Students Return to Marine Science Station Following Hurricane Helene

Friday, January 10, 2025, marked a truly special day for Citrus County Schools and the Marine Science Station (MSS). For the first time since Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024, students returned to the Marine Science Station and its boats. The occasion symbolized resilience, renewal, and the enduring commitment of the Citrus County School District to hands-on, immersive science education.

The MSS team, led by Lead Educator and Supervisor Earnie Olsen, greeted the return of students with heartfelt enthusiasm. Educators Josh O’Leary, Office Manager Tonya Briggs, Aide Sheryl Janecek, and Maintenance Technician Bryan Brooks, all worked tirelessly to prepare the campus for this moment. Their dedication was clear as they welcomed Central Ridge Elementary School’s Ms. Alysha Spears’ and her fourth-grade class to an unforgettable day of exploration and learning.

The students fully embraced the experience, engaging in a variety of activities that highlight the unique educational opportunities MSS offers. They made observations from the station’s 50-foot observation tower, conducted bird surveys aboard boats “floating classrooms”, tested water quality in local springs and estuaries, and were thrilled to spot dozens of manatees. These activities combined scientific inquiry with hands-on exploration, bringing science lessons to life in a way that only MSS can provide.

Founded in 1967, the Marine Science Station is one of fewer than five such facilities in Florida, making it a cornerstone of science education in Citrus County. Each year, approximately 2,500 elementary, secondary, and specialty school students, along with 70 teachers, participate in its programs. These include enrichment opportunities for fourth-grade, seventh-grade, and high school science students. The hands-on, field-based experiences are deeply integrated into the district’s science curriculum and are offered at no cost to students.

The return to the MSS was made possible through immense teamwork and perseverance. Hurricane Helene’s devastating storm surge left the facility severely impacted, presenting significant challenges to its operations. However, under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, the Citrus County School Board, the entire MSS team, and district facility teams, restoration efforts have progressed steadily. The return of students symbolizes not only the physical recovery of the campus but also the collective determination to preserve the station’s legacy as a vital educational resource.

“This day was about more than just reopening our doors,” said Supervisor Earnie Olsen. “It was about reconnecting our students to the incredible environment we’re privileged to share and giving them the opportunity to learn in a way that inspires curiosity and stewardship of our natural world.”

As the MSS team continues working toward full recovery, long-term plans are underway to safeguard the facility for future generations. The unwavering commitment of educators, maintenance teams, and district leaders ensures that the Marine Science Station will remain a beacon of experiential learning in Citrus County.

Friday’s milestone serves as a reminder of the unique role MSS plays in fostering a love for science, nature, and conservation. For the students, educators, and staff involved, it was a day of discovery, joy, and renewed purpose. As the MSS continues to rebuild, it reaffirms its place as a cherished tradition and an invaluable asset to the Citrus County School District.

Thomas Kennedy serves as the Citrus County School Board member for District 1.

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Home For The Holidays: Honoring 2nd Lt. Zach Kahler And Our Community’s Heroes

The holiday season brings a unique and heartfelt joy as families across our community are reunited with their loved ones. For many, including my family, it’s a time of warmth, reflection, and shared memories—a chance to reconnect and celebrate the journeys our sons and daughters have undertaken since leaving home. These reunions remind us of the incredible individuals our community has helped shape.

My wife and I are fortunate to experience these blessings firsthand. Over the years, we’ve welcomed former students, our children’s friends, and student-athletes I’ve had the honor of coaching and mentoring. These gatherings are more than just catch-ups—they’re celebrations of personal growth and achievement. This holiday season, one reunion stood out: a coffee chat at Dunkin’ with U.S. Air Force 2nd Lieutenant Zach Kahler.

Zach Kahler: A Hometown Hero

Zach Kahler, a 2020 graduate of Crystal River High School (CRHS), embodies the values of determination, service, and excellence that our community holds dear. As a high school student, Zach excelled as a Cadet in the CRHS NJROTC program and was part of the inaugural cohort of the Phil Royal EMT program, showcasing his passion for service early on. I had the privilege of being one of Zach’s volunteer swim coaches, where his ethical standards, determination, and charismatic personality set him apart.

After graduating high school, Zach earned a prestigious ROTC scholarship to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2024, he graduated with a degree in Aviation Business Administration, specializing in Supply Chain Management. His academic and leadership accomplishments culminated in his commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. Zach is now pursuing his lifelong dream of becoming an Air Force pilot.

Preparing for the Skies

Zach’s journey to the cockpit has been nothing short of rigorous and inspiring. Recently, he completed the U.S. Air Force’s Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (SERE) training, a program that prepares military personnel to survive and evade capture in hostile environments. This intense training reflects Zach’s resilience and readiness to serve.

Currently stationed at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi, Zach is preparing to take the next step in his aviation career. Soon, he will return to Embry-Riddle’s Prescott campus for flight school, where he’ll train on the Cessna 172 and Diamond DA42 aircraft before beginning Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) with the T-6 Texan II. Zach’s unwavering commitment to excellence and his dedication to serving our nation exemplify his character and the values instilled in him by his family and our community.

A Legacy of Service

Zach’s roots run deep in Citrus County. His father, aunts, and uncles are all graduates of CRHS, and his uncle, Mark Kahler—a former Air Force airman—currently serves as the Principal of Citrus High School. This legacy of service, both in education and the military, highlights the values that define the Kahler family and our community.

Gratitude and Reflection

As we celebrate Zach’s achievements, we also honor all former students who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation—whether in the military, public service, or other roles. These individuals represent the best of our community, and their accomplishments are a source of immense pride for those who have had the privilege of teaching, coaching, or mentoring them.

To Lt. Zach Kahler and all our past and present military service members: thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, and service. You inspire us with your courage and commitment to protecting the freedoms we hold dear. May God bless you and your families always.

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, let us remember the strength of our community, built on the values of service, resilience, and mutual support. These reunions remind us that we are part of something greater—a community that nurtures and uplifts its own.

Thomas Kennedy serves as the Citrus County School Board member for District 1.

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Remembering President Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Leadership and Humanity

As a child, President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was one of the first presidents I have personal memory of. Regardless of one’s political beliefs, President Carter’s name became synonymous with humility and service. His presidency and post-presidency exemplify what it truly means to lead with integrity, humility, and a heart for service. While his tenure in the White House was marked by challenges, it was the decades that followed that cemented his legacy as one of America’s most remarkable leaders. President Carter passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of service and compassion.

One of the aspects of President Carter’s life that I hold dearly is his unwavering support and personal volunteer efforts, particularly with Habitat for Humanity. Carter believed in the dignity of homeownership and worked tirelessly to make it accessible for first-time homeowners. Each year from the time he joined the cause until 2019, the Carters volunteered with Habitat to build or improve houses alongside homeowners in communities across the United States and around the world. President Carter also served as a member of the organization’s board of directors from 1984 to 1987. He didn’t just advocate for the cause from afar; he rolled up his sleeves, hammer in hand, and worked side-by-side with volunteers to build homes. This hands-on approach demonstrated his belief that leadership involves action, not just words.

Following his presidency, Carter emerged as a bridge builder on the global stage. Through the Carter Center, which he founded in 1982, he redefined what a former president could achieve. The Center’s work in promoting peace, health, and democracy worldwide is arguably unparalleled. Under his leadership, the Center made significant strides in eradicating Guinea worm disease, monitoring elections in emerging democracies, and mediating conflicts. His dedication to improving lives on a global scale earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, a recognition of his enduring commitment to humanitarian efforts.

One of the most humbling aspects of President Carter’s post-presidential life was his steadfast faith and devotion to teaching Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. Well into his 90s, he continued to draw large crowds, not because he was a former president, but because of the wisdom, humility, and genuine care he brought to his lessons. Carter’s quiet service as a teacher and mentor stands as a testament to his character.

Beyond his remarkable public achievements, Carter was also a devoted husband to his wife, Rosalynn, with whom he shared a partnership built on mutual respect and love for over seven decades. Their relationship was a testament to his character—quiet, steadfast, and full of support for one another. Together, they were an example of a partnership grounded in shared values and a commitment to service.

Carter’s commitment to service extended beyond the White House. As a U.S. Navy officer during World War II, he served our country with distinction, later reflecting on his military experience as formative in shaping his leadership and values.

In their book The President’s Club, Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy highlight how Carter’s post-presidency achievements redefined the role of former presidents. He showed the world that a leader’s impact is not confined to their years in the White House but can extend far beyond. His legacy reminds us that true leadership lies in the ability to inspire, unite, and uplift others.

As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life lived with purpose and compassion. President Carter’s example encourages us to look beyond titles and accolades and to measure success by the positive difference we make in the lives of others. President Carter’s life was a beacon of hope and humanity. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to lead with kindness, build bridges where there are divides, and serve selflessly.

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