Voices of Hope and Harmony: The 18th Annual African American Read-In

On Sunday, February 22, 2026, more than 200 attendees and participants gathered at The Miles Teller Theater at the Curtis Peterson Auditorium for the 18th Annual African American Read-In, an afternoon that blended history, literature, music, and community into a powerful celebration of African American voices and contributions.

Master of Ceremonies Ron Daly opened the program by welcoming the audience and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. From the very first moments, the tone was set for reflection, unity, and reverence. The program began with the moving hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often described as a song of faith and hope that celebrates the “harmonies of liberty.” Its message resonated throughout the auditorium, reminding those present of the resilience and enduring spirit woven into the fabric of American history.

The evening featured a wide range of musical selections and literary readings. In addition to “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” attendees joined in the powerful spiritual and protest anthem “We Shall Not Be Moved,” a song rooted in the early 19th-century American South and later embraced by the Civil Rights Movement. The program also recognized performances by the Forest Ridge “Singing Owls,” whose participation in previous years has become a cherished tradition.

Throughout the evening, Mr. Daly provided historical context and insightful commentary, introducing each reader and sharing meaningful details about the authors and the eras in which they wrote. Community members took turns at the podium, including many students from Citrus County elementary, middle, and high schools. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert also participated, underscoring the district’s commitment to honoring diverse voices and ensuring students understand the literary and historical significance of the works presented.

Poetry and Prose from Legendary and Contemporary Voices

The literary selections featured both legendary and contemporary authors whose words continue to inspire conversations about equality, justice, perseverance, and hope. Maya Angelou’s works, including “Prayer” and “Life Doesn’t Frighten Me,” spoke to faith and courage, while the timeless poetry of Langston Hughes with “I, Too” and “Negro Mother” captured themes of dignity and belonging. Nikki Giovanni contributed “A Toast to Poems” and “Rosa Parks,” honoring the Pullman Porters and the broader Civil Rights Movement. Contemporary poet Amanda Gorman offered “Girls on the Rise” and “Something, Someday,” reflecting resilience and the power of young voices.

The program also honored the Civil Rights Movement with excerpts from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech and a poetic tribute titled “Martin Luther King, Jr.” by Gwendolyn Brooks. Themes of empowerment and identity were explored through works by Ketanji Brown Jackson, Useni Eugene Perkins, Georgia Douglas Johnson, Dinah Johnson, bell hooks, and Renee Watson. Legacy and history were represented by Angel Rivers, Clint Smith, Yvette R. Murray, and Rita Dove, while social commentary and faith were highlighted through Ronald Daly, Waymond Douglas Glover, Leslie Pinckney Hill, Ruth Forman, and the enduring words of James Baldwin. Additional works by Frank Horne, Amiri Baraka, and Carole Boston Weatherford rounded out the program’s rich literary offerings.

A Powerful Closing Moment

For many in attendance, the highlight of the afternoon came at the close of the program. Taylor Jacobs of Forest Ridge Elementary School delivered a stirring excerpt from “I Have a Dream.” His confident and heartfelt recitation brought the audience to its feet, earning sustained applause. Year after year, his performance has become a much-anticipated and deeply moving tradition.

Community Support and Gratitude

The success of the evening was made possible through the dedication of numerous individuals. School Board Member Sandra Counts, along with her daughter, Lecanto Middle School teacher Rebecca Clymer, coordinated many of the participating students. Committee Members included Doug Wright (Chair), Earl Barnes, Sandy Counts, Andrea Cuccaro, Ron Daly, Tom Gotterup, Tracy Hadlett, Taylor Keeran, Donna Lucas, Will Lucas, and Karen Slaska.

The event was also supported by valued community partners, including Citrus County School District, Citrus County Education Foundation, Citrus Libraries, Friends of the Library of Citrus County, Old Courthouse Heritage Museum, Citrus County Historical Society, Afro-American Club of Citrus County, Democratic Women’s Club of Citrus County, and the Citrus County Democratic Black Caucus, whose collective commitment to literacy, history, and community engagement helped make the evening possible.

The 18th Annual African American Read-In was more than a program. It was a living testament to the power of words, music, and community to inspire hope, deepen understanding, and honor a legacy that continues to shape our shared future.

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Citrus County Remembers and Honors Heroes at the Twentieth Annual Purple Heart Ceremony

Today, Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Citrus County Fairgrounds Auditorium was filled with a profound sense of reverence and community spirit. The combat-wounded patriots of the Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776, Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), hosted the 20th Annual Purple Heart Ceremony, marking two decades of dedication to honoring those who have sacrificed so much for our nation.

This milestone event was more than just a ceremony; it was a powerful testament to Citrus County’s unwavering commitment to its veterans. As the first Purple Heart School District in both the state of Florida and the nation, our community holds a unique responsibility to ensure that the stories of our heroes are told and that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

A Tribute Marked by Legacy and Reverence

The atmosphere inside the auditorium was one of solemnity and deep respect. The ceremony began with a stirring presentation of the colors by the Citrus High School Army JROTC, followed by a masterful performance of patriotic music by the Nature Coast Community Band. Under the direction of Kathy Thompson, the band’s renditions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and other military tributes provided a moving backdrop to the morning’s events.

This year’s ceremony was especially poignant, as it was dedicated to the memory of Departed Patriot John Carlson. John was a steadfast member of Chapter 776 and a true embodiment of the Purple Heart spirit. Though his presence was deeply missed, his legacy of service and brotherhood was felt throughout the room.

The History and Significance of the Purple Heart

One of the hallmarks of this annual event is the historical perspective provided by Chapter 776 Adjutant Curt Ebitz. His presentation on the history of the Purple Heart, originally established by General George Washington as the “Badge of Military Merit” in 1782, serves as a reminder that this is our nation’s oldest military award still given to U.S. service members.

The Purple Heart is not a medal that anyone “wins” or seeks out; it is a decoration that is “earned” through blood and sacrifice. It represents the courage of those who were wounded in combat and the ultimate sacrifice of those who were killed in action. Hearing the names of our local fallen heroes read aloud is always a sobering moment that brings the true cost of freedom into sharp focus.

Honoring Veterans Through Education

As a member of the Citrus County School Board, I am immensely proud of the role our students and staff play in this ceremony. One of the most impressive and moving displays of support for our heroes and veterans was the collection of individual display boards created by every school in Citrus County. Each school researched and honored veterans connected to its own campus, and these thoughtfully designed tributes lined both walls of the auditorium.

As guests entered, they were surrounded by stories of courage, sacrifice, and service. The visual impact was striking. From one end of the auditorium to the other, the walls told the stories of men and women whose lives are forever linked to our schools and our community. These displays were far more than projects; they were bridges between generations.

By researching the lives of veterans and creating these tributes, our students gain a deeper understanding of patriotism, service, and the cost of freedom. Each school in Citrus County has a dedicated Purple Heart liaison, ensuring that the connection between our veterans and our youth remains strong throughout the year. Seeing our JROTC cadets and students standing tall in honor of our veterans gives me great hope for the future of our country. They are learning firsthand that the freedoms they enjoy today were secured by the brave men and women seated before them.

A Grateful Community

The ceremony reached its emotional peak with the solemn laying of the Purple Heart Wreath. This year, Chapter 776 Patriot Jerry Frease and other honored guests led the procession. The rifle salute echoed across the fairgrounds, followed by the haunting strains of “Taps,” a sound that never fails to bring a tear to the eye and a lump to the throat.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 for their tireless work in organizing this signature event. Their dedication to supporting fellow veterans and educating the community is truly inspiring. Special gratitude also goes to the Citrus County Fairgrounds for hosting us, and to the many volunteers and sponsors who made this day possible.

Those Who Served to Make This Happen

The success of this annual event was made possible in part by the unwavering support of the Citrus County School District, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hebert, and the Citrus County School Board. Special thanks are extended to Darrick Buettner, Director of Specialty Programs for Citrus County Schools; Dr. Al Balk, Supervisor of Instructional Materials; and Diedra Newton, District Assistant, along with the many others who contributed to the event’s organization and execution and played key roles in ensuring its success.

The Citrus County School District is immensely proud to be not only a Purple Heart Entity but also the first school district in the state of Florida and the nation to earn this recognition. The district remains steadfast in its commitment to honoring the “Proud Legacy of the Purple Heart” and supporting Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 in its mission to recognize and celebrate combat-wounded veterans.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776, Military Order of the Purple Heart; Commander Richard Hunt; Adjutant Curt Ebitz; Chaplain Gary Bain; the Nature Coast Community Band; and all those who dedicated their time and effort to making this ceremony a meaningful and memorable event.

The Legacy Continues

As we reflect on twenty years of this ceremony, we are reminded that our work is never done. We must continue to support our veterans not just on special occasions, but every day.

We are honored to stand with our combat-wounded warriors and their families. Their bravery is our inspiration, and their sacrifice is our motivation to build a community and a school system that reflect the values they fought to protect.

God bless our Purple Heart honorees, our veterans and their families, our military and their families, our school district, and our great nation. The legacy of the Purple Heart will continue to be honored and cherished in Citrus County, ensuring that the sacrifices of our brave men and women are never forgotten.

Follow this link to see all the schools’ Vet Boards – https://photos.app.goo.gl/MqZy8R5EEbyHvL3y7

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Happy Presidents’ Day!

For me, Presidents’ Day has always been a deeply personal moment, not just a day off or a chance for sales, but a time to reflect on the remarkable journey of our nation and the people who have shaped it. Officially, this holiday honors Washington’s Birthday, the federal holiday created in the late 1800s to celebrate George Washington. Later, the date was moved to the third Monday in February by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, and over time it came to be known popularly as Presidents’ Day, a day many Americans use to honor all of our presidents.

Growing up in Massachusetts and New England, this holiday always carried an extra layer of meaning for me. I remember walking the same streets and historic paths where our nation’s Founding Fathers once stood, debated, and acted. The history was not something distant; it was underfoot, around every corner, engraved into the buildings and cobblestone paths of places like Boston.

One experience that stays with me is the multiple walks on the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile route through Boston that links 16 of the most significant sites in early American history. (americantrails.org) As a young person, I wandered along that red brick path, imagining conversations at Faneuil Hall, pausing at the Granary Burying Ground where revolutionary leaders rest, and standing outside the Old North Church where the lanterns signaled Paul Revere’s famous ride. (thefreedomtrail.org) These were not just places on a map; they were the footsteps of people who shaped the destiny of a nation.

Walking those streets, where patriots once marched toward liberty, where debates stirred the sparks of revolution, was inspiring in a way no textbook ever could match. The history felt tangible, living, and immediate. It wasn’t just about memorizing dates and names; it was about feeling the courage and conviction of those early Americans as they forged a new path for freedom and self government.

That connection to place and history is part of why Presidents’ Day resonates with me so deeply. It’s a chance to honor leadership, both the triumphs and challenges, and to remember that the privileges we enjoy today were secured through sacrifice and steadfast commitment to principles larger than any individual.

Here in Citrus County Schools, we strive to instill that same sense of respect and understanding in our students. Patriotism is woven into our culture, and we are proud to be recognized as the first Purple Heart School District in the nation and home to numerous Florida Purple Star Schools that support military families. This shared commitment to service and community mirrors the very ideals that presidents throughout history have worked to protect.

If you’re looking for ways to explore this holiday meaningfully with your family, consider deeper dives into presidential history. One book I often recommend is The Presidents Club: Inside the World’s Most Exclusive Fraternity by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy, which offers fascinating insight into how presidents from Herbert Hoover through Barack Obama supported and sometimes challenged one another across time. Another classic is 1776 by David McCullough, which brings to life George Washington and the Continental Army during the critical first year of the Revolutionary War.

Today, as we observe Presidents’ Day, I invite you to reflect not just on the office of the presidency, but on the people and principles that define it. Take time to learn, to discuss with those around you, and to appreciate the enduring legacy of leadership that continues to shape our nation.

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