Last Week, This Week: Give Grace

Last week was a difficult one for Citrus County and Citrus County Schools. Among the hardships, we lost three beloved members of our community, each remarkable in their own way and deeply woven into the fabric of our county.

We mourn the passing of Citrus County Sheriff’s Deputy and Crystal River High School Resource Officer Marcial “Rod” Rodriguez, a man who truly embodied what it means to serve, protect, and care. Deputy Rod was far more than a uniformed presence on campus. He was a protector, a mentor, and a friend. Students, staff, and parents always knew they could count on him.

As both a father and husband to a former CRHS student and teacher, I knew firsthand the sense of security and calm that came from knowing Deputy Rod was there. Whenever I visited the school, I often stopped by his office to share a quick joke or thought. Just as often, I saw him quietly ensuring every student and teacher was safe. He had a gift for balancing strength with kindness and seriousness with humor. Our School Resource Officers play a vital role in shaping school culture. They do not just enforce rules; they protect, guide, and nurture. Deputy Rod represented all of that and more.

We also remember Mr. Nick Bryant, a true Citrus County legend. Mr. Bryant was a teacher, coach, county commissioner, and lifelong servant to his community. More than anything, he was an educator at heart. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or behind the commission dais, he taught through his words, his actions, and his example.

I always loved hearing his stories about “old Citrus County.” His stories connected our community’s past to its present and were often told with humor, wisdom, and that familiar sparkle in his eye. He loved the outdoors, the waters, the woods, and the wildlife of Citrus County, and he loved sharing those joys with others. Above all, he loved his family. He was profoundly proud of them, and his devotion to his beloved Ginger was something everyone admired.

Ginger, a retired Crystal River Middle School English teacher and a longtime member of the School Board, has dedicated decades to public education. I first knew Miss Ginger when she taught alongside Thomasine at Crystal River Middle School, but I truly got to know Mr. Nick while serving with her on the School Board. He was always there beside her, steadfast, supportive, and kind.

We also remember Deborah Kamlot-Wright, a passionate advocate for education and community service. Many knew Deborah through her work at the Citrus County Chronicle and, more recently, at HCA Citrus. She poured her heart into the causes she supported, especially education. As a member of the Citrus County Education Foundation Board of Directors, she gave countless hours to ensuring students had opportunities to succeed.

I had the privilege of collaborating with her over the years, particularly on the Golden Citrus Scholars event, which she helped make so special. No matter her role, Deborah’s focus was always the same: doing what was best for kids.

Grace and Kindness

While the loss of these extraordinary individuals weighs heavily on us, they were not the only challenges our schools faced last week. Education is a complex and demanding field, and sometimes the work brings difficult situations and decisions. I encourage all of us to extend grace, understanding, and patience to one another.

Please remember that our educators, administrators, and staff have legal and moral duties that require mandatory reporting and appropriate responses when student safety or well-being is at stake. Often, the details of these matters cannot be shared because of state and federal laws. Sometimes what is seen publicly is only part of a larger picture. These responsibilities are heavy, and our people carry them out with care, compassion, and integrity.

This week, let us lift up in prayer the families and friends of Deputy Rod, Mr. Bryant, and Mrs. Kamlot-Wright, as well as our students, families, teachers, and leaders who continue to serve, support, and care for one another. Citrus County is a loving community, and in moments like this, that love is what sustains us. As we reflect on the lives of Deputy Rod, Mr. Bryant, and Mrs. Kamlot-Wright—each of whom led with compassion, service, and heart—may we honor their example by leading with kindness in all we do.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. Use your words to build up, not to tear down. Remember that your classmates are fighting battles you know nothing about. A simple kind word or gesture can make all the difference in their day and in yours.”
— Mark Twain

Comments Off on Last Week, This Week: Give Grace
Filed under: Blog Posts, News & Updates