at better way to enjoy the holiday season than listening to the sounds of children singing? PreK students at Van R. Butler Elementary enjoyed presenting a special performance for their parents and guests. Their songs and smiles put everyone in a holiday mood! Submitted by Tammy Smith.

Congratulations to these students for completing their certifications for Microsoft Office Specialist or Microsoft Office Specialist Master for this school year!

1st period:
Jade Dalton
Avery Evans
Mahalia Harrison
Keegan Lloyd
Lillian Weeks
Emily Casey
Noel Dahl
Joseph Grgurich
Jacob Hilligoss
Josue Ramirez
Anthony Sarriera

On Wednesday, December 11th, fourth and fifth grade classroom winners participated in the Schoolwide Tropicana Speaking Competition.  Parents, students, teachers, and judges were amazed by the well thought out speeches and the students' ability to present them to such a large group of people. Congratulations to each of these students!!!

Fourth Grade

1st place - Carli Nowling - My Annoying Niece and Nephew

2nd place - Isabella Adkinson - Being an Only Child, Kids' Tables Are Awful

3rd place - Kari Hanscome - The Man Walt Disney

Fifth Grade

1st place - Rhiannon Fountain - Remodel Gone Wrong

2nd place - Chandler Shoaf - How to Write a Tropicana Speech

3rd place - Gracelyn Daniel - Our Money Habits

First and second place winners from our school competition will represent West DeFuniak at the District Tropicana Speaking Contest on December 18th at Freeport High School.

Submitted by Pam Beck

The district office celebrated the holidays with a luncheon on December 14. As part of the event, district staff donated Christmas gifts for girls and boys. Danny Garner took the donations to the Matrix Center for distribution at their Christmas celebration. Also pictured is Morgan Elkins a volunteer for the Matrix.  Submitted by Kristy Grey.