Wreaths Across America at Beal Memorial Cemetery has a goal to provide a wreath for all 1800+ Veterans laid to rest at Beal. The WAA Placement Ceremony is hosted by the Veterans Tribute Tower Committee on Sat., Dec. 16, at 9 a.m. at Beal Memorial Cemetery. Currently, 900 wreaths are still needed. “This summer appeal is our effort to avoid the other fundraising efforts during the fall and Christmas season,” said Tom Rice. To help, visit www.WreathsAcrossAmerica.org/FL0895P.
Okaloosa Students Shine Overall on State Assessments
Outperforming almost every other school district in the state in proficiency rankings, a combined analysis of all test results recently released by the Florida Department of Education shows that Okaloosa ranks 5th among 67 Florida school districts. These results continue the improvement in recent years from 8th and 7th, in 2021 and 2022, respectively. ELA and Math results in grades 4-8 showed particularly strong improvement in proficiency levels among students despite the fact that a new, more rigorous assessment, the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST), was administered this year in those areas. Students are required to take statewide assessments in ELA grades 3-10, Mathematics grades 3-8, Algebra, Geometry, Science grades 5 and 8, Biology, Civics, and US History. The assessments for ELA and Mathematics were new and based on the more rigorous BEST standards that were recently implemented in Florida. The results of these assessments, along with other academic indicators, are used to produce school grades. For more information visit www.okaloosaschools.com or https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/results/2023.stml.
‘23-‘24 School Bus Schedule
The transportation department has created a QR code for easy access (or visit www.okaloosaschools.com) to stay updated with notifications about your child’s bus. You must register to receive access unique to your children.
Step One’s Festival of Speed
Step One Automotive Group delivered an electrifying and unforgettable experience to all attendees at the highly anticipated Festival of Speed held in June at the renowned Five Flags Speedway. Two esteemed racing drivers, Chris Walsh, GT4 America Porsche, and 718 Cayman GT4 Driver, and Juan Manuel Correa, Formula 2 and WEC Driver, both motorsport icons. The adrenaline-pumping Hot Laps left spectators on the edge of their seats as they witnessed firsthand the raw power and precision of these exceptional drivers. “We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of the Festival of Speed,” said Maureen Bierman, Director of Marketing, Step One Automotive Group. “It was truly a day filled with excitement, adrenaline, and unforgettable moments. We are grateful to all the racing drivers, partners, and attendees who made this event a roaring triumph.” Visit www.steponeautomotive.com for more information!
The Salvation Army of Okaloosa and Walton Counties is receiving a new Disaster Relief Canteen to replace its former 30+ year-old vehicle! Made possible through a grant from Impact 100 for $100K, this timely and appropriate canteen will be available during both weather disasters and events like the brush fire in South Walton County last year.
NWFSC PTA Program Announces 100% Ultimate Pass Rate with a 100% Employment Rate
Northwest Florida State College’s Physical Therapist Assistant Program (PTA) is a two-year selective admissions program. Students can earn an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in the 6-semester program which provides skills, knowledge and clinical experience necessary to become Physical Therapist Assistants. New students are accepted in the Spring Term of each year. For more information, visit nwfsc.edu/pta or contact Susan DeSmith, Director, Physical Therapist Assistant Program, at desmiths@nwfsc.edu.
The Heritage Museum of NWF had a great and successful 1st week of Summer Camp, including a K-9 demo. Thank you to the instructors. Week 1 filled up fast and 20 students experienced a range of hands-on classes.
Leadership Okaloosa Applications Available
Leadership Okaloosa is an esteemed leadership training and development program with a 30-year history of the growth and development of Okaloosa County’s leaders. This 9-month experience enhances the participant’s leadership skills and creates community awareness.
Apply here: https://www.nwfsc.edu/leadership-okaloosa/.
MKAF Call for FOA Collaborative Art Exhibit
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is now accepting applications for the Adult Collaborative Art Exhibit component of the 28th annual Festival of the Arts (Friday, Oct. 27) Oct. 28-29 (Festival weekend) at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin. The Exhibit showcases the work of seasoned and emerging adult artists and local student artists competing for the $1,050 McIlroy Awards given in honor of the late Patricia McIlroy, Destin’s first First Lady and an MKAF advocate and patron. Artwork should be of an artistic caliber associated with a juried fine art show. Artists in the Adult Collaborative Exhibit can display and/or sell up to three pieces of artwork. The competition is open to the first 25 eligible applicants. Entry fee is $35 per person for up to three pieces of art no larger than 24” x 36.” Application deadline is Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Download the application at mkaf.org/arts-festival/ or contact Deb Nissley at the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation by email at deb@mkaf.org or call (850) 650-2226.
Impact100 NWF – 410 members, Four $100,000 Grants to Local Nonprofits
410 women signed up for Impact100 Northwest Florida during its recently concluded membership drive, which will make possible four $100,000 grants to nonprofits serving Okaloosa and Walton Counties this year. Local nonprofits have submitted grant proposals, and Impact100 Northwest Florida’s Focus Area Committees will review them and hold site visits this summer. Finalists will be announced in October 2023, and recipients announced at the Annual Meeting in November.
The Emerald Coast Foundation Presents the 2023 Emerald Coast Poker Run, August 11-12th. Powerboats, fishing boats, pleasure boats, and all in between, will fill the waterways for one of the largest and most popular charity poker runs in the USA! All proceeds from Emerald Coast Boat Week and Poker Run benefit the recipient children’s charities of the Emerald Coast Foundation. For more information visit: https://emeraldcoastpokerrun.com/poker-run.
Earth Day Cleanup at the Pier
Join Destin-Fort Walton Beach for its fall pier cleanup dive, Sat., Aug. 5 from 6-10 a.m./6 a.m. check-in. Must sign up.
