Okaloosa County School District

Many of our schools as well as the District Office are experiencing a phone and internet outage. We appreciate your patience as we work with our provider to remedy the issue.

Internet and Phones are currently down at Antioch Elementary School. We are working with the service provider to restore service. We will provide updates as we receive them!

Graduation season officially kicked off May 15! All ceremonies will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person. Visit our website for complete graduation details, including dates, times, locations, and direct live stream links. https://www.okaloosaschools.com/article/2867939

𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆!

On Friday, Edge Elementary hosted its 9th Annual FIRST LEGO League Expo, where all 4th grade students proudly showcased the projects they’ve been designing and building since returning from Spring Break.
Through FIRST LEGO League, students explore real-world problems, design creative solutions, and bring their ideas to life using LEGO® Education SPIKE™—all while building critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills at an early age.

Students had the opportunity to present their work to community leaders, district administrators, and judges from our local military and engineering community, gaining valuable feedback and encouragement. They also experienced the next level of STEM in action with a special robot demonstration from Niceville High School’s FIRST Robotics Competition team, the Radioactive Roaches.

This event is a powerful example of our commitment to Academic Excellence, Continuous Learning, Modern Innovation, and Community Involvement—and a reminder that the future is bright in Okaloosa County.
We are so proud of these young innovators and grateful to our educators, community partners, and volunteers who make opportunities like this possible!

At the May 7 Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce meeting, students from the northern region of the county were recognized during the inaugural Military Enlistment Signing Ceremony. These exceptional young men and women have made the selfless decision to serve the nation, exemplifying courage, commitment, and pride.

Sincere appreciation is extended to the military and civilian dignitaries, recruiters, veterans, families, and community members who gathered to support and honor these future service members. Special recognition is given to the Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce and Florida Power & Light for their role in making this meaningful event possible. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the character and patriotism that strengthen the community.

A great school day starts before the first bell rings, and our bus drivers help by providing safe and welcoming rides for students.

Join the Okaloosa County School District team and become a familiar, trusted face for students and families in your community.

We offer paid training, behind-the wheel experience, and new hire bonuses! To apply for a bus driver position today, visit our employment webpage.

Olympic Speed Skater, Mia Manganello, Honored Walker Elementary

Former Walker Owl and double bronze Olympic speed skater, Mia Manganello, was honored recently at Walker Elementary, and is pictured alongside Superintendent Chambers and School Board members Linda Evanchyk, Brett Hinely, and Tim Bryant. Mia spent time with the Walker News Club, met with students, and shared her story of perseverance, challenges, and success—reminding every student that hard work and determination can lead to incredible dreams.

Our youngest learners lined the halls with American flags, proudly cheering her on, as the building filled with a powerful “U-S-A” chant.
Thank you, Mia, for returning to your roots and inspiring the next generation of leaders, dreamers, and champions!

On Friday, May 1st, we wrapped up our final Student Roundtable Discussion at Crestview High School, bringing together 29 students from Crestview and Laurel Hill Schools. We were grateful to be joined by Assistant Superintendent Grant Meyer and School Board Member Tim Bryant, whose perspectives added depth to the conversation. Students led a thoughtful discussion on technology, campus facilities, academics, safety, state policies, and the long‑term vision for Crestview High School. They also reflected on positive changes already made because of student feedback.
One of the most encouraging highlights was students’ strong interest in advocating for their schools at both the local and state levels—demonstrating just how powerful student voice can be.

At this year’s Anne T. Mitchell Senior Honor Awards held at Northwest Florida State College’s Raider Arena, we proudly recognized 639 high school seniors from Baker, Choctawhatchee, Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill, and Niceville High Schools who will be graduating with honors this month.

These outstanding students earned a weighted GPA of 3.75 or higher, achieving the distinctions of Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, or Cum Laude—often while balancing rigorous coursework with extracurricular activities, athletics, arts programs, and leadership roles.

Additionally, congratulations to the Peggy Gorday Bruner Award finalists, which honors the most outstanding academic scholar among all of the county’s graduating seniors:
- Addison Overton – Baker School
- Anthony Bernich – Choctawhatchee High School
- Daniel Barnes – Crestview High School
- Aiden King – Laurel Hill School
- Zachary Ott – Niceville High School

The Peggy Gorday Bruner Award winner was Brock Dugan from Fort Walton Beach High School.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. We look forward to cheering you on as you take the graduation stage and begin your next chapter.

We are grateful for our hardworking bus drivers, route coordinators, and amazing transportation employees who support our schools and students each day. Enjoy a few photos from Bus Driver Appreciation Day as we recognize and thank you for all you do.Visit our Facebook page for more photos. https://www.facebook.com/OkaloosaCountySchoolDistrict

𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵!
This month we are celebrating the heart of our support system—our incredible School Mental Health Counselors. Their compassion, expertise, and unwavering support change lives. We appreciate our Mental Health Counselors more than you know.

Looking for a meaningful way to serve your community?
Consider becoming a bus driver with the Okaloosa County School District! New drivers receive paid training and instruction to prepare for success on the road. If you are interested in joining our transportation team, visit https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/employment

Congratulations to the Okaloosa Schools State Academic Team for earning 1st place in Division II at the 39th Commissioner’s Academic Challenge! We are proud to recognize the outstanding students who represented our county with excellence:

Fort Walton Beach High School
• Cole Rewis – Co‑Captain
• Jeda Srichareon

Niceville High School
• Landon Weinberg

Choctawhatchee High School
• Asher Newcomer

Rocky Bayou Christian School
• Colt Stevens – Captain (Team Florida)
• Hailey Nutt

Destin High School
• Caden Veach

Home School
• Rosemary Pace

Coaches
• Lisa Nall – District Coordinator, Academic Team
• Dr. Michael Mosley – Co‑Coach
• Julie Mosley – Co‑Coach

We applaud these students and coaches for their dedication, teamwork, and exceptional achievement. Way to represent Okaloosa Schools!

Superintendent Marcus Chambers recently hosted a Student Roundtable discussion at Fort Walton Beach High School with School Board Member and Co Chairman Parker Destin, continuing an initiative launched in 2023 to hear directly from students. Seventeen students in grades 9–12 participated, representing a wide range of clubs, programs, and backgrounds, including many who have attended Okaloosa County Schools since kindergarten. The conversation covered key topics such as House Bill 1025, budget and enrollment challenges, access to academic programs, school culture, facilities, transportation, technology use, discipline, and cell phone expectations. Students also shared thoughtful, solution focused ideas for strengthening connections across elementary, middle, and high schools and improving communication with families. Their engagement highlighted a strong commitment to their school and future, reinforcing the value of these roundtables in shaping district decisions.

Calling all incoming kindergarten students and new families! Don’t forget to register for the 2026-27 school year in the Okaloosa County School District. Early registration is encouraged as we prepare to welcome students back for another year of learning and growth. Students currently attending an OCSD school are automatically enrolled for the upcoming year. Find registration information and begin the process today on our website: https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/registration

Lights, Camera, Action! Niceville High Digital Media Students Produce Plew Elementary Promo Videos

Big shoutout to the talented Digital Media students from Niceville High School! They were “hired” by Plew Elementary to create high-energy promotional videos that capture the real magic happening on campus — from action-packed PE classes and reading adventures to lively cafeteria vibes and sweet interviews with kindergartners and excited parents!

Ms. Phillips, Assistant Principal at Plew Elementary, shared: “I was excited to involve high school students and give them real experience in what it would be like working at a production company. This promotional video will showcase all the wonderful things happening at Plew Elementary and remind families that registration for the upcoming school year is open now — don’t miss out on joining our amazing school!”

Ms. St. Romain, CTE Digital Media educator at Niceville High School, added: “As a CTE educator, I am thrilled that my Digital Media students had this authentic workforce simulation experience in video production. We followed a full industry-standard pipeline: three weeks of rigorous pre-production — including professional scripts, detailed storyboards, shot lists, and planning — just like in a real production company. Now we’ll spend the next month in post-production, editing and finalizing a high-quality promotional video for Plew. My students demonstrated true professionalism today, collaborating effectively and applying the technical and soft skills that prepare them for careers in digital media and beyond. This hands-on, real-world project is exactly what CTE is all about — building career pathways, fostering industry readiness, and showing how our Okaloosa County schools partner to equip students for success!”

Way to go, Niceville High Eagles and Plew Elementary Panthers!

Your creativity, teamwork, and professionalism are lighting up Okaloosa County Schools and showing everyone what real CTE success looks like!

Our phone service has been restored. Thank you for your patience, and have a wonderful day!

Congratulations to the Fort Walton Beach High School Academic Team on their incredible victory at the Okaloosa Academic Tournament! As the defending champions, these students once again proved their knowledge, teamwork, and dedication across a wide range of subjects—including math, science, history, literature, fine arts, pop culture, and more.

We are so proud of their hard work and outstanding performance representing Fort Walton Beach High School and Okaloosa County Schools at the highest level!

🎥 Want to see the action?
Visit www.okaloosaschools.com/page/academic-team to watch recorded matches and cheer on our amazing students.

Way to go, Vikings! Your excellence makes us all proud!