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Citrus County Schools Celebrate Constitution Day and Freedom Week 2025

Posted on September 17th, 2025 by

Citrus County Schools Celebrate Constitution Day and Freedom Week 2025

Today, September 17, Citrus County Schools join schools across Florida and the nation in commemorating Constitution Day, marking the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. This annual observance, paired with Freedom Week, invites reflection, learning, and celebration of the document that continues to shape American democracy.

Freedom Week, recognized during the third week of September, is guided by Florida law, which requires students to dedicate at least three hours to studying the Declaration of Independence as part of their social studies curriculum. This focused time helps students understand the ideals that inspired the founding of our nation and how those principles remain central to our civic life today.

Across Citrus County, classrooms are engaging in extra special lessons, activities, and discussions that bring these documents to life. From elementary students learning about the freedoms guaranteed in the Bill of Rights to high schoolers analyzing the Constitution’s lasting impact, the week is filled with opportunities to connect the past to the present. For many, it is a highlight of the year to see students thoughtfully exploring the principles that define our nation. These lessons also complement our district’s ongoing commitment to honoring veterans, reinforcing the connection between the freedoms secured in the Constitution and the service of those who protect them.

Thanks to the support of Citrus County Supervisor of Elections Maureen “Mo” Baird, every Civics and Government student will again receive a pocket-sized copy of the U.S. Constitution. This keepsake serves as a daily reminder of the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship. Special thanks are also extended to Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, and Coordinator of Academic Programs and Instructional Materials Dr. Al Balk, our dedicated teachers, and district administrators for helping put these Constitutions directly into the hands of students. In addition, all Citrus County Schools students have access to our nation’s founding documents on their school-issued iPads.

Constitution Day itself was formally established in 2004, when Congress required schools to dedicate at least three hours to teaching about the Constitution each September 17. In Citrus County, that observance has been expanded through Founders Month and Freedom Week, ensuring that students explore the values that continue to guide our democracy.

For Citrus County Schools, Constitution Day and Freedom Week are about more than commemoration. They are about cultivating a lasting appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibilities we carry as citizens. As the first Purple Heart School District in the nation, with all schools designated as Florida Purple Star Schools, we place special emphasis on recognizing the sacrifices of our veterans. Education paired with gratitude strengthens students’ understanding of both their civic duties and the legacy they inherit.

As we celebrate Constitution Day and Freedom Week 2025, Citrus County Schools remain committed to teaching and preserving the principles at the heart of our democracy. By studying these founding documents and honoring those who defend them, we ensure their meaning endures for generations to come.

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Expanding Agriculture: Citrus County Students Explore Future Careers at UF/IFAS Workforce Seminar

Posted on September 15th, 2025 by

Expanding Agriculture: Citrus County Students Explore Future Careers at UF/IFAS Workforce Seminar

On Friday, I had the privilege of attending the UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County’s “Expanding Agriculture: A Workforce Seminar”, held in partnership with the Citrus County Agricultural Alliance and the Citrus County School District. Hosted at the College of Central Florida’s Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, the seminar brought together students, educators, and leaders in the agricultural industry for a full day of career exploration, inspiration, and hands-on learning.

Already a well-established event for high school students, this seminar once again proved to be an incredible experience. Students saw firsthand the wide range of opportunities available in agriculture—whether through technical programs, trade skills, or college pathways.

A Warm Welcome and Powerful Keynote

The day began with a warm welcome from Dr. Marnie L. Ward of the UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension Service. She thanked students, contributors, and community partners for their collaboration and emphasized a simple truth: agriculture is not just part of Citrus County’s past, but an essential key to its future.

The keynote address was delivered by Florida State Representative JJ Grow, who shared an inspiring and personal message with the students. His connection to both Citrus County and agricultural education made him a particularly meaningful speaker. A Citrus High School graduate, former FFA Chapter President, and Florida FFA State Vice-President, Rep. Grow later went on to earn his degree from the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) before building a successful agribusiness career.

Today, his company develops products that improve plant health and nutrient efficiency for farmers—a cutting-edge field that demonstrates the innovation thriving within agriculture. He reminded students of the industry’s importance, noting that agriculture is the largest industry in Florida after Disney and entertainment, yet it is the one that Disney, and everyone else, depends on.

Speaking directly to the students, he challenged them to dream big: “Don’t sell yourself short… you have to decide what that path is, but you have a lot of resources right here.” For many attendees, hearing those words from someone who once wore the same FFA jacket they do now was both empowering and motivating.

Engaging Presentations and Hands-On Learning

Following the keynote, students rotated through an impressive series of classroom presentations, demonstrations, and interactive activities. They explored drone technology with Dr. Stacy Strickland and Tavis Douglas, and learned about agronomy from Dr. Marcelo Wallau of the University of Florida. Billy Bever of Riverbend Cattle Company offered insights into ranching, while Eric Cassiano from the UF Tropical Aquaculture Research Center introduced students to aquaculture.

Additional sessions included Martha Moen from Purina, who discussed animal nutrition, and Steven Hall, Executive Director of Citrus Research, who highlighted ongoing research initiatives. Hannah Love from Agriculture Education Services & Technology (AEST) spoke about agricultural certifications and workforce readiness, while Marie Davidson from the College of Central Florida highlighted opportunities in equine studies. Andy Voelz, representing Toro, provided a business and industry perspective, and Dr. Dana Choi from the UF Research Center demonstrated how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern agriculture.

These sessions underscored the diversity of the field, showing students that agriculture spans everything from livestock care and crop production to cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, and business management.

Colleges, Programs, and Industry Partners

Equally valuable was the opportunity for students to meet face-to-face with representatives from colleges, trade programs, and industry organizations. Institutions such as Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Warner University, the College of Central Florida Vintage Farm, and multiple departments within the University of Florida College of Agriculture and Life Sciences highlighted pathways into higher education.

Students also explored technical and trade-related options through groups like the Tampa Bay Pipe Trades, the Florida Peanut Federation, Ag Pro Crystal River, and even an underwater welding program. Other exhibitors included the Green Jean Foundation, UF/IFAS Extension, the Work Ready Program at UF Extension, and an Antique Engines display.

These conversations gave students the chance to ask questions, gather resources, and imagine how their own skills and interests might one day grow into meaningful careers. For many, it was their first time seeing just how wide and exciting the agricultural workforce truly is.

Community Collaboration and Support

An event of this size and quality is only possible with strong community collaboration. Special recognition goes to Mr. Spaulding (Citrus High School), Mr. Richardson (Lecanto High School), and Mrs. Longfellow (Crystal River High School) for their leadership in preparing students and supporting agricultural education.

Gratitude is also extended to Darrick Buettner, Citrus County School District’s Director of Community Relations and District Initiatives, for coordinating the event, and to the College of Central Florida staff for their hospitality and support. Finally, the Citrus County Agricultural Alliance deserves heartfelt thanks for their vision, sponsorship, and commitment to fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders.

Investing in the Future

The “Expanding Agriculture: A Workforce Seminar” was more than an educational event—it was an investment in Citrus County’s students and in the future of agriculture itself. By connecting young people with mentors, programs, and career pathways, the seminar provided tools and inspiration to help them envision a thriving future in this vital industry.

As students left the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus, they carried with them new knowledge, new connections, and most importantly, new confidence. Agriculture is evolving rapidly, blending tradition with cutting-edge innovation, and events like this ensure that the next generation is ready to take the lead.

In Citrus County, the seeds of opportunity are being planted—and this event made it clear just how bright the harvest will be.

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Patriot Day 2025: Remembering, Teaching, and Honoring Heroes

Posted on September 11th, 2025 by

Patriot Day 2025: Remembering, Teaching, and Honoring Heroes

Each year on September 11, our nation pauses to reflect on the tragic events of 2001. Patriot Day is a solemn time of remembrance, but it is also a time of gratitude. We remember the lives lost, honor the heroes who responded with courage, and reflect on the resilience that carried our country forward.

In Citrus County schools, this day is not only about looking back but also about teaching future generations. Under the guidance of Dr. Al Balk, Coordinator of Academic Programs and Instructional Materials, every school began the morning with a moment of silence. This brief pause united students and staff in reflection and opened the door for age-appropriate discussions. Teachers used the time to help students understand what happened on that day, but also to highlight lessons of unity, bravery, and hope.

Our three high schools continued a powerful tradition this year by sending social studies classes to the 9/11 Exhibit at the Valerie Theater. This exhibit gives students the chance to view authentic artifacts from Ground Zero. School Board Member, the Honorable Joe Faherty, played a vital role in bringing these items from New York to Citrus County, years ago, ensuring that our community would have a place to connect with this history in a meaningful way. For many students, the experience of seeing these artifacts leaves a deeper impact than words alone could provide.

Across the district, teachers continue to create ways for students to remember 9/11 in personal and meaningful ways. At Citrus High School, ESE teacher Kathy Oliver has built a tradition that spans 16 years. What began as one classroom project has grown into a hallway of remembrance. The D-wing is now lined with flags and tributes made by students, turning the space into a living memorial. Walking through this hallway is an emotional experience and a reminder that, as Oliver says, on September 11, 2001, “the world stood still.” Her passion for this project has given generations of students a way to connect with history and reflect on its meaning.

These observances also connect directly to Florida’s 9/11 Hero Day statute, which requires government classes to teach about the bravery and sacrifice of first responders. Sharing these stories is not simply about compliance with a law. It is a privilege. By learning about the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and civilians who risked or gave their lives, students are reminded of the values of service, sacrifice, and resilience that shape our nation.

As we observe Patriot Day in 2025, we remember nearly 3,000 lives lost. We honor the families who still carry that loss. And we thank the first responders who continue to protect our communities every day. Most importantly, we commit to teaching our children why this day matters, so that the legacy of courage and unity continues to inspire future generations.

God bless our heroes, our schools, and the United States of America.

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TGH Investing in Our Future Healthcare Leaders—Right Here in Citrus County

Posted on September 9th, 2025 by

TGH Investing in Our Future Healthcare Leaders—Right Here in Citrus County

An exciting time for future healthcare professionals in Citrus County. Tampa General Hospital North formally announced its support for the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School, along with Health Science Academies in Hernando County. This multi-year partnership brings more than $600,000 in funding, equipment, and professional resources to our local students, opening doors to real-world healthcare experiences right here at home.

The Academy of Health Careers at CRHS is a special place. With hands-on labs, a full dental office, chemistry and biology labs, and soon a radiology suite, our students already have incredible opportunities to explore health careers. Now, thanks to TGH North, they will also benefit from scholarships, clinical experiences, mentoring from medical professionals, and even professional attire for school and interviews. It’s the kind of support that truly prepares students for success after graduation.

Dr. Scott Hebert, Superintendent of Citrus County Schools, shared his enthusiasm:

“This is not just an investment in our Academy of Health Careers students but in the next generation of health care professionals needed in Citrus County. Citrus County has the third-oldest population of residents in the state, making the need for qualified health care professionals essential.”
He also expressed deep appreciation to TGH’s CEO John Couris, Citrus County School Board Member Thomas Kennedy, and the Citrus County Education Foundation’s Executive Director Shaunda Burdette for helping bring this vision to life.

Jennifer Siem, Senior Director of Strategic Growth and Governmental Affairs at TGH North, emphasized the broader vision:

“This initiative is about more than funding — it’s about creating real pathways for students to explore and pursue careers in health care. By connecting students with professionals and state-of-the-art resources, we’re building a workforce that reflects the needs and values of our community.”

This partnership is personal for Citrus County. As a member of the School Board, I’ve seen firsthand how students thrive when they have the right guidance and resources. Career and Technical Education programs like the Academy of Health Careers give our students the confidence and experience to step into healthcare roles that will impact lives in our own neighborhoods.

It’s inspiring to see a local hospital so committed to nurturing our next generation of healthcare leaders. I can’t wait to see the students of CRHS flourish in the years ahead.

Read the full press release from Tampa General Hospital for more details: TGH Press Release

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Celebrating a Hero Among Us: Captain Thomas “Tim” Holme’s 84th Birthday

Posted on September 8th, 2025 by

Celebrating a Hero Among Us: Captain Thomas “Tim” Holme’s 84th Birthday

Today, September 8, 2025, marks the 84th birthday of a man whose leadership, dedication, and character have profoundly shaped Citrus County, Captain Thomas “Tim” Holme, US Navy (Ret.). For many in our community, Captain Holme is not only a leader but also a hero, a mentor, and a lifelong teacher of values that stretch far beyond classrooms and swimming pools.

In life, we are fortunate if we encounter real heroes, individuals whose lives inspire us to strive for more, to live with integrity, and to believe in possibilities greater than ourselves. In Citrus County, my family and I count ourselves blessed to have had such a hero in our lives. To us, and to countless others, he will always be known simply as “Captain.”

Captain Holme’s story begins far from Citrus County. After graduating from Yale University in 1963 with a degree in Political Science, he entered the Navy through the Naval ROTC program. Later, he earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Maryland. His naval career spanned more than two decades and included both sea and shore assignments that reflected his expertise in submarines, intelligence, and strategic planning.

Captain Holme qualified as a submariner, served as commander of USS Waterford (ARD-5), and later held senior positions aboard USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16) and USS Holland (AS-32). He became Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence, Special Security, and Special Operations with the Submarine Force, US Atlantic Fleet. His career reached a remarkable chapter when he served as the U.S. Naval Attaché in Moscow during the height of the Cold War. In 1986, in an act of political reciprocity, the Soviet government declared him persona non grata and expelled him and his family. For his service in national intelligence, Captain Holme received the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement from the Director of the CIA. His decorations also include the Legion of Merit, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars, among others.

Yet despite this distinguished military career, what makes Captain Holme most extraordinary is what he chose to do after the Navy. Retirement did not mean slowing down. Instead, it meant investing in the lives of young people here in Citrus County. He became the Senior Naval Science Instructor for the NJROTC program at Crystal River High School, instilling in cadets the values of honor, integrity, and discipline. Later, he taught Political Science at CRHS until 2007. But it was another endeavor, one that began almost by accident, that would create a legacy spanning generations: coaching swimming.

In 1992, Captain began leading competitive swimming in Citrus County. By 1995, he had founded the Sun Coast Swim Team (SCST), which today stands as the oldest and arguably the most successful USA Swimming program in our county’s history. For more than three decades, SCST has been home to over 900 swimmers. Under Captain’s leadership, the program not only developed athletes but molded young men and women into leaders. Over 28 of his swimmers have gone on to compete collegiately at NCAA Division I, II, and III schools as well as NAIA programs, including Florida State University, Gardner Webb University, Florida Atlantic University, U.S. Naval Academy, Ohio Wesleyan University, Virginia Military Institute, Norwich University, Indian River State College, Florida Southern, Berry College, University of the Cumberlands, Daytona State, Emmanuel College, Florida Tech, Barry University, and many others. Two swimmers went on to serve our nation as Navy SEALs.

But Captain never measured success solely in medals or championships. His deeper mission was to teach honesty, fair play, sportsmanship, hard work, and dedication to family, community, and country. These are the qualities he lived himself, and they are the values he passed on to those fortunate enough to be coached or taught by him.

The results speak for themselves. Crystal River High School’s swim and dive team, which Captain founded, has collected 26 FHSAA District Championships and more than 18 Conference Championships. More importantly, former students and athletes continue to share how his influence shaped their lives, whether in the military, business, education, or family life.

In 2020, the Sun Coast Swim Team Board of Directors honored Captain Holme by making him a “Life Coach Emeritus” and a “Life Board Member.” Their statement was simple and true: no single person has contributed more to competitive swimming in Citrus County than Captain Holme.

Today, Captain may no longer be deckside at the Bicentennial Pool, stopwatch in hand, but his impact remains visible in every swimmer who carries forward his lessons. His leadership and generosity of spirit continue to ripple outward, reaching far beyond the lanes of a pool.

To my own children, and to many others, he will always be “Captain.” One friend once said, “We all should be blessed enough to have a Captain Holme in our lives.” I could not agree more.

On his 84th birthday, we celebrate not only the milestones of a remarkable life but also the countless ways Captain Holme has given back to Citrus County. From defending our nation in the Cold War to shaping young leaders in classrooms and pools, his story is one of service, sacrifice, and inspiration.

So today, we say with deep gratitude: Happy Birthday, Captain Holme. Bravo Zulu on a life lived with honor, and thank you for being a hero to so many.

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A Buettner is Back Teaching TOK at Lecanto High School IB

Posted on September 3rd, 2025 by

A Buettner is Back Teaching TOK at Lecanto High School IB

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Lecanto High School is opening the 2025–2026 school year with a powerful full circle moment: once again, a Buettner is teaching Theory of Knowledge (TOK).

TOK is the cornerstone of the IB program. It pushes students beyond memorization into deeper questions: How do we know what we know? In their junior year, students explore how perception, reason, emotion, and language shape understanding, and how knowledge functions across disciplines such as science, history, math, and the arts. Through real-world examples and thoughtful reflection, they sharpen their ability to analyze knowledge itself, preparing for senior-year assessments. At its core, TOK fosters critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections, and a more reflective way of seeing the world.

This year, Lecanto’s juniors begin their TOK journey with either Ms. Celeste Rausch or Ms. Anna Buettner, an LHS IB graduate (Class of 2019) and the daughter of long-time Citrus educators Tracy and Darrick Buettner. Together, Rausch and Buettner will continue guiding the TOK Class of 2027 through their senior year.

Ms. Buettner brings an impressive background to the classroom. A graduate of the University of Florida, she teaches foreign language at Lecanto, spent a year living in Berlin, and recently completed the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in Spain. Fluent in four languages, she has studied international relations and brings a global perspective that enriches both her teaching and her students’ TOK experience. With her academic expertise, international outlook, and IB roots, she is uniquely equipped to mentor students as they begin questioning and shaping their understanding of knowledge.

Lecanto’s TOK tradition runs deep. When the school first launched the IB program in 2010, its founding coordinator, Mr. Darrick Buettner, also became the first TOK teacher. For a decade, he built the program with vision and dedication, earning recognition as the “founding father” of Lecanto IB before moving into a district leadership role in 2020.

This makes the return of Ms. Buettner especially meaningful. Once a student in her father’s TOK class, she now carries forward his legacy while adding her own voice, perspective, and global insight.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Ms. Buettner shared, “I am very honored to be in this role and following my parents’ amazing lead. I am very lucky to work in such an amazing district.”

In today’s world, shaped by artificial intelligence, constant information flow, and global interconnection, critical thinking has never been more vital. TOK equips students to question, analyze, and make sense of complexity. Having another Buettner guiding this journey provides Lecanto’s IB program with both continuity and fresh perspective.

The Buettner family’s ongoing commitment to education reflects a proud Citrus County tradition, where generations of educator families dedicate themselves to teaching and serving students. Their story not only continues this legacy but also highlights the deeper calling of the profession, which carries the promise to prepare students to think critically, form meaningful connections, and face the future with confidence, insight, and understanding.

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