Nine Youth Leadership students came together on September 5, 2017, at Freeport High School to compete in the Florida Farm Bureau speech competition for Walton County.  Three students from Freeport High School, South Walton High School and Walton High School each competed in the competition.  The topic for this speech was "Today's food companies employ many tactics including food labels to gain a marketing edge. How can farmers and ranchers ensure that consumers understand these labels and have more confidence in the safety and quality of their food?"  

First place went to Shelbee Castrillo of Walton High, second place went to Kayla “Cheyenne” Cordle of Walton High and third place went to Jenna Martin of Freeport High.  Shelbee Castrillo will move on to the Regional Competition in Chipley, FL on September 14, 2017.  Congratulations to these students and Good Luck to Shelbee at Regionals as she represents Walton County.

Pictured left to right are Bill Fletcher (judge), Shelbee Castrillo (WHS), Kayla “Cheyenne” Cordle (WHS), Jenna Martin (FHS), and Mandy Ray (judge).

Pictured left to right below are Bill Fletcher (judge), Sydney Olson (SWHS), Taylor Collier (SWHS), Shelbee Castrillo (WHS), Kayla “Cheyenne” Cordle (WHS), Rileigh Council (WHS), Jenna Martin (FHS), Tori Watts (FHS), Ethan Parker (FHS) and Mandy Ray (judge).  Not pictured is Katie Pickers (SWHS).

In an effort to increase communication and understanding of both curriculum and procedures, teachers at Van R. Butler hosted parent meetings at Open House. There was a huge turnout for the event which was enjoyed by all! Submitted by Tammy Smith.