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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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 Great Start to the High School Swim Season

Last night was a fantastic evening at the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA Pool, where I had the privilege of serving as the scoring official for the first high school dual meet of the season. The Crystal River Pirates (ladies and gentlemen) faced off against the Hernando High School Leopards in an exciting opener.

It’s always special to be part of a team of local volunteer swim leaders who dedicate their time to supporting the sport of swimming. The passion, energy, and commitment on deck remind us why we do it—and why it matters for these young athletes.

One of the night’s highlights was the remarkable performance from 2024 State Qualifier Morgan Gibson (Senior), who set a new CRHS school record in the 50 Freestyle with a time of 25.20, breaking the previous record set in 2019. Achievements like this so early in the season are a great sign of a successful year ahead for the team.

We’ll be back at it this Thursday, helping Citrus High School as they also face off against the Hernando Leopards.

A huge thank you goes out to the Sun Coast Swim Team volunteer leaders— Nikki Rieck, Lori Lenoir, and Mike Laycock—for their time, dedication, and leadership in helping provide these opportunities for our student-athletes. Your commitment makes all the difference.

Here’s to a strong season ahead!

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