Heartfelt Tributes Highlight Superintendent Sam Himmel’s 28 Years of Service at School Board Meeting

At the conclusion of the Citrus County School Board Special Meeting on the morning of Tuesday, October 23, 2024, an emotional and unexpected tribute unfolded, honoring retiring Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel for her remarkable 20 years of service as Superintendent of Schools. Before taking on this pivotal role, Ms. Himmel had served as a Citrus County School Board member for eight years, making her total contribution to the district a distinguished 28 years of leadership and dedication.

What began as a routine board meeting took a heartfelt turn when several unexpected speakers appeared during the public comment session to express their gratitude to Ms. Himmel. Family members, close friends, and colleagues had quietly gathered in the audience, preparing to surprise her with personal stories and tributes celebrating her lifelong commitment to education.

As the final agenda items were addressed, Ms. Himmel’s family and close associates began to file into the school board chambers, each prepared to share their own memories and reflections. One by one, speakers took to the podium, recounting how Ms. Himmel’s leadership had touched not only the school district but also the broader community.

Gerry Mulligan, the former publisher of the Citrus County Chronicle, and Patrick Simon, a retired school administrator, were among those who spoke. They shared stories of Ms. Himmel’s steady hand in navigating the school district through challenging times, always with a focus on students and the community. Former Assistant Superintendent Kenny Blocker, current Chief Academic Officer Amy Fallon Crowell, and Director of Professional Development Laura Lindeman, also offered their thanks, highlighting her forward-thinking leadership and dedication to innovation.

Ms. Himmel’s granddaughter, Rorie Himmel, delivered an especially moving tribute, reflecting on the personal side of her grandmother’s commitment to education. And former Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart shared her admiration for Ms. Himmel’s impact, which extended far beyond Citrus County.

The tribute culminated with remarks from Dr. Scott Hebert, incoming Superintendent-Elect, and each of the Citrus County School Board members, who acknowledged the profound difference Ms. Himmel had made during her two decades as Superintendent.

As a parent and school board member, I too shared my own reflections during this memorable moment. “It’s hard to fully appreciate the tremendous impact Superintendent Sam Himmel has had on our school district over the past 20 years. As both a parent and a school board member, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the remarkable achievements and innovations she has led. Citrus County Schools are now recognized as a model across the state, thanks to her forward-thinking leadership.”

I added, “On a personal level, as a parent, I can point to numerous opportunities my children benefited from directly because of her vision for our schools. Her influence has left a lasting mark on both our district and our community, and it has been an honor to serve alongside her.”

The morning’s special tribute was a fitting farewell to a leader who has left an indelible legacy in Citrus County, shaping its schools and impacting countless lives along the way. Ms. Himmel’s 28 years of service, including 20 as Superintendent, have set a standard for leadership and community dedication that will be remembered for years to come.

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Progress and Perseverance: A Look at Ongoing Recovery Efforts at Crystal River Schools and Facilities

Today, I had the opportunity to spend time visiting both Crystal River Middle School (CRMS) and Crystal River Primary School (CRP) to observe the progress of the ongoing construction and recovery work. As I arrived at CRMS, I immediately saw the dedication in action. Principal Brian Lancaster was carrying a large folding table to one of the classrooms, ensuring that a teacher returning next period would have a temporary workspace. It was clear that Mr. Lancaster was fully engaged, making sure that both students and staff had what they needed to continue learning in the midst of the ongoing renovations.

I had the privilege of shadowing Mr. Lancaster as he made his rounds from classroom to classroom, checking in on teachers and the progress being made in the recovery effort. Many of the rooms not only had new drywall installed but had already been painted as well. We visited several affected areas, and I was impressed by the significant progress that had been made in a relatively short period of time. While detailed work remains, it was heartening to see the CRMS administrative team continuously making adjustments to meet the needs of both students and teachers. Despite the challenges, there was a positive, encouraging atmosphere throughout the entire campus.

Mr. Lancaster spoke highly of the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF), which has once again stepped up to support the school’s recovery. Teachers who had lost personal educational supplies were being helped, and the agricultural teacher, who had over $1,500 worth of fundraising items destroyed, was also receiving assistance. We are incredibly grateful to CCEF for their unwavering support of our students, staff, and schools during this challenging time.

After visiting CRMS, I headed over to Crystal River Primary School, where I met up with Principal Christina Touchton. Ms. Touchton was kind enough to show me the ongoing construction work in various classrooms and areas of the school. Like CRMS, CRP had a strong sense of optimism in the air. As Ms. Touchton checked in with teachers, she asked one how things were going, to which the teacher enthusiastically replied, “We are great!” It was clear that the staff were resilient and focused on the positives despite the challenges. Teachers at both schools expressed how glad they were to be back in their classrooms with their students, even though some are still in temporary spaces. Everyone is adapting, and the small classroom environments are fostering a sense of normalcy.

We owe a great deal of thanks to Citrus County School District Executive Director Steve Baumer, who is overseeing the recovery management, and to the district’s incredible facilities, construction, maintenance, and custodial teams. They are the unsung heroes, working tirelessly to restore and maintain everything. We are also appreciative of the outside contractors and recovery teams from the Florida School Boards Insurance Trust, who are working during non-school hours to make sure our classrooms are restored, better than before.

In addition to the work at CRMS and CRP, major recovery efforts are underway at the Marine Science Station (MSS) and CR bus compound. At MSS, walls have been taken down to the studs, and significant recovery is in progress. I will continue to keep you updated on these efforts as we move forward.

Please continue to be patient with our schools, educators, and students as we navigate this recovery process. Our community is strong, and together, we will come out of this stronger than ever.

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Academy of Health Careers Freshmen Tour Tampa General Hospital in Crystal River

Over the past two weeks, freshmen from Crystal River High School’s Academy of Health Careers (AHC) had the opportunity to tour Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Crystal River, gaining invaluable insight into the diverse world of healthcare. This exclusive educational visit allowed the students to explore various healthcare careers, meet local professionals, and get a firsthand look at hospital operations in action. Many of the healthcare professionals they met have deep ties to Citrus County and even to Academy of Health Careers itself, making the experience even more personal and inspiring.

The visit kicked off with a series of presentations from key department leaders at TGH. Neal Johns, Nurse Manager of the Emergency Department, was one of the first to speak. Johns, who holds both a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and a degree in Business Management, shared his inspiring career path. He began as a radiology technician in the U.S. Army. Now managing one of the busiest departments at TGH, Johns emphasized the many opportunities available in the Emergency Department and highlighted the important partnership between Tampa General and the University of South Florida (USF) Medical School. This collaboration provides a platform for medical students and healthcare professionals to learn and grow together.

The presentations introduced students to a wide range of healthcare careers, both clinical and non-clinical. TGH Crystal River offers various clinical roles, including Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Patient Care Technicians (PCTs), and Certified First Assistants (CFAs) in the Operating Room. There are also non-clinical positions such as Patient Sitters, Admitting Clerks, and roles in Food & Nutrition.

The hospital leaders stressed that healthcare is more than just clinical work. Careers like Phlebotomists, Cardiovascular Technicians, Respiratory Therapists, Physical Therapists, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and Paramedics are vital to hospital operations. This wide array of career options gave students an exciting glimpse into their future possibilities. Additionally, they were informed about volunteer programs at TGH, which provide high school students with hands-on experience and deeper insight into the medical field.

After the presentations, the students were divided into smaller groups for guided tours of the hospital, led by healthcare professionals. One of the tour guides, Katie Dominguez, a registered nurse and a former graduate of the Academy of Health Careers at CRHS, added a personal touch to the experience. She shared her journey from being a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the AHC program to becoming a nurse through the College of Central Florida, reminding students that she once stood in their shoes.

The tour included visits to several key hospital departments. In the Emergency Department (ED), students met Jen Russel, Director of Emergency Services, who explained the different areas and introduced them to life-saving technology like the LUCAS device, which provides continuous CPR to patients in cardiac arrest. The students were also guided through radiology, imaging, the laboratory, the surgical wing, the heart catheterization unit, and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Additionally, they visited the wound care department, physical and occupational therapy, and telemetry units. These tours provided a comprehensive view of how various parts of the hospital work together to provide patient care and gave students insight into the many roles they could potentially pursue in the future.

Opportunities like these are invaluable for AHC students, with approximately 70% of participants going on to pursue careers in medical or related fields after graduation. Immersive experiences such as this help students gain real-world insights, solidifying their career goals as they explore different healthcare paths.

The Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School extends its heartfelt thanks to Tampa General Hospital, Senior Vice President and Hospital President Linda Stockton, and the entire TGH Crystal River team for their dedication to our students. A special thank you goes to Jonathan Noyes, Director of Professional Outreach and a CRHS alumnus, whose efforts made this experience possible. His understanding of the importance of exposing local students to the healthcare industry has been instrumental in the success of this visit. The collaboration between TGH and the Academy of Health Careers is paving the way for the next generation of healthcare professionals in our community.

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