Not too early to learn in WCSD.  A great day at Bay School to share in the lessons learned in Pre-K like the difference with edible plants, seeds, etc.  Numbers counting and even the identification of excavators and bull dozers with one of the small groups where Superintendent Hughes had an opportunity to share that those machines are on some of our campuses as we are having to expand, build, and renovate.  Growth is happening academically and structurally in the WCSD.  Never too early to learn what it takes to Make School Happen and the joy of knowing this learning will be putto use by our students before our very eyes.  This is the Why!  EPIC is the Way.  Thanks Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Green and the entire Bay Tram for the extraordinary work being done to give our students the Best Start Possible on this educational journey. 

In adjacent rooms at VRB we have the necessary work of teachers in the MTSS Process to make sure students are getting what they need.  In the other room we have the notorious work and extraordinary practices in classrooms exhibited by Music Teacher Mr. Browne who has created a stage of the entire classroom for students to experience their work in a self-made studio and perform at their very best; always performing at their highest level!  Superintendent Hughes enjoyed the impromptu show by the students and the enriching conversation with hard working and compassionate teachers!

On January 15, Tinsley Abbott became the first Walton High School student to receive The Taylor Haugen Trophy.  

The Trophy is awarded each winter in conjunction with the All Sports Association at the annual All Sports Association FCA breakfast. Taylor was a member of the Niceville Eagles Football and Wrestling Teams as well as being an Honor Student at Niceville High School. He was comfortably expressive about his faith in God and showed it through his commitment to volunteer work in his church and community. The Trophy is awarded to an area athlete who best demonstrates a similar balance between academics, athleticism, leadership, community service and faith. As well as exemplifying T’s character traits, the Trophy winner embodies his motto of “Don’t Quit… Never Give Up.” The Foundation hopes to recognize those well-rounded individuals who demonstrate the perseverance to improve themselves in all aspects of their life while enjoying God’s gifts to the fullest. 

The annual Trophy winner receives a $1,000 scholarship and a bronze trophy that stands 26” tall, weighs 35lbs, and is a hand sculptured eagle taking to flight on a ribbon of air as inspired by Isaiah 40: 30-32. 

In order to be nominated for this award, a student must be a senior at an Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, or Walton County high school. Each school gets 1 nominee. The nominee must be an athlete who has participated in a FHSAA sport and must have 3.5 or higher unweighted GPA. The nominee must be an active participant in community service and must be planning to attend a four year accredited college. 

Walton High School is proud of the way Tinsley models our school theme, Pride in Performance. Limitless and Relentless. She is a leader on our campus and we can not think of a more deserving student for this award!