District News

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of the Florida Chautauqua Theatre this coming week to see a wonderful performance of The Wizard of Oz, presented by the incredible actors and singers of the Florida Chautauqua Theatre!

The production showcases a cast of 25 local performers, most from Walton County schools, ranging in age from elementary thru middle school.

The performances will take place May 18 and 19 at 7:00 PM, and May 20 at 2:30 PM at The Florida Chautauqua Theatre: 840 Baldwin Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, FL.

For more info and to reserve tickets, call 850-892-9494. Oz is waiting just Over the Rainbow!

The entire Bobcat family would have been flooded with pride over the STEM Club at the LEGO League Jr. EXPO in Fort Walton Beach. Students nailed their interview with the judges, and impressed everyone with their LEGO creation. A judge said their presentation and board was EPIC and E.P.I.C. is what they were striving for!

Submitted by Kalli McMillan

A non-profit based in Santa Rosa Beach, FL, Food for Thought has worked to fight child hunger throughout Walton and Okaloosa Counties since 2010, providing 3,000 backpacks weekly that are filled with healthy ingredients for students who are dependent on free or reduced school meals.

With the support of a three-year $125,000 grant from the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Food for Thought launched its Full Circle Kitchen program in September of last year. Offered to high schoolers enrolled in Food for Thought, the program introduces students to fundamental cooking skills through classes taught by community restaurant partners and local chefs.

Walton Academy High school senior Lucy Lopez and junior Donnell Reed are two students benefiting from the program’s efforts to provide youth a foundation for basic cooking skills and access to kitchen equipment in a safe learning environment.

Submitted by David Schmidt

On Tuesday, May 8th, Walton Middle School recognized outstanding scholars at its annual academic awards night. Many talented and conscientious students received certificates and trophies for their exemplary efforts during the school year. At the end of the evening, eighth grade students McCaid Paul, Billie Hall, and Noel Dahl received "Special Honor Roll" trophies for earning all A's all three years at Walton Middle School. Congratulations to these students for their outstanding achievement!

Submitted by Kristen Nelson

On Friday, May 11^th students from Mrs. Gina Ealum’s WDE class participated in the Special Olympics at ECMS. Students placed in many events and we are proud to announce the following awards:

Autumn Patterson (4^th grade) – 1^st place 50m dash; 1^st place 100m dash; 6^th place shot put

Tyler Penn (5^th grade) – 1^st place Long Jump; 3^rd place 50m dash; 3^rd place 100m dash

Demonte’ Clark (3^rd grade) – 1^st place 50m dash; 1^st place 100m dash; 2^nd place softball throw

Congratulations to these students for their amazing accomplishments!

Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

The PHS 2nd graders enjoyed a fun and educational trip to the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where they they were able to learn about and interact with different types of marine life that inhabit the Florida Gulf.

Submitted by Kalli McMillan

The WHS baseball team recently got to watch a Northwest Florida State College baseball game and go to FCA to listen to guest speaker Darryl Strawberry. They had a great time and represented Walton High well!

Submitted by Christy English

Walton High Seniors who previously attended Maude Saunders took a celebration stroll through the halls today, as our Little Warriors lined the halls and cheered. It is inspiring to see what these students have accomplished, and we wish them all the best.

Submitted by Krisy Chandler Spence

FBLA did an awesome job at the recent Relay for Life! A lot of students came out to support this great cause, and Coach Harless even got in the dunking booth!

Submitted by Christy English

ECMS hosted the Special Olympics Florida - Walton activities on Friday, May 11, 2018. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults 8 years of age and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Currently Special Olympics Florida - Walton serves 67 athletes throughout Walton County.

It was a wonderful day for all the participants who also got a special visit from McGruff the Crime Dog with the Walton County Sheriff's Office! Congratulations to all the participants!!

Submitted by Keitha Bledsoe; photo credit: Chaela Floyd