Submitted by Heather Hester/FB.

Art departments at Freeport Elementary School, Walton Middle School, Emerald Coast Middle School, Paxton High School, and Freeport High School received recognition and a $100 award check for their participation in the Building Industry Association of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. 

Rain Barrels were provided by the @BIAOkaloosaWalton, and painted with creative designs. They were auctioned off during the annual Parade of Homes and the proceeds went toward a special scholarship program for students looking for careers in the building industry, as well as back in the form of an award to the participating schools. A rain barrel is a system that collects and stores rainwater from your rooftop that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. A rain barrel is relatively simple and inexpensive to construct and can sit conveniently under a residential gutter down spout, or any spot where rain runs off of the roof. The water collected can be used to water plants, gardens, wash the car, and any number of usages that don't require sterile water. 

Mr. Alan Baggett, Executive Vice-President of the made the presentation.  Pictured are Kim Kirby, school board member; Alan Baggett, BIAOW, Jason Campbell accepting the award for Kaitlyn Arnold, art teacher at WMS; Jennifer Rhea, art teacher at ECMS; Corinne Wilson, art teacher at Paxton; Laurie Hudson, art teacher at FES; and Superintendent Hughes.

Picture on Left - Freeport High School’s Gabriel Garrett excelled in his Automation and Production Tech class to obtain his Certified Production Technician Certification, or CPT, in record time. He was the first freshman to complete the CPT. This achievement is even more significant due to the fact that Gabriel has a visual impairment and utilized adaptive technology during all aspects of the curriculum. After graduation in 2020 Gabriel wants to pursue a degree in some field of engineering. Pictured with instructor, Ted Missildine.

Picture on Top Right - Scott Howard, a senior in the manufacturing and pre-engineering academy at Freeport High School, has earned his Certified Production Technician certificate. Scott says " I want to pursue a career in the automotive field. The CPT skills I have learned will continue to help me in problem solving and maintenance as I move into my future career." Pictured with instructor, Ted Missildine.

Picture on Bottom Right - Megan Altman (left) and Emily Phillips, both sophomores at Freeport High School, have completed their Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certified Production Technician certification. Megan was the first female to finish the CPT, followed closely by her friend and classmate Emily, at FHS. Both Megan and Emily hope to continue their future education in manufacturing and engineering.

Congratulations to each of these students!  Submitted by Patty Woodard.