FSBA Friend of Education Award Recipient Dr. Ralph Massullo, M.D.

I was incredibly blessed serving as the Florida School Board Association President for the 2023-2024 term at our Citrus County School Board meeting on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, to help present and honor Dr. Ralph Massullo, M.D., our Florida House Representative for District 23.

This past session Dr. Massullo served as the Chairman of the important House Education and Employment Committee, playing a vital role in shaping education policies in Florida. Dr. Massullo also serves on the Appropriations Committee and the Health & Human Services Committee, bringing his expertise and experience as a successful dermatologist and entrepreneur to the table.

Dr. Massullo’s passion for education is evident in his tireless advocacy for broadening Career and Technical Education opportunities and pathways for Florida students. As a dyslexic person myself, I additionally value Dr. Massullo’s belief that individualized education is vital to student success. His commitment to advancing education has made him a powerful leader in the state legislature, where he regularly demonstrates his willingness to collaborate with any legislator.

During the recent 2023 Florida legislative session, Dr. Massullo played an instrumental role in ensuring that our at-risk students in the Class of 2023 continued to have opportunities to graduate high school by maintaining concordant scores and opportunities for students who required alternative assessment options. His success in this matter has had a significant impact on students who have fulfilled all the requirements to graduate but have not yet passed the State Standardized tests required for graduation. This effort resulted in nearly 50 students from Citrus County alone and 1000s through Florida in the Class of 2023 being able to graduate due to Dr. Massullo’s work.

In recognition of his exceptional service, the Florida School Board Association is proud to bestow upon Representative Dr. Ralph Massullo the 2023 Friend of Education Award.

Citrus Chronicle Coverage – CLICK HERE

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Launching a Stellar School Year: ‘Blastoff’ Welcome-Back Event

Yesterday’s “Blastoff” welcome-back staff event at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium marked a fantastic start to the 2023-2024 school year. The event was made truly exceptional by the presence of Gerry Brooks, a nationally renowned educator, school principal, and educational comedian, who served as the Keynote presenter. Brooks delivered a blend of humor and poignant insights, inspiring educators to embrace their awesome responsibilities and set remarkable examples for students, families, and colleagues.

At the outset of the event, Superintendent Himmel took the stage to pay tribute to those who ensure the safety of our students, staff, and schools. Joined by School Board Police Chief David Vincent, School Guardians, and School Resource Officers, the audience applauded the vital service that we are so grateful for. We also had the opportunity to meet our new “four-legged” School Guardian, “Sammy.” This addition to our team brings a unique form of safety and comfort to our educational environment.

The gathering provided an opportunity for staff members to reconnect and share their summer experiences, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the educators. Gerry Brooks’ engaging message resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the vital role we all play in shaping young minds and futures.

Heartfelt appreciation goes to Mr. Bunch and Oysters for once again providing a delectable breakfast, enhancing the overall experience. Special thanks go to Director Laura Lindeman and her dedicated team, along with all contributors, for making the event exceptionally memorable. Their efforts ensured the event’s success and positive impact.

The event was made possible by the Citrus County Educational Foundation and their community partners, who generously sponsored and contributed financially, ensuring its success. As the new school year begins, the “Blastoff” welcome-back event has set a positive tone, igniting enthusiasm and determination among staff members to excel and make a lasting impact.

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Empowering the Future: 2023 Summer Senior RISE Program

In an inspiring gathering, the 2023 Summer Senior RISE program welcomed over 130 students, eager to seize the opportunity to grow and excel. The RISE (Resources, Information, Support, Entry) program, now in its 5th year, has once again become a beacon of hope and empowerment for these young individuals as they prepare to embrace their futures.

I had the honor of addressing the RISE students this morning. I shared with them how proud our community is of their dedication, evident as each student had taken special care to dress professionally, fully aware of the importance of leaving a lasting positive impression.

Throughout the day, the program offered invaluable experiences, with each student engaging in at least two mock interviews with community members from all areas of industry in Citrus County. These practice sessions allowed them to sharpen their communication skills, boost their confidence, and learn from valuable feedback provided by experienced mentors and professionals.

The success stories from previous RISE graduates only added to the excitement of what lies ahead. Among the alumni, some are currently pursuing further education, while others have already embarked on their professional journeys, establishing themselves in diverse fields. Engineers, nurses, business professionals, meteorologists, welders, linesmen, chefs, doctors, teachers, and more – the impact of the RISE program is evident in the diverse paths taken by these accomplished individuals.

The achievements of the RISE program wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and support of various organizations and individuals. A special acknowledgment goes out to Citrus County Schools and Director of Special Programs, Darrick Buettner, Patrick Simon, the Citrus County College and Career Coalition, Citrus County Education Foundation, CF, and all the educators, volunteers, community members, and stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to facilitating and providing this transformative experience for the students. A special thanks to all our community partners for making the 2023 Summer Rise program possible!

For further insights and reflections on the 2023 Summer Senior RISE program, readers can explore the comprehensive coverage by Georgia Sullivan in the Citrus County Chronicle article: “Incoming Seniors Face Future Together at Summer R.I.S.E.” (https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/education/incoming-seniors-face-future-together-at-summer-r-i-s-e/article_1fd0951e-b06b-5340-8ab8-509b3a44bdd4.html)

The Summer Senior RISE program continues to instill hope and determination in these young individuals, empowering them to rise to their full potential and create a positive impact on their communities and beyond. The journey has just begun, and with such strong support, the future holds immense promise for this remarkable RISE class.

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