Veterans in the Classroom Appreciation

Citrus County Schools’ Veterans in the Classroom program is an initiative that brings former military servicemen and women to schools to speak to students about their military experiences. The program is in its 20th year and has impacted over 100,000 students over the years. Today, the district held an appreciation luncheon to honor the veterans who volunteer their time and efforts to the program.

Over 4,000 students in all of the district’s elementary, middle, and high schools have had the opportunity to hear from one of the 53 veterans involved in the program this year. They share stories about their military service and how it has shaped them into the people they are today. The program is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, and its impact on the students is clear.

At the appreciation luncheon, the veterans were treated to a lunch prepared by the Withlacoochee Technical College Culinary students. The Citrus High School AJROTC Honor Guard presented the colors, and the CHS Chorale’s “Category 5” provided some wonderful entertainment. But the most moving part of the event was when each attending veteran was given the opportunity to introduce themselves, talk about their military service, and share their experience teaching in the Veterans in the Classroom program. It was a touching moment that highlighted the bond between these men and women who had served our country.

One of the Veterans in the Classroom participants was Alex Hebert, son of Citrus County School Chief Academic Officer, Scott Hebert, and School Psychologist Sarah Hebert. Alex, a former U.S. Army infantryman, was one of the youngest veterans to participate in the program this year. Interestingly, Alex also happened to be one of our former church youth kids. It’s heartening to see young veterans like Alex participating in this program and sharing their experiences with the next generation.

The Veterans in the Classroom program is coordinated by Al Balk, District Instructional Specialist for Social Studies K-12, in partnership with the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).

The Veterans in the Classroom program in Citrus County Schools is a wonderful initiative that provides students with a unique opportunity to learn from those who have served our country. The appreciation luncheon held today was a touching event that recognized the dedication and hard work of the veterans involved in the program. We thank them for their service and for sharing their stories with our students.

If you are a Veteran interested in becoming a participant in the next Veterans in the Classroom program, please contact Mr. Balk at 352-726-1931 ext. 2490 or balka@citrusschools.org or contact Citrus County MOAA – https://moaafl.org/chapters/citruscounty/.

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