Fort Walton Beach High School has done it again! The Vikings have officially been crowned the 2025 Sunshine State Spirit Showdown Champions, proving once more that their energy, passion, and school spirit are truly unmatched. Taking down two other fierce competitors, Fort Walton Beach’s student section brought the heat and showed the entire state what Viking pride is all about!
This highly coveted title, hosted annually by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) since 2014, is all about celebrating sportsmanship, student engagement, and unwavering school spirit. And Fort Walton Beach brought their A-game.
The Power of the Student Section
A student section isn’t just a cheering crowd—it’s the heartbeat of a school’s athletic program. Their chants, roars, and unwavering support fuel the athletes on the field, lift them through the tough moments, and amplify the victories. In this competition, it wasn’t just about being loud—it was about showing heart, unity, and school pride like never before.
Entries were judged by the FHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, scoring on sportsmanship, participation, organization of students and overall school spirit. Social media votes also played a crucial role, with fans rallying behind their schools to push them toward victory.
Craig Damon, Executive Director of the FHSAA, praised the incredible effort by all schools:
“The 2025 Sunshine Spirit Showdown was outstanding! FHSAA member schools went above and beyond to capture and showcase their school and community spirit with this year’s submissions. Every school captured the creativity and passion of their students in their respective videos. Thank you to all member schools who participated in this annual event. Congratulations to Fort Walton Beach High School on winning the 2025 Sunshine State Spirit Showdown. Your exceptional school spirit and sportsmanship have earned you this well-deserved title. As a previous champion in 2022, your continued dedication to fostering a vibrant and supportive community is truly inspiring.”
Bringing the Title Back Home
As champions, Fort Walton Beach will receive a commemorative plaque and a personalized banner—a permanent reminder of the Viking spirit that conquered Florida. A special ceremony will be held to honor the students, fans, and faculty who made this victory possible.
Want to see the Vikings’ electrifying winning submission? Check it out on the FHSAA’s YouTube Channel, along with the incredible videos from the other finalists.
Stay Connected and Keep the Spirit Alive!
Follow @FHSAA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat for more updates. Join the celebration using #FLSquad and show off your Viking pride!
For more details about the Sunshine State Spirit Showdown, visit fhsaa.com.
Congratulations, Fort Walton Beach High School—your spirit is unstoppable!
