Honoring the Fallen: Memorial Day Ceremony at Old Homosassa Veterans Memorial Unites Community in Tribute

This Memorial Day weekend, the Old Homosassa Veterans Memorial in Homosassa, Florida, served as the poignant backdrop for a deeply moving ceremony held in honor of the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Under clear skies and with a heartfelt spirit of gratitude, members of the community gathered to reflect, remember, and recommit to preserving the memory of our nation’s heroes.

The ceremony was masterfully led by Commander Richard Hunt of the Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), who served as the Master of Ceremonies. Commander Hunt’s solemn and dignified presence set the tone for the event, as his heartfelt words reminded those in attendance of the profound debt owed to those who gave their lives for our freedoms.

An opening prayer was delivered by Chaplain Troy Allen, also of Chapter 776 MOPH. His invocation invited attendees to reflect on the gravity of the occasion and the sacred duty of remembrance. The Lecanto High School JROTC Color Guard, under the direction of Senior Army Instructor LTC David Brown, presented the colors with precision and pride.

Citrus High School Choral Instructor John Edel provided a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. His powerful performance resonated through the crowd, anchoring the event in patriotism and unity.

The event featured a lineup of respected guest speakers who each shared personal reflections and expressions of gratitude. Citrus County Commissioner Holly Davis (District 5) spoke movingly about her deep respect for the military, highlighting the legacy of her own father, a Naval Aviator, and the enduring values of duty, service, and honor.

Stacie Worthington, Chairperson of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, reflected on the depth of sacrifice made by service members and emphasized the importance of community in remembering them. Jaime Baize, the newly appointed principal of Homosassa Elementary School, offered her appreciation to the veterans present and to the broader community for continuing the tradition of honoring the fallen. She also shared her commitment to carrying that spirit forward in her new role.

Representing the Citrus County School District, Darrick Buettner, Director of Strategic Operations, delivered heartfelt remarks on the importance of instilling respect for military service in the next generation. He also expressed gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who made the event possible, including Jeremy Lewis, Rick Wolfolk, Jake Jacobs, Diedra Newton, Dr. Al Balk, Sheriff David Vincent, the Homosassa Civic Club, and the Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 MOPH.

A special moment in the ceremony came as Commander Hunt read the “Warrior’s Prayer,” a solemn invocation that spoke to the courage and sacrifice of America’s fallen warriors. The prayer served as a reminder that their service did not end in vain, and that their memory remains ever-present in the hearts of the community.

The ceremonial placement of the memorial wreath was carried out with reverence by outgoing Homosassa Elementary Principal Alice Harrell, incoming Principal Baize, and Commissioner Davis. This was followed by a traditional rifle salute conducted by the Citrus County Marine Corps League Honor Guard and the playing of Taps—one of the most recognizable and moving military honors.

John Edel returned to close the ceremony with a stirring performance of “All Gave Some / Some Gave All,” a tribute that captured the emotion and message of the day—no sacrifice is forgotten, and no life given in service is taken for granted.

The beauty and solemnity of the Old Homosassa Veterans Memorial owe much to the tireless work of Jeremy Fowler, whose generous donation of time, resources, and funding has transformed the site into a place of reflection and honor. His efforts have ensured that the memorial is not only a physical space, but a lasting symbol of gratitude and remembrance for generations to come.

Special recognition is also due to Darrick Buettner for his leadership in organizing the event. His dedication to honoring veterans, fostering community engagement, and coordinating with numerous civic and school groups played a crucial role in the ceremony’s success.

Finally, sincere thanks to Commander Richard Hunt and the members of the Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 MOPH for their ongoing commitment to veterans and their families. Their leadership and presence make events like this both possible and profoundly meaningful.

In Old Homosassa this Memorial Day, a community came together not just to remember—but to promise never to forget.

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A Foundation for the Future: Celebrating Forest Ridge Elementary’s Class of 2025

While the spotlight of graduation season often shines on high school seniors, the celebrations continue throughout the district as we recognize the accomplishments of younger students completing significant milestones in their educational journeys. One such celebration took place recently at Forest Ridge Elementary (FRE), where the “Owls” fifth-grade class marked the end of their elementary school years with a joyful and heartfelt ceremony. I was honored to be part of this memorable occasion, one of many similar celebrations held across Citrus County Schools to recognize the dedication, growth, and achievements of our students.

The fifth-grade celebration at FRE was more than just a ceremony. It was a tribute to the students’ years of learning, growing, and contributing to the school community. For many of these young learners, their time at elementary school represents the longest chapter at a single school. The friendships, experiences, and lessons they’ve gained will help shape the foundation of their future success both academically and personally.

The event was held in the presence of proud families, friends, teachers, and district leaders, all gathered to honor these outstanding students. Forest Ridge Elementary Principal Ms. McHugh opened the ceremony with a warm welcome, setting the tone for an exciting celebration full of pride and purpose.

The program began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by four confident fifth graders Katy Perry, Jase Reyes, Luke Scalzi, and Nevach Steinbrook. It was a touching reminder of the students’ readiness to step into greater responsibility and leadership.

Next, recognition was given to students who had participated in and contributed to key school programs throughout the year. These recognitions highlighted how Forest Ridge students had embraced opportunities to lead and serve their school. Mrs. Mosley, the music teacher, recognized members of the Chorus. Mrs. Schantz, the school’s media and tech specialist, honored students who had worked on the Morning Show. Mr. Mattingly, a fifth-grade teacher, acknowledged the efforts of those who helped run the School Store. The Safety Patrol team was recognized by Mrs. Daugherty, the Safety Patrol Coordinator. Ms. Jones, the assistant principal, awarded students for their participation in the Science Fair and 4-H Speeches. Ms. Mikel, the school counselor, highlighted students who took part in the Upward Bound program.

One of the most inspiring moments came when former Forest Ridge Owl Kirsten Schaak, a recent graduate from Crystal River High School’s Class of 2025, returned to deliver the keynote speech. Kirsten, now a proud alumna of the Academy of Health Careers Nursing Pathway at Crystal River High School and a Certified Nursing Assistant, shared her educational journey and future plans. She announced her intention to pursue a degree in Elementary Education, expressing a heartfelt desire to one day return to Forest Ridge as a teacher — a full-circle moment that deeply resonated with the audience.

The celebration continued with the presentation of several prestigious awards. School Board Member Joe Faherty presented the Good Citizenship Award. School Board Member Ken Frink, representing the Sons of the American Revolution, honored a student with their community award. Mrs. Schantz and VFW Post 10087 presented the VFW Award. Principal Ms. McHugh presented the President’s Education Award, and Ms. Mikel followed with Success Certificates recognizing student excellence.

It was my privilege to represent the CF Foundation and present two very special awards — STEPS to CF Scholarships to the College of Central Florida, sponsored by the Tom C. Franklin Memorial and the Ted Williams Museum & Hitters Hall of Fame. These scholarships, each valued at $4,000, were awarded to 5th graders Kade Cornish and Christina Walko. Upon their high school graduation, this powerful investment will be waiting for them to use for any program of studies at CF.

The most anticipated part of the event came as each fifth-grade student was introduced individually. With their names called, the students proudly crossed the stage to be congratulated by Principal McHugh, Assistant Principal Jones, Citrus County Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, School Board Members Joe Faherty and Ken Frink, and myself. Each handshake, smile, and high five symbolized a send-off full of encouragement as these students prepare to transition to middle school.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Hebert, whose own grandson is a student at Forest Ridge, offered heartfelt closing remarks. His message highlighted the importance of this moment in the lives of the students, their families, and the school community. His words were a fitting conclusion to a day filled with pride, joy, and reflection.

The ceremony concluded with the FRE Success Cheer, led energetically by fifth graders Aaron Dunaway, Natalia Hernandez, Katy Perry, and Christina Walko. A touching multimedia presentation followed, showcasing memories from the students’ time at FRE. The event ended with a 5th-grade student recessional, symbolizing the closing of one chapter and the exciting beginning of another.

As these Owls take flight toward new adventures in middle school, we celebrate not just what they’ve accomplished, but who they’ve become. Their years at Forest Ridge have prepared them well, and the entire community stands behind them as they soar into the future.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the families and friends who support our students and educators throughout the years. Your love, encouragement, and presence mean more than words can express. And a very special thank you to FRE School Counselor Trishia Mikel for her incredible work coordinating this special event. Her thoughtful planning and dedication helped make the day a joyful and lasting memory for all involved.

Congratulations to the FRE Class of 2025 — your journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where you land next.

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Reflecting on the Future: Speaking at the AI in Education Fair 2025

This past week, I had the distinct honor of speaking at the 2025 AI in Education Fair, hosted by the University of Florida’s College of Education in Gainesville. Held inside the iconic Norman Hall, the two-day event brought together leaders from education, government, and technology to explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of PreK–12 learning.

The AI in Education Fair was more than just a conference. It was a gathering of stakeholders committed to a shared mission: ensuring that artificial intelligence enhances education in ethical, equitable, and impactful ways. Through hands-on technology demonstrations, keynote sessions, and expert panels, attendees immersed themselves in both the promise and the complexities of integrating AI in classrooms.

I had the privilege of speaking as part of a three-person panel titled AI in Education: Ethics, Policy, and Opportunity. Each panelist contributed a unique perspective, enriching a diverse and dynamic dialogue about how AI should be guided and governed.

The panel offered a range of viewpoints. Dr. Alan Gorman, Assistant Professor at Dublin City University and Chair of its EdD program, provided an international lens. He shared insights on AI adoption across European education systems, focusing on data governance, policy frameworks, and institutional ethics. Chris Sprowls, Chair of the Lastinger Center Advisory Board and former Speaker of the Florida House, presented a state-level perspective. His presence emphasized the importance of legislative leadership in initiatives such as the New Worlds Reading Initiative and the alignment of foundational skills like literacy with emerging technologies. Representing local governance, I shared insights from my work with the Florida K–12 AI Task Force and FSBA committees. I discussed how school boards are implementing AI while protecting student data, supporting educators, and promoting equity, highlighting the need to align district-level policies with broader state and federal frameworks.

Our panel engaged in a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about the transformative role of artificial intelligence in education. We began by reviewing findings from the Lastinger Listening Tour, which uncovered a consistent message among stakeholders. While there is growing optimism about AI’s potential, student data privacy and security remain top concerns. The group stressed the importance of transparency, ethical vendor partnerships, and family-centered communication strategies to build trust and support responsible AI integration.

We explored the many benefits AI offers students, such as personalized learning pathways, adaptive tools, and educator support through increased workflow efficiency. AI’s capacity for data analysis and student planning introduces new possibilities for course mapping, scheduling, and real-time academic tracking, creating more responsive and individualized educational experiences.

Our conversation also examined AI’s broader impact beyond the classroom. As AI becomes integrated into every industry and transforms how work is performed, it is critical that students become proficient in these technologies. Educational delivery models must evolve accordingly, with AI becoming a foundational tool for teaching and learning.

Yet, amid these innovations, we must remain focused on what matters most: critical thinking skills, ethical standards, and sound human judgment. It is more important than ever to emphasize critical thinking, not just to prepare students to use AI, but to question it, guide it, and apply it responsibly.

The discussion also highlighted AI’s role in school safety and operational efficiency. From enhancing security reviews to supporting monitoring and detection systems, AI presents opportunities to create safer learning environments. Additionally, operational areas such as transportation, facility maintenance, and resource allocation can benefit from AI-driven insights.

Importantly, we discussed how AI can empower families by offering customized curriculum options and improving transparency in both academic and behavioral data, which may strengthen family engagement and collaboration.

During our policy conversation, we asked what practical steps can be taken at the local, state, and national levels to ensure that AI is implemented fairly and effectively. A central takeaway was the urgent need for digital literacy among students and ongoing professional development for educators. AI should enhance effective teaching rather than replace it.

Looking to the future, we recognized AI’s potential to help close achievement gaps, especially through adaptive tools that provide immediate feedback and personalized support. However, we also acknowledged the risk that, if not deployed thoughtfully, AI could reinforce existing inequities.

We concluded the session with an open Q&A where participants raised insightful questions about AI in special education, algorithmic bias, and the rapid pace of technological development relative to policy. A shared concern emerged: without proactive governance, AI may advance more quickly than our ability to regulate it.

We also reflected on one of the most common fears: that AI will replace people. In truth, the greater risk is that those who do not understand or use AI will be replaced by those who do. This highlights the need to be intentional and proactive in integrating AI across educational operations, instructional strategies, and academic standards.

The session served as a powerful reminder that while AI offers immense opportunities, realizing its full benefits will require thoughtful leadership, intentional design, and strong ethical oversight.

Participating in the AI in Education Fair was more than just a chance to share ideas. It was a meaningful contribution to a larger movement. The setting of Norman Hall itself carried symbolic weight. Once home to UF’s P.K. Yonge Laboratory School, the building served as a bridge between the past and the future of education, where tradition and innovation came together under one roof.

On a personal note, returning to Norman Hall was especially significant. It is where my wife began her journey as an educator nearly 35 years ago, and standing there as a speaker brought everything full circle. It was a poignant reminder that the work we do—locally and globally—has a lasting impact on real lives and futures.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, we share a collective responsibility to ensure it is used ethically, equitably, and always in service of student success. The conversations at the AI in Education Fair made one thing clear: real progress happens when innovation is guided by intention and grounded in humanity.

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