From Aerospace to Academic Champions: OCSD Students Reach New Heights
Space Florida and OCSD Launch Aerospace Career Initiative
Space Florida and the Okaloosa County School District recently launched the Space Florida Academy Program, highlighted by a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long and Superintendent Marcus Chambers during the 9th annual Technology Coast Manufacturing & Engineering Network (TeCMEN) Industry Day in Destin.
The program helps students earn industry-recognized credentials and develop skills for high-demand careers in aerospace and related fields. In partnership with industry leaders and state agencies, the initiative focuses on career pathways in aviation and aerospace, advanced manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity and IT, logistics and semiconductors.
District leaders said the program will help connect students to high-wage career opportunities while strengthening the future workforce in Okaloosa County.
For more information, visit www.spaceflorida.gov/workforce-initiatives.
Photo: Superintendent Marcus Chambers and Space Florida President/CEO Rob Long sign the agreement surrounded by Okaloosa County students.
Free Summer Career Camps Available
The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation is offering free Career and Technical Education summer camps for rising sixth- through ninth-grade students.
Camp offerings include AI Masterminds at Fort Walton Beach High School, NextGen Engineers at Niceville High School, Builder Academy at Meigs Middle School, Justice Leaders at Baker School, Web Explorers at Shoal River Middle School, Creative Coders at Davidson Middle School and two Emergency Medical Responder camps at Crestview High School.
All camps are free and run from 9 a.m. to noon. Transportation is not provided, and registration is first-come, first-served.
Register early due to limited space. For information, camp registration links and program details, visit the district’s Career and Technical Education webpage or contact Morena Mannucci at Morena.Mannucci@OkaloosaSchools.com.
Academic Team Wins State Championship
The Okaloosa County School District Academic Team captured the 2026 Commissioner’s Academic Challenge Division II state championship, defeating top teams from across Florida.
Team members included Captain Colt Stevens and Hailey Nutt of Rocky Bayou Christian School; Cole Rewis and Jeda Srichareon of Fort Walton Beach High School; Landon Weinberg of Niceville High School; Caden Veach of Destin High School; Asher Newcomer of Choctawhatchee High School; and Rosemary Pace, who is homeschooled. Coaches were Lisa Nall, Dr. Michael Mosley and Julie Mosley.
The statewide competition tests students in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, world languages, physical education, health and technology.
Project SEARCH Graduates Celebrated
The Okaloosa County School District honored Project SEARCH graduates Hailey Eubank of Niceville High School, Antonio Latimer of Fort Walton Beach High School, Isaiah Parish of Choctawhatchee High School, Jessica Parker of Crestview High School and David Wahl of Baker School during a May 20 ceremony at the Hilton Garden Inn on Okaloosa Island.
Project SEARCH provides workplace and career training for young adults with disabilities through a partnership with Innisfree Hotels.
Okaloosa UP Graduates Recognized
Okaloosa Technical College celebrated Okaloosa UP graduates Raj Mulwani, Kaitlyn McCarthy and Nerea “Rea” Agnew.
The postsecondary program helps adults with intellectual disabilities build career, workplace and life skills through hands-on training and real-world experiences.
Summer Feeding Program Returns
The Okaloosa County School District will participate in the 2026 Summer Food Service Program, providing free breakfasts and lunches to all children under age 18 through the Summer Break Spot initiative.
Meals must be eaten on-site at participating schools in accordance with updated USDA and Florida Department of Agriculture guidelines. Grab-and-go meal options are no longer available.
Meals will not be served on weekends or July 4. Site locations, schedules and availability may change throughout the summer.
For participating schools, meal service times and program updates, visit https://www.okaloosaschools.com/article/2943106.
Register Now for Kindergarten
Registration is open for the 2026-27 school year in the Okaloosa County School District.
Children who turn 5 on or before Sept. 1, 2026, are eligible for kindergarten. Early registration helps schools plan staffing, classroom assignments and student resources before the start of the school year.
New students and incoming kindergarteners may register online through the district’s FOCUS system at https://www.okaloosaschools.com/o/ocsd/page/registration.
Parents can also learn more about the district’s kindergarten program by viewing the district overview video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=728HaUx5I74.
Returning students already enrolled in OCSD do not need to register again.
