on our world and on future generations of women is truly profound.

God bless the women of this world. They care for their families, raise future generations, and strengthen communities in ways that bless us all. I am deeply grateful for their presence and their work.

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Reaching Beyond the Stars: Lecanto IB Students Explore NASA’s Frontiers

Today, seniors from the Lecanto High School (LHS) International Baccalaureate (IB) program had the opportunity to experience something few classrooms can replicate: a firsthand look at the future of space exploration. Through a special trip to NASA and the Kennedy Space Center, these students stepped beyond textbooks and into a world where science, innovation, and ambition converge.

Participants represented both pathways within the IB program, the Diploma Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme (CP), reflecting the breadth of opportunity available to students in Citrus County. While each pathway offers a unique approach to learning, both share a commitment to critical thinking, global awareness, and real-world application. This trip exemplified those values in action.

During their visit, students explored the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, but the experience went far beyond a typical tour. They were given up-close views of the launch infrastructure supporting the upcoming Artemis program missions. Seeing a launch site prepared and waiting on the pad brought a new level of immediacy to their understanding of space exploration. It transformed abstract concepts into tangible realities and allowed students to grasp the scale, complexity, and precision required to push the boundaries of human achievement.

Equally impactful was the opportunity to engage directly with those who have lived that mission. Students met and learned from veteran astronaut Charles “Sam” Gemar, a decorated NASA astronaut and Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army who completed three Space Shuttle missions, logging over 580 hours in orbit and contributing significantly to satellite deployment and life sciences research. Through this experience, students gained insight into the discipline, resilience, and curiosity that define a career in space. Conversations like these leave lasting impressions, often inspiring students to see themselves in roles they may not have previously considered.

This experience was made possible through the leadership and dedication of LHS educators, including IB Coordinator Dr. Ashley Shidner, along with IB teachers Mrs. Jacqueline Benoist, Mrs. Stephanie Smith, and Mrs. Victoria Wyka. Their commitment to creating meaningful, real-world learning opportunities continues to elevate what education can and should look like.

Dr. Shidner brings a unique perspective to this work. Last summer, she joined fellow Citrus County STEM educators at the 2025 SPACE Conference, held at the Kennedy Space Center and the Center for Space Education. There, she participated in immersive workshops and gained behind-the-scenes access to some of NASA’s most iconic facilities. Experiences like these not only deepen educators’ knowledge but also strengthen their ability to bring cutting-edge learning back to their students.

Reflecting on the recent trip, Dr. Shidner shared, “Taking our IB DP and CP seniors to Kennedy Space Center opens their eyes to the vast world of careers driven by innovation and curiosity, reminding them that exploration is not just history. It’s their future.”

This visit is not an isolated event but part of a broader, intentional effort by Citrus County Schools to expand access to aerospace and aviation pathways. Across the district, programs are being aligned to connect classroom learning with high-demand, real-world careers. High school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are increasingly tied to industry needs, ensuring students graduate with both knowledge and applicable skills.

Partnerships have played a critical role in this progress. Collaborations with organizations like Space Florida have helped introduce students to emerging opportunities within the aerospace sector. The Space Florida Space Academy initiative integrates with existing high school CTE programs, offering co-branded credentials, exposure to workforce trends, and new learning opportunities.

At the same time, the district is expanding hands-on training opportunities. The introduction of Welding Technology Fundamentals courses at schools such as Lecanto High School and Citrus High School is equipping students with practical, in-demand skills that are directly applicable to aerospace, manufacturing, and other technical fields. These programs are not only preparing students for immediate employment but also laying the groundwork for long-term career growth.

Further strengthening this pipeline, Withlacoochee Technical College has announced plans for a new aviation maintenance and training program. This initiative represents a significant step forward for workforce development in our community, creating a seamless pathway from high school programs to specialized technical training and, ultimately, to careers in high-demand industries.

None of this progress happens without strong community support. This experience at Kennedy Space Center was made possible through a grant from the Citrus County Education Foundation, whose continued partnership has been instrumental in expanding opportunities for both students and educators. Their investment reflects a shared belief in the potential of our students and the importance of preparing them for the future.

Moments like this remind us that education is at its best when it connects learning to possibility. For these IB students, the trip to Kennedy Space Center was more than a field experience. It was a glimpse into what lies ahead and a powerful affirmation that their future can reach as far as they are willing to imagine.

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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.

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