The Living Legacy of Freedom: Why Memorial Day Means So Much in Citrus County

Today, across our nation, flags are fluttering in the morning breeze, families are gathering, and a collective, solemn pause is sweeping from coast to coast. Memorial Day is a sacred boundary stone in our national life—a day of profound reflection and enduring gratitude dedicated to the brave men and women who gave their tomorrow for our today.

What began in the shadow of the U.S. Civil War as Decoration Day was officially designated a federal holiday in 1971, anchoring itself on the last Monday in May. In Florida, which is home to more than 1.5 million veterans, this day carries immense weight. But here in Citrus County, that weight isn’t just remembered once a year. Patriotism, civic duty, and an unwavering respect for our fallen heroes are woven directly into the fabric of our school district.

A Legacy of Distinction: Walking the Talk

We often hear the phrase “freedom isn’t free,” but in Citrus County Schools, we intentionally strive to ensure our students truly understand the meaning. Our district holds the historic honor of being the very first Purple Heart School District in the entire nation. Granted by the Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, this designation isn’t a passive title to hang on a wall; it is an active pledge to honor the fallen and educate the next generation on the true cost of liberty.

That dedication echoes across every single one of our campuses. Every elementary, middle, and high school in our district has also earned the Purple Star School of Distinction designation from the Florida Department of Education. This means our schools don’t just teach history; they actively support the military-connected families living it today through tailored transition programs, open enrollment initiatives, and peer support systems.

Beyond a Three-Day Weekend: Turning Absence into Action

For many, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. But in our classrooms, it serves as a vital catalyst for deep, experiential learning.

Throughout the school year, history is brought to life. Our students don’t just read about sacrifice in textbooks; they look it in the eye. We are profoundly grateful to the veterans and Gold Star families who regularly step onto our campuses to share their deeply personal stories through our nationally recognized Veterans in the Classroom (VITC) program. Since its inception, VITC has reached more than 250,000 students, making it one of the nation’s most successful programs of its kind. In addition, through student-led flag ceremonies, patriotic assemblies, and service projects that benefit local veterans’ organizations, our young people learn that the freedoms they enjoy every day were bought and paid for by real people from communities just like ours.

Our Promise to the Fallen

The true measure of our gratitude to the fallen isn’t found in the speeches we give, but in the children we raise.

As we observe Memorial Day today, let us not only look backward with sorrow. Let us honor them by also looking forward with resolve. By instilling a deep sense of respect, gratitude, and civic pride in our students, Citrus County Schools is ensuring that the flame of patriotism and the memory of our nation’s heroes will thrive for generations to come.

In Citrus County, we don’t just teach the history of Memorial Day. We live its profound meaning every single day.

Have a safe, reflective, and meaningful Memorial Day today.

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Celebrating Success: Honoring the Team Behind Citrus County’s Class of 2026 Graduations

As the final caps are tossed into the air and graduation celebrations begin to wind down, Citrus County Schools proudly reflects on another successful graduation season for the Class of 2026.

The outdoor ceremonies at Lecanto High School, Crystal River High School, and Citrus High School marked meaningful milestones in the lives of hundreds of graduates and their families. These events represented far more than the end of a school year. They symbolized perseverance, growth, achievement, and the beginning of new opportunities for the Class of 2026.

While graduates rightfully stood in the spotlight, it is essential to recognize the many individuals working behind the scenes whose dedication made these celebrations possible. Outdoor graduations require months of planning, coordination, flexibility, and teamwork. Despite weather concerns and complex logistics, Citrus County Schools once again delivered ceremonies that were memorable, meaningful, and worthy of our students’ accomplishments.

We extend sincere appreciation to the administrative teams, activity directors, athletic directors, faculty members, and campus staff at each high school. Their leadership and commitment ensured every ceremony ran smoothly. From rehearsals and student logistics to speeches and guest coordination, these teams managed every detail with professionalism and care.

To families and guests, graduation ceremonies often appear seamless. What is not seen are the hours of preparation long before graduates step onto the stage. Seating plans, security coordination, programs, communication, and contingency planning all require careful attention to detail. These efforts are essential in creating ceremonies that honor students with dignity and pride.

We want to extend special recognition to each school’s graduation coordinator: Sabrina Paquin at Citrus High School, Peter Rausch at Lecanto High School, and Scott Marshall at Crystal River High School. Each played an essential role in bringing these ceremonies to life. For weeks and months leading up to graduation, they worked tirelessly behind the scenes managing cap-and-gown distribution, stage layouts, seating arrangements, rehearsals, and countless logistical details. Their steady leadership, dedication, and attention to detail ensured each ceremony was a meaningful celebration for students and families. Citrus County Schools is fortunate to have professionals who care so deeply about creating these milestone moments.

Special appreciation is also extended to the District Facilities Department and campus maintenance teams. Outdoor graduations bring unpredictable challenges, but these teams ensured each venue was safe, clean, and fully prepared.

Their resilience was especially evident in the demanding logistics. As soon as one ceremony ended, they quickly dismantled equipment, transported materials, and reset everything at the next school. Their long hours and physical effort reflect the teamwork that defines Citrus County Schools. They did not simply maintain campuses; they created safe, welcoming spaces where families could gather to celebrate student achievement.

We are deeply appreciative of our JROTC Color Guard teams, whose professionalism added dignity to each ceremony. Thank you to Eric Brown and Rodney Hammond, Dean Kelly and David Brown, and Liz Rivera and Keith Bryska. Our cadets represented their schools with pride and distinction.

We also extend gratitude to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, its dedicated SROs and deputies, our CCSD Guardians, and CCSO Capt. Rachel Montgomery, who ensured the safety and security of students, families, and staff throughout each graduation ceremony. A special thank you goes to David Vincent, whose presence at all three ceremonies reflected his strong commitment to our schools and community.

We also recognize our incredible community stakeholders whose support strengthened this year’s graduations. The Citrus County Education Foundation once again provided meaningful support for our graduation ceremonies and graduates, helping ensure each event reflected the importance and dignity of the occasion. Their continued investment in our schools reinforces the strong partnership between our community and Citrus County Schools.

We also extend great appreciation to the Citrus County Schools Communications Team, Lindsay Blair, PIO, and Hillary Hammerle. From pre-event announcements and social media updates to event coverage, they played a vital role in keeping families informed and connected. Most especially, their outstanding photography captured meaningful moments for students, families, and schools. We are grateful for the care and professionalism they bring to telling the story of our schools.

Graduation season also serves as a reminder of the broader community that supports students throughout their journey. Parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, counselors, mentors, volunteers, and support staff all contribute to student success. Every diploma represents years of encouragement, guidance, and belief in these graduates.

The Class of 2026 leaves Citrus County Schools with bright futures ahead. Some will continue their education at colleges and universities, while others will pursue technical training, military service, or careers in the workforce. Whatever path they choose, they carry forward the lessons, relationships, and support systems that helped shape their success.

As a community, we should take pride not only in our graduates, but also in the collective effort that made these celebrations possible. The successful graduations at Lecanto, Crystal River, and Citrus High Schools reflect the dedication, resilience, and teamwork of Citrus County Schools employees, families, and community supporters.

To every administrator, teacher, graduation coordinator, facilities worker, maintenance staff member, volunteer, and employee who contributed, thank you. Your commitment ensured the Class of 2026 experienced ceremonies filled with pride, joy, and lasting memories.

Most importantly, congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2026. Your perseverance has brought you to this milestone, and your future is filled with possibility. Citrus County celebrates your accomplishments and looks forward to all you will achieve in the years ahead.

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Florida AI Education Task Force Earns National Recognition in Washington

I had the privilege of being invited to Washington, D.C., to join a small delegation representing the Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force at the EDSAFE AI Alliance Policy Lab Summit on May 5, a national gathering focused on the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in education policy and practice.

During the summit, the EDSAFE AI Alliance presented the Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force with the 2026 State Policy Lab Torchbearer Award, recognizing its leadership in advancing responsible, student-centered AI integration across schools.

“The Torchbearer Award honors trailblazers in artificial intelligence policy,” said Andrea Claver, Project Manager for the EDSAFE AI Alliance. “Recipients are more than early adopters. They are community builders who actively share their work and support others as they take their first steps forward.”

She further noted that the Florida team “represents a powerful statewide coalition committed to ensuring AI implementation is safe, fair, and equitable for all students,” highlighting the collaboration and purpose-driven leadership that defines the initiative.

The Florida K–12 AI in Education Task Force brings together educators, researchers, district leaders, industry partners, and policymakers from across the state. Its mission is to ensure artificial intelligence is introduced into schools in ways that are safe, equitable, and grounded in strong educational practice.

At the center of this effort is the CS Everyone Center for Computer Science Education at the University of Florida, which provides research leadership and statewide coordination. The initiative is also supported by Griffin Catalyst and includes participation from public, charter, and private schools, community colleges, education technology organizations, and parent and teacher groups.

The delegation in Washington included Dr. Maya Israel, Director of the UF CS Everyone Center; Roberto J. Alonso of the Miami-Dade County School Board, Miami Dade College Board of Trustees, and Co-Chair of the FSBA AI in Education Committee; and myself, a former President of the Florida School Boards Association and Co-Chair of its AI in Education Committee. Each of us serves as a founding member of the task force, representing a blend of research, governance, and classroom-facing experience.

Dr. Israel’s work has been central in ensuring the initiative remains grounded in research and closely aligned with real classroom needs. Mr. Alonso has helped bridge policy and governance, supporting alignment between district priorities, workforce expectations, and statewide education goals.

The Florida School Boards Association has also played an important supporting role by helping connect school board leaders across the state to emerging issues in AI policy, implementation, and student readiness.

It was also meaningful to represent not only the statewide task force but also my local district. I am proud to serve alongside colleagues from the Citrus County School District, including Kathy Androski, Eileen Sidor, Rikako DeGroot, and Trish Kahler, whose work reflects the strong district-level commitment that underpins this broader statewide effort.

The EDSAFE AI Alliance, which presented the award, is a global coalition focused on building trust in artificial intelligence in education. Its SAFE Framework emphasizes Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Efficacy, providing a structured approach to ensuring that AI tools enhance learning while protecting students.

This recognition comes at a pivotal moment in education, as the connection between learning and the workforce is being rapidly reshaped by technological change.

Research from the Institute for the Future estimates that 85 percent of the jobs expected in 2030 have not yet been invented, meaning today’s students are largely preparing for careers that either do not yet exist or will look dramatically different from those of today.

At the same time, the global labor market reflects both disruption and growth. The World Economic Forum projects that while automation may displace about 92 million jobs by 2030, it is also expected to create roughly 170 million new roles, resulting in net job growth worldwide. Yet access to these opportunities will depend heavily on skills alignment.

That shift is already visible in hiring trends. Workforce data from Microsoft and LinkedIn shows that 71 percent of leaders prefer a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced one without them, and two-thirds would not hire candidates lacking those skills entirely. AI literacy and adaptability are quickly becoming baseline expectations rather than optional advantages.

Against this backdrop, the work of the task force becomes more urgent. The challenge is not only to integrate artificial intelligence responsibly into education, but to ensure students are developing the skills needed to succeed in a workforce evolving faster than traditional systems were designed to support.

The central goal remains clear: ensuring every student, regardless of geography or background, has access to the tools, learning experiences, and opportunities needed to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world.

As this work continues, collaboration among educators, policymakers, researchers, and industry partners will remain essential. The recognition in Washington reflects meaningful progress, but it also reinforces a deeper responsibility to keep students at the center of every decision moving forward.

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