The Senator vs The Pirate(s)

CRHS Student(s) challenge Senator Blaise Ingoglia to a weightlifting challenge

It is always a special occasion when our state leaders take the time to visit our schools and classrooms. It gives students and staff the opportunity to learn more about the individuals who make legislative decisions and allows leaders to make personal connections with those in the community they serve. This was certainly the case when Florida Senator Blaise Ingoglia visited Crystal River High School yesterday.

During his visit, Senator Ingoglia took the time to tour several of the school’s classrooms, including the Academy of Health Careers. He was impressed by the school’s programs and excited to learn more about the opportunities offered to the students. While visiting our BioMedical lab, the Senator shared that he had volunteered at a lab in a hospital during his time in high school, where he conducted similar testing to what the CRHS BioMedical students do. The Senator also visited the nursing and dental labs, further expanding his understanding of the school’s healthcare programs. Additionally, the Senator was enthusiastic about the school’s new Vet Tech Pathway program, as he expressed his own love for animals. As a building contractor himself, he found particular interest in visiting the engineering and architectural drafting program, as he could relate to the field.

Throughout his visit, Senator Ingoglia made personal connections with students and staff alike, showcasing his humorous and engaging personality. Students and staff were thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with the Senator, with one person even remarking that he was “like a dad.”

The highlight of the visit, however, was the “Crystal River Rumble,” a special weightlifting competition between Senator Ingoglia and junior Conner Cooper, with support from fellow Pirate, Tim Gray. The competition was the result of a lighthearted conversation that the Senator and Conner had during an earlier visit to Tallahassee. Fueling their competitive spirit, a friendly challenge was proposed, and the “Crystal River Rumble” was born. The competition was a fun and exciting event, with the Pirate Football team in attendance to cheer on their fellow students. To the Senator’s surprise, even his staff members who had attended the event wore shirts cheering for Conner, much to his chagrin.

Check out Chronicle Education Report Georgia Sullivan wrote a great article about the event and I encourage you to check it out at https://www.chronicleonline.com/news/education/senator-ingoglia-faces-off-with-crhs-junior/article_37381196-193f-57be-ad91-93cbf2d2a294.html.

It is great for state leaders to visit schools and interact with students and staff, and Senator Ingoglia’s visit to Crystal River High School was a shining example of why. The visit allowed students and staff to learn more about their representative and showcased the Senator’s commitment. The personal connections that the Senator made with students and staff will not soon be forgotten, and the “Crystal River Rumble” was a fun and memorable event that highlighted the Senator’s willingness to engage with his constituents.

I want to extend my deepest thanks to Conner Cooper and Tim Gray for their outstanding efforts in making the Senator feel extra special. I also want to thank the Pirate Football team for being present and making this occasion even more memorable. Special thanks go to Coach Lohery for coordinating the competition, Dean Dyer for fostering the event, Principal McLeod and his team for their support and work, and to all the Pirate team members who played roles behind the scenes.

Thank you, Senator Ingoglia, for taking the time to visit our school. We look forward to future visits and maybe even a rematch. Stay tuned!

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