Blue and Green Jackets, Bright Futures: Celebrating the Heart of Citrus County Agriculture

One of the greatest privileges I have as a school board member is participating in our opening exercises. Twice each year, I have the opportunity to invite students and educators into the board chambers to begin our meeting, and without fail, those moments serve as a powerful reminder of why we do this work. This month’s opening exercises, held just after the Citrus County Fair, were especially meaningful.

As I looked out across the room, I saw a sea of blue and green jackets filling the chambers. The iconic blue corduroy jackets of FFA and the green of 4-H represented something far deeper than organizations. They represented commitment, discipline, leadership, and a connection to a way of life that has long been a cornerstone of Citrus County.

The 2026 Citrus County Fair was, once again, a tremendous success. In our community, it has become both an expectation and a point of pride to align the fair with our spring break. For many, spring break is a time to rest, travel, and recharge. But for a dedicated group of students, educators, and volunteers, it is anything but a break. Our FFA members, their sponsors, agricultural educators, and our 4-H families spend that week working tirelessly, caring for animals, preparing projects, and representing months of effort and dedication.

During the opening exercises, we had the privilege of hearing directly from our agriculture teachers, advisors, and students from across Citrus County. Their stories were nothing short of inspiring.

At Citrus High School, under the leadership of Paul Spalding, students demonstrated excellence both in and out of the ring. Chapter president Nicole Secor recently took the oath to serve in the United States Marine Corps, while also helping lead a pig project to a third-place finish in just a week and a half. Vice President Lillian Slusser earned acceptance to NOVA in Fort Lauderdale, where she will conduct research at the Guy Harvey Research Center, and she also secured first place with her Flemish Giant rabbit. Secretary Andrew Manella brought home a Grand Champion title for his poultry.

Crystal River High School, led by Samantha Longfellow, celebrated major achievements as well. Their chapter earned Grand Champion County Bred Steer and Reserve Grand Champion for their layers. Just as importantly, Ms. Longfellow highlighted the wide range of futures her students are pursuing, including one senior headed to flight school to become a pilot.

At Lecanto High School, Steve Richardson, a longtime educator, spoke about the deeper lessons his students learn. Beyond the ribbons and awards, these programs instill responsibility, confidence, and pride. His students, whom he affectionately refers to as “dirt farmers,” are learning how to represent their community with integrity and hard work.

Our middle school programs are just as impressive. At Lecanto Middle School, Jennifer English shared the long-term impact of agricultural education, including the success of former students who have gone on to achieve at high levels. She also emphasized the importance of community support, particularly through the Citrus County Education Foundation, which provides critical resources for these programs.

Crystal River Middle School, led by Beth Cooper, is already making its mark. In her first year, her Milk Quality and Products team placed fifth in the state. Students also earned multiple Grand Champion showmanship awards across various categories, demonstrating both skill and dedication.

Inverness Middle School, under Scott Stepper, showcased remarkable achievements as well. One sixth-grade student raised a steer that graded as Prime Beef, a distinction achieved by less than eight percent of beef nationwide. Other students successfully participated in livestock showing for the very first time, gaining confidence and experience that will carry forward.

Dr. Marnie Ward, representing 4-H through the UF Extension Office, reminded us of the tremendous amount of work that happens behind the scenes. Record books, educational meetings, and the daily feeding, grooming, and care of animals all require discipline and perseverance. Her personal story, with all three of her children now attending the University of Florida College of Agriculture, stands as a testament to the lasting impact of these programs.

The FFA Organization is a dynamic youth leadership organization that prepares students for both academic and career success through agricultural science education. It is rooted in personal growth, premier leadership, and exposure to diverse career pathways, from traditional farming to biotechnology and agribusiness. Similarly, 4-H stands as one of the premier youth development organizations in the country, providing hands-on learning experiences in STEM, agriculture, and healthy living. Together, these programs equip students with real-world skills and a sense of responsibility that will serve them for a lifetime.

Agriculture is not just a part of Citrus County’s history. It is a vital part of our future. That future is already taking shape in exciting ways, including the launch of the Agri-STEAM Academy at Floral City Elementary. This innovative program blends agriculture with science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics, creating a hands-on learning environment where students engage directly with the world around them. From planting and harvesting to problem-solving and creative exploration, students are developing skills that will prepare them for an ever-changing world.

As I reflect on the opening exercises, I am reminded that success cannot always be measured by test scores alone. It is found in early mornings at the barn, in the responsibility of caring for an animal, in the confidence built through competition, and in the pride of representing your school and community.

Our FFA and 4-H students are truly extraordinary. They embody the values that make Citrus County strong. We are deeply grateful to their educators, their families, and the many volunteers who support them.

And for me, standing in that room surrounded by blue and green jackets, there is no clearer reminder of the importance of investing in our students and the bright future that lies ahead.

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