Okaloosa Continues Top 10 Tradition!
The Florida Department of Education has released this year’s results for the Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST) and End of Course Exams. Each year, 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 U.S. History. A combined analysis of all test results show Okaloosa Schools continue to rank in the top 10 school districts out of 67 in the state of Florida for the 2023-24 school year. Specifically, Okaloosa ranked 10th overall, while excelling in areas such as 5th, 7th, and 8th grade Reading, as well as 7th and 8th grade Mathematics, and 8th grade Science, which all ranked in the top six in the state. Additionally, the overall middle school test results shined as some of the best in the state with our students ranking 3rd in Math, 4th in Science, and 6th in ELA.
The results of these assessments, along with other academic indicators, are used to produce school grades, which are anticipated to be released in August. For more information on assessment results, visit https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/assessments/k-12-student-assessment/results/2024.stml.
NWFSC Selects Dr. Cristie Kedroski to Serve as Interim President
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) has selected Dr. Cristie Kedroski as Interim President and was effective July 6, 2024. Dr. Kedroski’s selection by the Board of Trustees was unanimous, reflecting the confidence and trust placed in her ability to lead with integrity, vision and a deep understanding of the college’s mission.
Dr. Kedroski brings with her more than 20 years of community, economic and higher education experience. Her background demonstrates significant achievements in academic administration, student services, grant management and community outreach. Dr. Kedroski has been instrumental in developing innovative academic programs and spearheading initiatives that enhanced student retention and graduation rates as well as overseeing enrollment management strategies that have led the college to seven consecutive semesters of increased enrollment.
Visit www.nwfsc.edu.
NWFSC Bestows President Emeritus Title on Dr. Devin Stephenson
The Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) Board of Trustees has conferred the prestigious title of President Emeritus on Dr. Devin Stephenson, recognizing his exemplary service and leadership over the past 7.5 years as president.
In accepting the honor, Dr. Stephenson expressed his gratitude and reflected on his tenure,
Dr. Stephenson’s leadership at Northwest Florida State College has been marked by a steadfast commitment to academic excellence, community engagement and student success. Under his guidance, the Collegiate High School is on a path to enroll over 500 students. The college has secured more than $73 million in grant awards, and Raider Athletics has won three additional national championships. Dr. Stephenson also oversaw the opening of the Aviation Center of Excellence and the completion of the Raider Village student housing initiative. Additionally, the NWFSC Foundation’s net assets increased by 40%, reaching over $65 million.
Dr. Stephenson has been selected as the next president of Florida Polytechnic University in Lakeland, Fla., and began July 7, 2024
FWBHS Digital Video Students Win KinderVision/The Greatest Save Teen PSA Competition in the Technical Category
Three Fort Walton Beach High School (FWBHS) students, Maverick Hendley, Michael Dixon and Kiera Stover, clinched victory for the submission of their video called “Poison” as the 2024 Teen PSA Contest Technical Winner. Poison will be the Teen PSA entry into the After-School Film Institute’s Film Festival in Miami in January 2025. Reflecting on the win, Maverick Hendley shared, “This award is my first bit of recognition, and the experience I learned from making this video and being in this contest was my first step to true acknowledgment and experience in this industry. I wish now to learn more and get better.” FWBHS Digital Video Instructor, Ivan McMillin, proudly states, “Winning the National TEEN PSA Technical Video Award is a testament to the impact of our school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. It not only showcases our student’s talent and commitment to film, but also reflects the high standards and effectiveness of our CTE program. This should instill confidence in all students to pursue their passions with dedication.”
The KinderVision Foundation, a 501c-3 nonprofit organization, was established in 1991. The Teen PSA Program: Peer-to-Peer Prevention Education aims to empower children and teens through peer-to-peer education to prevent victimization. FWBHS has submitted entries for this competition since 2013 and has won State awards twice, but “Poison” is the first National award the school has received. In addition, 2024 is the first year the Technical Category has been included in the competition. For more information about the Teen PSA program and to view the video “Poison,” please visit https://teenpsa.org.
