Cox Communications recently hosted the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards to honor 37 students that were selected by a committee of school leaders to recognize their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome the loss of a family member, medical issues, difficult family situations, or other hardships, they have done so with optimism while continuing to encourage and inspire those around them.
"Cox is proud to recognize these remarkable students and celebrate their inspirational impact on their peers and school staff," said David Deliman, vice president of Cox’s Gulf Coast market. "Despite facing numerous challenges in their young lives, they continue to maintain a positive outlook. They’re true heroes who deserve to be celebrated."
This great event could not be held without the strong partnership between Cox and the Okaloosa County School District.
“I am continually blown away by the resilience and courage shown by our students here in Okaloosa County,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Each year, the Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards remind us of the incredible strength, determination, and heart our students demonstrate in the face of life’s challenges. I am so proud of these young people and grateful to Cox for recognizing and celebrating the remarkable students we are privileged to serve in this community.”
During the event, Cox presented the students with personalized engraved medallions and certificates of honor. Additionally, the students received certificates of accomplishment from United States Senator Rick Scott, United States Senator Ashley Moody, Florida State Senators Don Gaetz and Jay Trumbull, and Florida State Representatives Patt Maney and Michelle Salzman. The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners also approved a proclamation on May 6, congratulating all the student honorees and proclaiming May 2025 as Cox Inspirational Student Hero month in Okaloosa County.
The Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program began 32 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana, and to date, Cox has recognized more than 5,100 students from Cox markets across the southeast.
The 2025 Okaloosa County Cox Inspirational Student Heroes are:
Antioch Elementary School - Derrick Stokes
Baker School - Kadance Fredericksen
Bluewater Elementary School - Tristan Phillips
Bob Sikes Elementary School - Brendon Diguilio
Bruner Middle School - Hunter Kelhi
Choctawhatchee High School - Cristian Santos
Crestview High School - Lilyann Triplett
Davidson Middle School - Riley Martin
Destin Elementary School - Asher Blose
Destin Middle School - Dixon Stanton
Edge Elementary School - Donnie Guillory
Edwins Elementary School - Kaleb Pridgen
Eglin Elementary School - Wilfredo Mendez
Elliott Point Elementary School - Christopher Gutierrez-Acosta
Florosa Elementary School - Mia Martin
Fort Walton Beach High School - Thrystain Sparks
Kenwood Elementary School - Zaiden Cordoba
Laurel Hill School - Alessa Maynard
Lewis School - Emmy Liufau
Longwood Elementary School - Martin Lopez Camposeco
Mary Esther Elementary School - Ryleigh John-McVay
Meigs Middle School - Joniel Medina
Niceville High School - Timberland Smith
Northwest Florida Ballet Academie - Antonio Thomas
Northwood Elementary School - Victoria Galvan
Okaloosa STEMM Academy - Allyson Fuller
Plew Elementary School - Jeremiah Martin
Pryor Middle School - Joel Dias Alvarez
Richbourg School - Alex Gomez
Riverside Elementary School - Chanel Coward
Ruckel Middle School - Peyton McKissack
Shalimar Elementary School - Avery Cudney
Shoal River Middle School - Jacoby Steinmann
Silver Sands School - Hunter Wilson
Southside Primary School - Ayden Berrios
Walker Elementary School - Ava Carpio
Wright Elementary School - Maria Arcanjo
Congratulations to all of our Cox Inspirational Student Heroes.