Citrus County Chamber’s BAM FAM Tour Showcases the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School

It is always an honor to showcase our students, educators, staff, programs, and schools—and today was one of those truly special moments. Few things bring me more pride than welcoming community and business leaders into our classrooms to see the excitement, enthusiasm, and joy that fill our halls. When people see firsthand the opportunities our students have in Citrus County Schools, it reminds everyone why education is the foundation of a thriving community.

As part of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce’s annual BAM FAM (Business Appreciation Month Familiarization) Tour, we had the privilege of hosting over 40 business and community leaders at the Academy of Health Careers on the Crystal River High School campus. Among our guests were Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Citrus County Commission Chairwoman Rebecca Bays, and Florida Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Mark Wilson—leaders who understand the critical connection between education, workforce development, and community prosperity.

A Tradition of Excellence: Over 30 Years Strong

The Academy of Health Careers (AHC) is not only one of the most successful Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in our region—it is also Citrus County’s oldest magnet program, established over 30 years ago. For decades, it has prepared thousands of students for careers as nurses, doctors, first responders, engineers, and healthcare professionals. Today’s visitors had the opportunity to see why this academy remains a cornerstone of excellence in our district.

Before the tour, Jennifer Siem, Senior Director of Strategic Growth & Governmental Affairs for Tampa General Hospital (TGH) North, and I shared exciting updates on our new multi-year partnership between TGH and the Academy. This partnership reflects TGH’s strong investment in Citrus County’s future healthcare workforce and in the lives of our students.

Siem outlined several key initiatives now underway as part of the partnership. These include reestablishing post-COVID clinical observation opportunities for students at TGH Crystal River and creating workforce readiness pathways that lead directly to local employment opportunities. The partnership also focuses on designing interactive learning experiences—both by bringing students into TGH’s state-of-the-art facilities across the Tampa Bay region and by inviting healthcare professionals into the classroom. In addition, all students will be outfitted with new scrubs co-branded with “Academy of Health Careers powered by TGH,” and the Academy will feature new signage and promotional materials to highlight and celebrate this exciting collaboration.

This collaboration will help students gain real-world experience and meaningful exposure to the healthcare industry while also strengthening the local talent pipeline right here in Citrus County.

A Statewide Model for Career Education

Visitors were deeply impressed as they toured the Academy’s exceptional facilities. Housed entirely on the Crystal River High School campus, the Academy of Health Careers features a multi-station patient care simulation lab, a six-station full dental office, well-equipped chemistry and biology laboratories, and a veterinary center lab. The tour also highlighted plans for an upcoming radiology room that will further enhance the Academy’s already outstanding learning environment.

It is one of only a handful of high school-based healthcare career academies in Florida and among a very limited number across the nation.

As students guided guests through the labs, they demonstrated the hands-on learning that defines this program. Visitors watched students taking dental impressions, performing blood draws on manikin arms, conducting experiments in biotechnology labs, practicing patient care simulations, and even tending to canine visitors in the veterinary lab.

Congressman Bilirakis expressed his admiration, noting that it is rare to see so many specialized healthcare career pathways housed within a single high school campus. He also emphasized that the Academy supports students on every post-graduation path—whether they are entering the workforce, serving in the military, or continuing their education at colleges and universities.

Real Skills. Real Certifications. Real Futures.

The Academy’s success is built on a foundation of rigorous academics combined with practical training. Students can pursue several specialized pathways, each leading to industry-recognized certifications, including:

• Nursing Assistant – Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Biomedical Sciences (Project Lead the Way Honors) – Biotechnician Assistant certification through the University of Florida and Biotility; Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
• Dental Assisting – Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
• Veterinary Assisting – Certified Veterinary Assistant
• EMS/Emergency Medical Technician (Phil Royal EMT Program in partnership with CF) – National EMT Certification

Across these pathways, students gain not only technical knowledge but also vital professional skills such as teamwork, communication, critical thinking, and data analysis. These are the same competencies that employers consistently identify as essential for success in any field.

Investing in the Future

In addition to the new TGH partnership, the Academy of Health Careers has benefited from more than $1.2 million in legislative appropriations secured through the leadership of former Senator Blaise Ingoglia, former Representative Ralph Massullo, M.D., and Representative J.J. Grow during the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions. This funding will support expanded program offerings, updated facilities, and new technology to ensure the Academy remains on the cutting edge of healthcare education.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the Academy is positioning itself to meet both local and statewide workforce demands—ensuring our students are ready not just for today’s jobs but for the careers of the future.

A Community Effort

The Chamber’s tour was made possible through the collaboration of many dedicated individuals. On hand to welcome our guests were Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert, School Board Member Joe Faherty, Principal Phil McLeod, Academy Administrator Stacie Lewis, Academy Coordinator Danielle Doherty, TGH’s Jennifer Siem, and the many passionate educators and staff who bring the Academy to life every day.

Their combined efforts reflect what makes Citrus County Schools special: a shared belief that education is a partnership between schools, families, businesses, and the community. When these groups work together, the results are powerful and enduring.

Reflections

Hosting community tours like the Chamber’s BAM FAM Tour is one of my favorite activities because there’s nothing quite like watching community leaders step into a classroom, see our students at work, and realize the incredible things happening inside our schools.

This visit reaffirmed what I’ve always believed: Citrus County’s greatest resource is its people—our students, our educators, and the businesses that believe in them. Together, we are building pathways that lead not only to successful careers but to stronger communities and brighter futures.

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