Educational Donation Strengthens Citrus County’s Connection to Underwater Discovery

Since 1967, the Citrus County School District’s Marine Science Station (MSS) has served as a beacon of discovery, innovation, and environmental education. Nestled along the Gulf Coast, the station provides thousands of students each year with hands-on learning experiences that reach far beyond the classroom. From studying estuary ecosystems to learning about marine technology, MSS continues to shape how students engage with science, and a recent generous donation will help advance that mission even further.

Senior Chief Maurice Perine, United States Navy (Retired), a former Crystal River High School Naval JROTC instructor, has made a significant educational donation — through the Citrus County Education Foundation — to the Marine Science Station, valued at more than $5,000. His gift includes brand-new STEM kits, tool bags, underwater cameras, and ten advanced underwater robotics kits, a combination of SeaPerch and SeaGlide units.

Marine Science Station Supervisor Earnie Olsen and Marine Science Station Teacher Josh O’Leary were on hand to receive the donation on behalf of the school district. Olsen shared, “This generous gift will have an immediate and lasting impact on our students. These robotics tools will allow them to experience real-world applications of science and technology while exploring the marine environment right here in Citrus County.”

This contribution not only enhances the Station’s capacity for STEM learning but also strengthens the district’s growing commitment to robotics and underwater exploration. Today, robotics clubs exist at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in Citrus County Schools, where students actively compete in statewide competitions. Both the Academy of Environmental Science, a public charter school, and Crystal River High School’s Naval JROTC program now offer scuba operations, further connecting local education with the underwater world.

Inspiring Discovery Through Robotics

The SeaPerch and SeaGlide programs are nationally recognized for engaging students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through hands-on, project-based learning.

SeaPerch introduces students to the fundamentals of engineering and marine science by guiding them through the process of building a tethered Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) from a simple kit. Along the way, they learn essential concepts such as buoyancy, circuitry, tool safety, and propulsion systems. Once assembled, students test and maneuver their ROVs through obstacle courses and underwater challenges, developing critical problem-solving and teamwork skills.

SeaGlide, the more advanced counterpart, takes learning to an even deeper level. Instead of using propellers, SeaGlide vehicles move through the water by adjusting buoyancy and pitch, simulating how real autonomous underwater gliders operate. Students learn to code and calibrate an Arduino microprocessor, applying advanced principles of programming, fluid dynamics, and data collection. This project introduces them to real-world technologies used in ocean research, exploration, and naval operations.

Together, these programs do more than teach science; they inspire innovation. Students build confidence in engineering design, strengthen collaboration, and gain hands-on experience that prepares them for potential careers in marine technology, oceanography, and naval engineering.

A Legacy of Exploration and Service

This donation also carries deep symbolic meaning, linking today’s students to Citrus County’s proud legacy of ocean exploration. The Marine Science Station is home to the Barry L. Cannon Memorial Museum and Aquarium, named in honor of Aquanaut Barry Cannon, a Citrus County native, Navy veteran, and marine pioneer.

Cannon served as part of the Navy’s historic Sea Lab II and III projects in the 1960s, helping advance humanity’s understanding of underwater living and deep-sea operations. His life and sacrifice continue to inspire generations of students who pass through the Marine Science Station.

By supporting MSS with this gift, Senior Chief Perine honors Cannon’s legacy and reinforces the connection between education, service, and exploration. Through these new resources, students will be able to study the same principles of underwater engineering and scientific curiosity that defined Cannon’s remarkable career.

Extending the Reach of Marine Science

Each year, the Marine Science Station serves approximately 2,500 students from across Citrus County Schools. Its immersive, field-based learning environment provides the perfect setting to introduce and integrate these new robotics tools.

With guidance from the District Science Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) and collaboration across school programs, these resources will reach well beyond the Station itself. Elementary and middle school students who begin exploring robotics early can continue developing those skills through high school, where programs such as robotics clubs, NJROTC, and the Academy of Environmental Science offer advanced, hands-on applications.

This layered approach, from early STEM exposure to specialized high school programs, creates a clear pathway for students to progress from curiosity to career readiness. It ensures that every student in Citrus County has the opportunity to explore the connections between science, technology, and the natural world.

Investing in the Future

Senior Chief Perine’s generosity goes beyond the dollar value of the equipment. It represents an investment in discovery — one that may spark a lifelong passion for science or open doors to future careers in engineering, environmental research, or public service.

For Senior Chief Perine, this gift is deeply personal. As a former Crystal River High School Naval JROTC instructor, he remains deeply connected to the students and citizens of Citrus County. “I know the children in Citrus County will appreciate the underwater robots, SeaPerch and SeaGlide,” he shared. Supporting students’ educational growth and expanding their opportunities in STEM, underwater exploration, and marine science is close to his heart.

While serving as a Naval Science Instructor at Crystal River High School, Senior Chief Perine established the school’s NJROTC Scuba Initiative, allowing cadets to become NAUI-certified Open Water Scuba Divers. This legacy of leadership and opportunity continues to impact students today.

His commitment reflects a broader truth about education: meaningful learning happens when curiosity meets opportunity. These new tools will give students that opportunity to explore, to innovate, and to imagine what lies beneath the surface.

The Marine Science Station continues to serve as a vital resource for teachers and students across the district, bridging traditional science education with the excitement of real-world exploration. With this donation, MSS is better equipped than ever to cultivate the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators who will carry forward Citrus County’s proud tradition of curiosity, courage, and community spirit.

Bravo Zulu, Senior Chief Perine, for your service, your generosity, and your unwavering dedication to the future of our students. Special thanks to the Citrus County Education Foundation for facilitating this generous donation and ensuring it directly supports our programs and students. Because of your collective efforts, Citrus County’s connection to the sea remains as strong and inspiring as ever. Exciting new adventures in underwater exploration and STEM learning now await our students.

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From Beginners to Olympian: The Head of the Henderson Showcases ROCCS’ Rowers

For more than 15 years, the Rowing Organization of Citrus County Students, better known as ROCCS, has been shaping athletes, building community, and opening the world of rowing to people of all ages in Citrus County. Founded to make rowing accessible to everyone, ROCCS has grown into a regional organization with international reach, with two rowers, brother and sister Nicolas and Celine Pokusa, currently competing on the Czech national team, balancing recreation, competition, and lifelong fitness.

At its core, ROCCS is about opportunity. Its competitive flagship, the High School Rowing Team, trains year round on Lake Henderson in Inverness. Here, student-athletes learn discipline, teamwork, and resilience while competing successfully at regional and state regattas. Many have gone on to row at collegiate and national levels, with some earning scholarships to continue their sport while pursuing higher education. This is a remarkable accomplishment for a community of Citrus County’s size.

ROCCS is not just for elite athletes. The organization emphasizes accessibility, offering programs for middle schoolers, high school students, and adults. Rowing is unique because it can be intensely competitive or entirely recreational, making room for every kind of athlete. Unlike running or contact sports, it provides a full-body workout with minimal joint impact, something participants can enjoy well into later life. This fall, ROCCS proudly features rowers ranging from 11 to 80 years old.

The upcoming Head of the Henderson Regatta, scheduled for October 4, showcases this diversity. Already a signature tradition, the event draws competitors from across the Southeastern United States. A “head race,” in rowing terminology, is a long-distance endurance race and this one tests crews over a grueling 5,000-meter course. Open to middle school, high school, and adult rowers, it highlights the full spectrum of the sport.

This year’s regatta promises to be the largest yet, with 16 clubs traveling from around the region and 350+ entries across multiple races, as many athletes procrastinated in registering. Crews will arrive with trailers and tents at Wallace Brooks Park, filling the lakefront with activity and turning the area into a lively festival of sport. But it is more than just racing. Visiting teams often call the Head of the Henderson the friendly regatta because of the warm, welcoming spirit of ROCCS’ volunteers, parents, coaches, and the Citrus County community.

“ROCCS works tirelessly to provide top quality crew programs for Citrus County students and adults in collaboration with the fantastic local leadership at the City. Inverness has become a premier training and competition destination, shining a light on the sport of crew, our community, and our student athletes,” Regatta Director Jodi Zakaria said.

Volunteers are central to ROCCS’ identity. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the organization is run entirely by volunteers, including certified coaches and board members who donate countless hours to keep programs thriving. Five-day-a-week training, including early Saturday mornings, gives student-athletes structure, accountability, and purpose. For some teens, being part of ROCCS is a cornerstone that helps them stay on track academically and personally.

ROCCS’ influence extends far beyond Citrus County. The lake’s calm, wide waters and favorable weather have made it a nationally recognized winter training destination for top rowing programs. Division I universities such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have trained here, and the Green Racing Project, a New England-based feeder program for Olympic rowers, makes the area a recurring winter home.

The program’s reach continues onto the world stage. ROCCS alumni include Olympian Ben Davison and Debbie Brazill, who recently won two gold medals at the World Rowing Championships in Spain. About a dozen alumni have gone on to row at the collegiate level, carrying Citrus County’s name to universities across the country.

Beyond accolades, rowing builds more than strength. It fosters perseverance, time management, and teamwork. Every rower must pull in exact rhythm with their teammates, and success comes only through unity and trust. These lessons carry far beyond the water.

Still, ROCCS never loses sight of its mission to make rowing available to anyone who wants to try it. Recreational programs for youth and adults allow newcomers to discover the joy of the water. For some, rowing becomes a hobby; for others, a lifelong passion. The diversity of ROCCS athletes, from middle school beginners to retirees, reflects that mission.

As October 4 approaches, excitement is building for the Head of the Henderson. The regatta will test the endurance of 350+ athletes while spotlighting Citrus County as a rowing hub. Residents are encouraged to visit Wallace Brooks Park to cheer on competitors and experience the energy of one of the world’s oldest and most elegant sports. For rowers, it is another opportunity to embrace the hospitality that has earned the event its reputation as the friendly regatta.

Fifteen years on, ROCCS stands as proof that a community united by vision and persistence can achieve extraordinary things. What began as a way to give local students access to rowing has blossomed into an organization that trains champions, hosts major events, and promotes healthy living for people of all ages. Whether on the world stage or right here on Lake Henderson, ROCCS continues to pull together, stroke by stroke.

To learn more about ROCCS and the Head of the Henderson competition, visit www.crewroccs.com.

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2025 Citrus County Swim & Dive Invitational: Records, Rivalries, and Community Spirit

The 2025 Citrus County Swim & Dive Invitational, held Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA in Lecanto, once again proved why this meet is one of the highlights of the local sports calendar. Hosted by Crystal River High School, the Invitational brought together eight high school swim and dive teams from Citrus and Hernando Counties. More than 140 student-athletes competed, filling nearly 300 entries in the lanes and on the boards, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrated not only athletic excellence but also community collaboration and pride.

The day opened with a moment of unity as Crystal River High School senior Madison Boase delivered a strong, heartfelt performance of the National Anthem. Her voice set a tone of pride and togetherness, reminding everyone that while teams would fiercely compete in the water, they stood as one community.

The field featured Citrus, Crystal River, and Lecanto High Schools representing Citrus County, joined by Central, Hernando, Nature Coast, Springstead, and Weeki Wachee High Schools from Hernando County. Together, these programs showcased the very best of the region’s swimming and diving talent—athletes capable of making waves at the state level.

Crystal River Makes History

For host Crystal River High School (CRIV), the meet started with fireworks. The girls’ 200-yard medley relay team—Lucy Schroeder, Morgan Gibson, Lia Richards, and Jocelyn Daugherty—touched first in a blistering 1:57.61. The time didn’t just win the event; it shattered the school record by nearly two seconds. The celebration on deck set the tone for the Pirates’ strong showing throughout the day.

Individual highlights quickly followed. Morgan Gibson captured the girls’ 200 individual medley in commanding fashion (2:14.24). Teammate Lia Richards powered through the 100 butterfly, winning in 1:02.14. On the diving boards, Olivia Byron impressed with consistency and poise, scoring 255.95 to secure first place.

Although the Pirate girls came up just five points short of Lecanto in the overall standings, their record-breaking relay and across-the-board success underscored the program’s depth and talent. Both Pirate squads finished runner-up overall, a testament to their balance and competitive edge.

Lecanto’s Stars Shine Bright

If Crystal River set the pace early, Lecanto High School (LECA) stole the spotlight by meet’s end. Panther standout Noah Walker delivered one of the most remarkable performances Citrus County swimming has ever seen. He swept three individual titles—the boys’ 200 free (1:42.48), 100 breaststroke (57.14), and 100 free (46.81 leading off the 400 free relay)—and in doing so broke Lecanto and all-county records in each event. His swims etched his name into the history books while igniting his teammates.

The Panthers also leaned on sprinter Brandon Thornton, who captured victories in the 50 free (22.94) and 100 fly (58.02). Their depth carried into the relays, with Lecanto taking first in the girls’ 200 free relay (1:47.12), boys’ 200 free relay (1:39.09), and girls’ 400 free relay (4:02.72). On the diving boards, Hagan Henson dominated with a top score of 399.25. Backed by Walker’s brilliance and all-around strength, Lecanto secured both team titles—181 points for the boys and 133 for the girls.

Citrus High Holds Its Own

Citrus High School (CHS) also made its mark. Sophomore Sophie Albert turned in gritty performances, finishing the 200 IM in 2:46.15 and the 100 fly in 1:09.61 against strong competition. Sprinter Michael Szumski posted a solid 25.97 in the 50 free and anchored key relays, helping the Hurricanes remain competitive.

CHS closed with 48 points for the boys and 36 for the girls. While behind their county rivals, the Hurricanes’ determined swims highlighted steady progress and growth.

The Final Tally

When the scores were tallied, Lecanto claimed both team championships, Crystal River secured runner-up finishes for both boys and girls, and Citrus rounded out the local schools with respectable totals. Yet the numbers told only part of the story. Beyond medals and records, the Invitational highlighted the extraordinary talent pipeline continuing to grow in Citrus County. Follow this link for full results: https://wp.me/a6nVOm-3dq

Community at the Core

The success of an event of this scale rests on more than just the athletes. Behind the scenes, over 30 volunteers, 12 coaches, and numerous staff members worked tirelessly. The Citrus County School District, District Athletic Director Robert Verlato, and the athletic directors from each participating school provided key support.

The YMCA’s aquatics supervisor Jordan Gangi and the Y staff ensured smooth operations, while officials Gary Saslo and Jessica Horn kept the competition fair. The Crystal River athletic department and administration served as the organizational backbone.

Special recognition goes to the Sun Coast Swim Team and its leaders—Nikki Rieck, Lori Lenior, and Mike Laycok—who sponsored timing equipment and touchpads and supplied volunteers to manage scoring and technical operations. Their efforts gave the meet a professional edge.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert attended the event, personally presenting medals and awards, underscoring the district’s commitment to student-athletes.

Meanwhile, the voice of the meet belonged to announcer Brian Hengesbach, a Citrus County school administrator, former Springstead Eagle, and NCAA Division II swimmer. His energy kept the atmosphere lively from start to finish.

Beyond the Pool

The Invitational was about more than stopwatches and scoreboards. It was a showcase of sportsmanship and camaraderie. Swimmers from rival schools cheered for one another, divers exchanged handshakes after close contests, and athletes celebrated personal bests together. In a sport often decided by tenths of a second, the Invitational reminded everyone that character matters as much as competitiveness.

It was also an event with community impact. Families, alumni, and local supporters filled the YMCA, bringing energy to the deck and a boost to the local economy. Meets like this not only showcase athletic talent but also bring new visitors to Citrus County, highlighting it as both a welcoming community and a place where excellence thrives.

A Lasting Impression

For those in attendance, lasting images included the roar of the crowd as Crystal River’s relay set a new school record, Noah Walker’s electrifying swims rewriting county history, and the sight of hundreds of student-athletes united by their love of the sport.

As one of Citrus County’s biggest annual swimming competitions, the Invitational not only advances swimming but also strengthens bonds that extend beyond the pool. It represents the very best of high school athletics—dedication, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence—woven together with unwavering community support.

I was honored to play a role in helping with this important event. Watching these student-athletes chase their goals and push past limits reaffirmed why Citrus County should take pride in its swimmers and divers. The 2025 Invitational was not just a meet; it was a celebration of what can be achieved when talent, effort, and community come together.

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