From academic championships and national literacy honors to award-winning science projects and student art showcases, Okaloosa County schools continue to shine on the state and national stage. Across classrooms, campuses and competitions, students and educators are earning recognition for excellence, creativity and innovation — proving once again that education in Okaloosa County is about far more than test scores.
Brains Bring Home State Title
The Okaloosa County School District Academic Team captured first place in Division II at the prestigious Commissioner’s Academic Challenge, earning statewide recognition for academic excellence and teamwork.
The championship team included State Team Members:
Captain: Colt Stevens, Rocky Bayou Christian School (Team Florida)
Co-Captain: Cole Rewis, Fort Walton Beach High School
Jeda Srichareon, Fort Walton Beach High School
Landon Weinberg, Niceville High School
Caden Veach, Destin High School
Asher Newcomer, Choctawhatchee High School
Hailey Nutt, Rocky Bayou Christian School
Rosemary Pace, Home School
Coaches:
Lisa Nall, District Coordinator, Academic Team
Dr. Michael Mosley, Co-Coach
Julie Mosley, Co-Coach
Established in 1986, the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge is a statewide competition that showcases student achievement across a wide range of disciplines, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, world languages, physical education, health, and technology. Each year, Florida’s top academic teams compete in this rigorous event, making OCSD’s first-place finish a remarkable accomplishment. level.
Pryor Teacher Earns National Literacy Honor
Pryor Middle School Intensive Reading teacher Luann Zant was recognized nationally with the 2026 National 180 Educator Award for outstanding achievement in literacy instruction and student growth. Zant, who has taught at Pryor for nearly 11 years, was honored for innovative teaching practices and her commitment to helping students gain confidence as readers. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is witnessing those ‘lightbulb’ moments,” Zant shared. District leaders praised her dedication to changing students’ lives through literacy.
Student Scientists Score Big at State Fair
Okaloosa students earned top honors at the State Science and Engineering Fair in Lakeland, where more than 700 projects competed statewide. Brantley Lane of Okaloosa STEMM Academy earned first place and was named a prestigious Ying Scholar Award recipient, while Benjamin Nusimow of Ruckel Middle School won first place in Biomedical & Health Sciences. Overall, 12 Okaloosa students earned 16 awards in categories ranging from engineering and environmental science to robotics and astronomy, highlighting the district’s growing reputation for STEM excellence.
Category Awards
These awards were selected by subject area experts and professionals, honoring the top performers in each field:
- Aimi Frasca, Northwest Florida Ballet Académie – 3rd place in Environmental Engineering
- Arianna Lopez, Northwest Florida Ballet Académie – Recognition in Intelligent Machines, Robotics & Systems Software
- Ian Allen, Niceville High School – Recognition in Physics & Astronomy
- Anna Claire Belk, STEMM Academy – Recognition in Biomedical & Health Sciences
- Nolan Kirk, STEMM Academy – Suwanee Valley Award and Recognition in Plant Sciences
- Moira Reyenga, STEMM Academy – 4th Place in Environmental Engineering
Special Awards
- Alexis Cole, Niceville High School – Monroe Marine Conservation Award in Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Aviana Sheldon, Ruckel Middle School – Manatee Regional Award in Physics and Astronomy
- Calvin Fortner, STEMM Academy – Brevard South Award and Recognition in Engineering
- Ryan Gregg, STEMM Academy – Honorable Mention in Engineering
Young Artists Take Center Stage
More than 2,000 student artworks filled the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Rigdon Center during the 2026 K-12 Student Art Show, presented by the Okaloosa County School District and the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. The annual showcase featured work from elementary through high school students across the county and celebrated the creativity of young artists through awards, exhibits and a special reception featuring live jazz music. 2026 Best of Show & Superlative Winners:
- Middle School 2D Best of Show – Hannah Leitheiser, Liza Jackson Preparatory School
- Middle School 3D Best of Show – Olivia McClain, Lewis School
- High School 2D Best of Show – Addie Kelly, Destin High School
- High School 3D Best of Show – Sofia Perez, Crestview High School
- 2D Superlative – Ellie Aldrich, Niceville High School
- 3D Superlative – Lucia Schrand, Destin High School
Surprise Gift Honors 31 Years in the Classroom
Mary Esther Elementary second-grade teacher Michelle Harris received an emotional surprise during a faculty meeting when We Care A/C, Plumbing, and Electric gifted her a brand-new home HVAC system in recognition of her 31 years of service to Okaloosa students. Harris has spent nearly three decades at Mary Esther Elementary, where she has taught every elementary grade level. Community leaders, district officials and faculty gathered to celebrate the beloved teacher’s lifelong dedication to students and families.
Graduation Season Begins
Graduation ceremonies are just around the corner for Okaloosa County seniors. Choctawhatchee High School will hold commencement Thursday, May 21, at Joe Etheredge Stadium, followed by Fort Walton Beach High School’s ceremony Friday, May 22, at Steve Riggs Stadium. Both ceremonies begin at 7:30 p.m. and will also be livestreamed online for family and friends unable to attend in person.
