Preparing Our Students for the Workforce: Celebrating CTE Month

February is Career and Technical Education Month, an ideal time to recognize the vital role CTE plays in preparing Citrus County students for life beyond graduation. In Citrus Schools, CTE is not a secondary option or an alternative track. It is a core component of how we equip students with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and purpose they need to succeed in college, careers, military service, or a combination of all three.

Citrus Schools remains firmly committed to delivering a high quality education that connects learning to real world opportunities. Across our district, students have access to more than 171 CTE courses offered at our three main high school campuses, along with dual enrollment opportunities through Withlacoochee Technical College. These offerings span 63 distinct career and technical subject areas, lead to 41 industry certifications, and support more than 24 clearly defined program pathways aligned directly with workforce needs. This breadth of opportunity allows students to explore interests, build technical skills, and discover career possibilities while still in high school.

What makes CTE especially powerful is its relevance. Students are not simply learning concepts from a textbook. They are applying knowledge through hands on, practical experiences that reflect real workplace environments. Whether a student plans to enter the workforce immediately, pursue higher education, enlist in the military, or follow a blended path, CTE provides a strong and transferable foundation for long term success.

Our academies and programs reflect both student interests and the economic realities of our region and state. The Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School prepares students for careers in healthcare, one of Florida’s fastest growing and most essential industries. The Academy of Computers at Citrus High School develops skills in information technology and cybersecurity, fields that continue to expand across nearly every sector of the economy.

Students interested in the skilled trades can enroll in welding programs at Citrus High School and Lecanto High School, gaining experience in a field where demand consistently exceeds supply. The Construction Academy at Citrus High School introduces students to building trades, project management, and modern construction technologies. Additional school based academies in agriculture, culinary arts, drafting, JROTC, and business ensure students throughout Citrus County can pursue pathways aligned with their interests and strengths.

Several of our programs also partner with Space Florida’s Space Academy, providing students with exposure to advanced industries that may once have seemed distant or out of reach. These partnerships help students see clear connections between classroom learning and high wage, high skill careers, often without leaving their home community.

Workforce development efforts in our community continue to gain momentum beyond the K-12 system. Withlacoochee Technical College has unveiled plans for a new aviation maintenance and training program, marking a significant step forward for our region. The proposed program includes Airframe and Powerplant training, along with advanced specialty pathways that prepare students for in demand roles such as aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians, and non destructive testing professionals. In addition, WTC and Citrus County Fire Rescue are collaborating on new opportunities to expand workforce training that benefits both students and public safety professionals.

Industry certifications are a critical component of these efforts. These credentials benefit students regardless of their post graduation plans. For students entering the workforce, certifications signal readiness and competence to employers. For those pursuing college or technical training, certifications provide practical experience and a clearer understanding of career expectations. Even students heading directly to colleges and universities gain an advantage by arriving with technical skills and industry recognized training already in hand.

As we celebrate CTE Month, we recognize the students who are taking ownership of their futures, the educators who guide and inspire them, and the community partners who invest their time and expertise. Career and Technical Education in Citrus County represents opportunity, preparation, and pride. It ensures every student has access to meaningful pathways that lead to success, and that commitment remains strong as we build an even brighter future together.

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Turning the Page Together: Celebrating Literacy Week in Citrus County Schools

Throughout Florida classrooms, and more importantly right here in our Citrus County Schools, we will be celebrating Literacy Week from January 26–30, 2026. Literacy Week is a statewide initiative designed to raise awareness about the importance of reading and to remind all of us, students, families, educators, and community members, that literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning. This annual event encourages reading not as a school assignment, but as a daily habit that opens doors, sparks curiosity, and builds confidence.

This year’s theme, “Read, White and Blue: Celebrating 250 Chapters of America,” honors the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States. It is a fitting theme that connects literacy with history, civic responsibility, and our shared national story. Throughout the week, Citrus County schools will focus on books and literacy activities centered on American history, civic duty, and national landmarks. These lessons go beyond memorizing dates and facts. They invite students to explore ideas such as leadership, perseverance, service, and what it means to be an engaged citizen.

One of the great strengths of Literacy Week is how it brings learning to life. Reading about historical figures, important moments, and everyday people who shaped our country allows students to see history as a collection of real stories, not just chapters in a textbook. Through books, students can imagine themselves in different times and places, ask meaningful questions, and better understand their role in shaping the future.

On Monday, I will have the privilege of reading at Citrus Springs Elementary in Ms. Kristel Frati’s second grade classroom. This will mark the ninth year I have read in her class during Literacy Week, and it remains one of the highlights of my year. Walking into that classroom, seeing the excitement on students’ faces, and sharing stories together is a powerful reminder of why this work matters. It gives me the opportunity to connect with some of our remarkable students and to reinforce that reading is something to be enjoyed and celebrated.

One of the books I am reading with students is George Washington and the General’s Dog by Frank Murphy. This book tells the true story of George Washington’s beloved dog, a gift from a fellow general during the Revolutionary War. It is a wonderful example of how history can be made relatable and engaging for young readers. Through a simple story about kindness, responsibility, and loyalty, students learn about leadership and character in a way that resonates with them.

Literacy Week is organized by the Florida Department of Education through the Just Read, Florida! office, and each year it brings renewed focus to the simple but powerful act of reading together. Whether it is a student discovering their first favorite book, a family sharing a bedtime story, or a classroom diving into a new topic, these moments matter. They shape how children see themselves as learners and how they engage with the world around them.

Literacy Week is about more than one week on the calendar. It is a reminder that reading should be woven into everyday life at school and at home. I encourage families to take time this week to read together, talk about books, and visit your local library. In Citrus County, we are fortunate to have dedicated teachers, supportive families, and a community that values education.

As we celebrate Literacy Week and look ahead to America’s 250th anniversary, let us continue writing strong chapters for our students. By fostering a love of reading, we are helping them build the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed, not just in school, but in life.

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Forging Futures at Home: Welding Technology Fundamentals in Citrus County High Schools

Choosing to go to school in Citrus County opens the door to an impressive range of exciting and practical opportunities for our students. From healthcare and computer science to construction, culinary arts, agriculture, and now welding, our high schools are preparing young people for real careers and real lives. One of the most exciting developments this year is the return of Welding Technology Fundamentals courses to Citrus County high schools, bringing hands-on, high-demand workforce training directly into our classrooms.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Mr. Jesse Wininger’s welding classroom at Citrus High School, and what I witnessed firsthand was nothing short of remarkable. This was not the welding classroom many of us might remember from years past. Instead, students were learning in a high-tech, immersive virtual welding environment that looks, sounds, and reacts like the real thing. It was engaging, impressive, and clearly designed to help beginners succeed while building a strong foundation for advanced skills.

The advanced virtual welding training system places students into lifelike welding scenarios where every action matters. As students weld, they see a realistic weld puddle form in real time. They hear authentic welding sounds and experience sparks, slag, grinding, and cooling, all of which respond instantly to how they move and adjust their technique. This immediate feedback makes the learning process both exciting and intuitive, especially for students who may be new to welding.

What truly sets this system apart is how it teaches correct technique. When students make mistakes, the system visibly shows welding defects, helping them understand exactly what went wrong. At the same time, it reinforces good habits through demonstrations of successful welds and guided lessons. Students are not just practicing randomly; they are learning the “why” behind every movement and adjustment.

Another impressive aspect of the program is how closely it mirrors real-world industry expectations. Students learn proper machine setup by following authentic Welding Procedure Specifications. They select the correct welding process, gas type, gas flow, voltage or amperage, and wire-feed speed, just as professional welders do on the job. Every weld is tracked and scored in real time, measuring key factors such as work angle, travel angle, speed, distance, and position. This clear, data-driven feedback helps students understand exactly what they are doing well and where improvement is needed.

These opportunities reflect a broader vision for career and technical education in Citrus County. As Debra Stanley, Director of Career and Technical Education, shares, “Welding opens doors to high-demand, well-paying careers and helps our students turn their future aspirations into real opportunities.” That vision is clearly evident in the level of engagement, rigor, and confidence seen in these classrooms.

During my visit, I watched as sophomore Adrienne German confidently demonstrated her welding skills. With a smile and a healthy dose of pride, she declared that girls are better welders than boys. Her confidence spoke volumes, not just about her abilities, but about how welcoming and empowering this program is for all students. Welding is no longer seen as limited by stereotypes; it is a skill open to anyone willing to learn and work hard.

Mr. Wininger, an experienced welder himself, explained that the goal of the program goes far beyond classroom success. “My goal is to have students ready to secure welding jobs directly from high school,” he shared. “Of course it will take time being a new program, but I’m fully prepared to ensure these students are employable when they graduate.” To support that goal, students also participate in field trips to industry operations so they understand exactly what the work entails. This year, students have visited the Florida Commercial Diving Institute to learn about underwater welding and E-ONE to see fire trucks manufactured, giving them firsthand exposure to real-world applications of their skills.

In addition to preparing students for the workforce, these tools provide Mr. Wininger with detailed performance analysis for each student. He can show precisely how and why a weld was successful or where it fell short. Students receive immediate, gamified feedback through scoring and charting, which keeps them motivated and focused on improvement. Once a student consistently achieves a score of 80 or above, they are allowed to move on to a real-world welding environment using actual equipment. This ensures safety, readiness, and confidence before transitioning to live welding.

This outstanding program was made possible through a Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant Program awarded to Citrus County Schools. This year, welding is currently available at Citrus High School and Lecanto High School, with plans to expand the program to Crystal River High School. These expansions will ensure that even more students across our county can benefit from this cutting-edge training.

Special thanks are due to our Citrus Schools Career and Technical Education Department, led by Director Stanley, along with her dedicated team, including CTE Specialist and grant writer Dana Sternberg. Their hard work in applying for and securing these grants has directly translated into meaningful opportunities for our students and our schools.

Beyond high school, students can take the certifications they earn and continue their training at Withlacoochee Technical College or other welding programs. Along the way, they also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that apply far beyond the welding booth.

Welding Technology Fundamentals is more than a class. It is a pathway. Right here in Citrus County Schools, we are forging futures, one spark at a time.

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