Celebrating Student Achievement: The 2024-2025 Upward Bound Awards Wrap Up Another Inspiring Year

On a bright and hopeful morning, the Citrus County Rotary Ray Darling Upward Bound Awards Ceremony for the 2024–2025 school year came to a fitting close. Hosted by the Rotary Clubs of Citrus County at the Citrus Springs Community Center, this annual event—which began more than three decades ago—continues to be a shining example of community-driven support for education and student success. Now in its 33rd year, the Upward Bound Awards have recognized more than 20,000 students across Citrus County for their individual achievements and potential.

At the heart of the program lies its unwavering message: every student is worthy, capable, and deserving of recognition for their unique path to success. This message, beautifully embodied in the legacy of Ray Darling, the program’s namesake, lives on today thanks to the steadfast support of the Rotary Clubs throughout Citrus County.

Serving once again as the master of ceremonies was Rotarian Tommy Thomas, CEO of Weber Glass. With his trademark warmth and enthusiasm, Tommy guided the program smoothly and skillfully, bringing energy, humor, and heart to each moment. His longstanding commitment to both the event and the students it honors has become a cherished part of the Upward Bound tradition.

This year’s celebration featured an inspiring keynote address by Rick Reynolds—musician, songwriter, entrepreneur, and storyteller. With a career that spans decades and includes the release of over 20 albums, the composition of more than 1,000 songs, and the publication of two books, Rick’s journey captivated the audience.

He shared how his musical path began as a drummer playing alongside his brother. Over time, he taught himself to play various instruments. His passion and curiosity eventually led to a chance encounter with members of the Doobie Brothers—an experience that opened unexpected doors and helped launch his professional music career.

But Rick’s talents didn’t stop at music. His entrepreneurial spirit led him into the world of marketing and technology, where he played a pioneering role in developing some of the first accredited point-of-sale verification systems. He was also involved in one of the earliest credit card processing platforms for internet sales—a testament to his forward-thinking mindset.

Perhaps most inspiring to students was Rick’s humble reflection on his academic beginnings. “I wasn’t the smartest kid in the class,” he shared candidly. “I was average at best. My teachers used to call my handwriting ‘chicken scratch’—but now I make a living writing songs, presentations, and books.” His message to students was clear: the path to success doesn’t require perfection—it requires persistence, passion, and belief in oneself.

Following Rick’s moving presentation, each Upward Bound student was recognized individually, called forward to receive their award and pose for commemorative photographs. Proud family members, teachers, and community leaders beamed as these deserving young people were honored for their efforts, growth, and accomplishments in academics, character, and leadership.

The ceremony also featured a special breakfast for students and guests, generously sponsored by the Citrus County Rotary Clubs and lovingly prepared by Chef William Bunch and his team from Oysters of Crystal River. The meal added a warm and celebratory touch to an already uplifting morning.

As the event concluded, heartfelt thanks were extended to the many individuals and organizations that made the ceremony possible. The Citrus County Rotary Clubs remain the backbone of the Upward Bound program, keeping Ray Darling’s vision alive through their continued investment in local youth. Their belief in the potential of every student is a beacon of hope for families, educators, and the broader community.

Special recognition was also given to the Citrus County Community Services team for their invaluable support in hosting the event at the Citrus Springs Community Center. Their partnership helps ensure this long-standing tradition remains accessible and inclusive for all students.

As the final names were called and the last round of applause faded, it became clear that the Upward Bound program is far more than a ceremony—it is a celebration of what’s possible when a community comes together to believe in its students. From first-time recipients to those recognized year after year, each student left with more than a certificate—they left with the knowledge that their effort matters and that their community is cheering them on.

In a world often focused on simple outcomes, the Upward Bound Awards remind us to celebrate progress, persistence, and personal growth. As we look to the future, the program’s message continues to echo loudly: every student can succeed—and it’s our shared responsibility to help them realize that truth, year after year.

No Comments »
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates

Crystal River Middle School Reopens Historic Gymnasium After Hurricane Repairs

It was an exciting and emotional morning at Crystal River Middle School (CRMS) as students, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate the grand reopening of the school’s historic gymnasium. Following significant damage from Hurricane Hellene in September 2024, the gym has been beautifully restored, complete with a brand-new floor, ready once again to host students, athletic events, school assemblies, and community activities.

The reopening ceremony brought together CRMS students, staff, and administration, members of the Citrus County School District leadership team, local community leaders, school board members, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert. With pride and gratitude, Dr. Hebert addressed the crowd, recognizing the countless individuals who made this day possible—from maintenance and construction crews to school administrators and generous community partners. “This moment is a testament to the strength and resilience of our Bearcat family and Crystal River community,” Dr. Hebert said.

Adding to the spirit of celebration, the CRMS Bearcat Prep Band played while the school’s cheerleaders amped up the crowd with energetic performances. Members of the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams stood proudly on the gleaming new floor, eager to begin their season in a space that now symbolizes both tradition and renewal. Once the floor was officially opened, both students and staff joined in to take the first basketball shots and christen the court.

The CRMS gym has long been a cornerstone of student life, and its reopening marks a significant milestone in the school’s post-hurricane recovery. The event served not only as a reopening but also as a reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together with determination and heart.

For many in attendance, the morning was about more than just a building. It was about resilience, collaboration, and celebrating progress. From the first note played by the band to the final words of thanks from school leaders, the reopening ceremony left everyone feeling proud to be part of the Bearcat family.

As the celebration came to a close, it was clear that this was more than just a ribbon-cutting—it was a moment of triumph for the entire CRMS family. And with the bold CR and Bearcat logos proudly back on the floor, the gym once again feels like home.

Comments Off on Crystal River Middle School Reopens Historic Gymnasium After Hurricane Repairs
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates

Citrus County Schools Explores Aerospace Opportunities at Space Florida’s Launch Pad Summit

In the rapidly evolving landscape of education and technology, Citrus County Schools is taking bold steps to prepare students for the future. Dr. Holli Herndon, Citrus County Schools Career and Technical Education Specialist, and I recently had the privilege of attending an exclusive event hosted by Space Florida in collaboration with the North Florida Economic Development Partnership. The Launch Pad Summit provided a deep dive into the groundbreaking initiatives led by Space Florida and its Space Florida Academy, showcasing how these resources are shaping Florida’s future workforce. This event brought together key leaders, including legislators, economic development organizations, school board members, superintendents, higher education institutions, and technical colleges, to explore the intersection of space, innovation, and workforce development.

One of the key highlights of the event was a presentation by Mike Miller, Space Florida’s Vice President of External Affairs and Workforce Integration. He shared details about the Space Florida Space Academy, a program developed in collaboration with aerospace industry leaders, the National Space Council, the Florida Department of Education, the Florida Department of Commerce, and the Governor’s REACH Office (Reimagining Education and Career Help). The academy focuses on enhancing education programs in six target fields crucial to current and future industry demands: Aviation/Aerospace, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Cybersecurity/IT, Logistics, and Semiconductors.

We were also thrilled to have astronaut Jerry Linenger make a surprise appearance at the event. Linenger, a former NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy officer, spent five months aboard the Russian space station Mir, playing a key role in groundbreaking scientific experiments. During his remarks, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the manufacturers and workers whose dedication ensured his safety during his missions in space. His inspiring presence highlighted the importance of teamwork and innovation in making space exploration possible, providing invaluable insight into the critical role of collaboration in the aerospace field.

Citrus County Schools’ engagement with space and technology education is not a recent development but a deliberate, ongoing strategy to provide students with opportunities in the aerospace and space industries. Approximately three years ago, I had the privilege of speaking at the Astronauts Memorial Foundation Center for Space Education at the Kennedy Space Center during the launch of the Mission One STEAM initiative. This collaborative effort, involving various aerospace and community partners, aims to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

Building on these efforts, last school year, Citrus County Schools, with the support of the Citrus County Education Foundation, brought more than 80 high school juniors and seniors to the AMF Center for Space Education for a College and Career Readiness Event at the Kennedy Space Center. This event provided students with invaluable exposure to career pathways in aerospace and related fields.

In January, Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert sent a small Career and Technical Education (CTE) delegation—including Assistant Superintendent Jen Greco, Director of CTE Debra Stanley, Dr. Holli Herndon, and me—to tour Eau Gallie High School’s Aviation Fabrication and Assembly Technician (AF/AT) Program. Under the instruction of Mr. William McInnish, this highly respected and successful program offers a sequence of courses, including Aviation Assembly Technician 1-3. The curriculum aligns with Florida state standards, emphasizing skills in high demand by aerospace leaders such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon/Collins Aerospace, and SpaceX. The program boasts nearly a 100% placement rate for students into jobs, college, or military service, demonstrating the potential for Citrus County Schools to implement similar programs that provide students with direct career opportunities.

The Space Florida Launch Pad Summit reinforced the importance of strategic partnerships and investments in education to ensure Florida remains a leader in aerospace and technology. Established in 2006, Space Florida is the state’s aerospace economic development agency, dedicated to positioning Florida as a global leader in the space industry. Through public-private partnerships and strategic investments, Space Florida supports commercial spaceflight, satellite production, space tourism, and other aerospace initiatives. The organization fosters business growth, infrastructure development, research, and workforce expansion, all of which contribute to the state’s thriving space and aerospace ecosystem.

These efforts align closely with the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program that Citrus County Schools was awarded last year to expand our high school welding and machinist programs. This initiative aims to enhance workforce development throughout Florida by offering students hands-on educational experiences in various high-demand fields, including aerospace, biomedical science, and aviation.

Citrus County Schools, under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Hebert and with the support of the School Board, continues to advance strategic educational offerings that prepare students for higher education, military service, and workforce opportunities. Through these initiatives and partnerships with industry leaders, Citrus County Schools is dedicated to equipping students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in Florida’s growing aerospace sector.

The Launch Pad Summit was an invaluable experience, reinforcing our district’s commitment to preparing students for the careers of tomorrow. As we continue to explore innovative educational opportunities, Citrus County Schools remains dedicated to fostering student success and economic growth by aligning our programs with industry needs. The future of Florida’s space and aerospace industries is bright, and we are excited to be part of shaping the next generation of professionals in these critical fields.

Comments Off on Citrus County Schools Explores Aerospace Opportunities at Space Florida’s Launch Pad Summit
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates