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The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Citrus County Chapter held its annual JROTC scholarship awards luncheon on May 9, 2024, at the Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club. Two scholarships were awarded through the MOAA Evelyn H. Reading scholarship fund through the estate of Lt Col. Robert Reading, USA (Ret) and his spouse, Evelyn Reading, who both believed that higher education was important for young people. The scholarship fund was eventually transferred to the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF) for the disbursement of the donated funds.
A third scholarship was awarded through the Commander Maurice “Bud” Wise, USN (Ret) scholarship fund. He was a founding member of the MOAA Citrus County Chapter and a former Citrus County teacher. Upon his passing, his spouse Allie asked that donations be made in his memory to create the JROTC scholarship in his name. The first scholarship was awarded in 2000. The scholarship is funded and disbursed by the MOAA Citrus County Chapter. Each of the scholarships’ application and award selection processes are administered by the MOAA Citrus County Chapter.
Citrus High School Air Force JROTC Cadet Lt. Alyssa Watt and Lecanto High School Army JROTC Cadet Maj. Ashleigh Maddox received the MOAA Evelyn H. Reading JROTC Scholarship Award of $1500. Crystal River High School Navy JROTC Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Orlando Mercado received the MOAA Maurice “Bud” Wise JROTC Scholarship Award of $1500.
Superintendent Sam Himmel was the keynote speaker and spoke about the many ways we incorporate veterans into our programs within the school district. Superintendent Himmel has made it her mission that Citrus County students understand the importance of serving our country and honoring those who have served and who are actively serving. She was presented with a certificate of appreciation for her commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military.
Assistant Superintendent Scott Hebert also said a few words and was gifted MOAA's official challenge coin for his dedication and support of the veterans' groups and programs within our community.
All three of these fine students love their country and spoke highly of their school mentors and families. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
To view all of the photos from this event, please visit https://citrus-schools.smugmug.com/MOAA-Scholarship-Luncheon