There were 62 applicants for this year’s Walton Education Foundation classroom grant project. Over $61,000 worth of items were requested. The Foundation selected 29 grants provided with private funds from CHELCO, Alys Beach Foundation, SunTrust Bank, Publix, and their annual Apple Classic 5K and 10K fundraiser, as well as matching funds from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.

We are excited to announce WHS teachers, Ms. Stephenson and Ms. Corales, were awarded one of these grants (for $1500), which allowed them to purchase 180 books for their classroom libraries.

Congratulations, Ms. Stephenson and Ms. Corales! We know your students are anxious to get their hands on these new books!

Submitted by Christy English.

West DeFuniak Elementary is pleased to announce that Tammy Goodman has been awarded a grant from the Emerald Coast Post of the Society of Amerian Military Engineers.  Ms. Traci DeWar, grant coordinator,  was on-hand to present the grant check.  Out of thirty-one applicants eleven grants were awarded.  Mrs. Goodman's grant titled "Taking Flight" revolves around inspiring students to learn more about the field of aerospace engineering. Students will be learning to fly unmanned aerial vehicles and challenged to extend their knowledge through STEM related books. Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

On Friday, December 8, 2017, three Walton County High School Leadership classes participated in a Mock Trial at the Walton County Courthouse.  Freeport High, South Walton High and Walton High each had students who experienced the roles of Prosecuting Attorney, Defense Attorney, or Witness for the Mock Trial of Frances Mallory v. Taylor Smith.  Participants enlisted the assistance of local attorneys in our area in preparation for the Mock Trial.  Judge Kelvin Wells presided while four judges observed the proceedings.  The four judges were Dan Marcinkowski, retired lawyer; Bailey Rushing, Walton County Public Defender’s Office;  Matthew Richardson, Walton County State Attorney Office; and Cindy Anderson, Emerald Coast Technical College and former Paralegal. A special thank you is extended to each judge for their participation in this event. 

Walton High School won the overall school award after three rounds and received a trophy for their accomplishment.  Certificates were also awarded for Best Witness for the Defense, Best Witness for the Plaintiff, Best Prosecution Attorney, and Best Defense Attorney.  Those were awarded as follows:

Best Witness for the Defense:
William Huff (far left)
Kayla “Cheyenne” Cordle (third from left)
(pictured with Dan Marcinkowski and Cindy Anderson)

Best Witness for the Plaintiff:
Aniston Grabowski (third from left)
William “Billy” Hubbard (second from left)
(pictured with Dan Marcinkowski and Cindy Anderson)

Prosecution Attorney:
William Campbell (far left)
Jessie Messer (second from left)
(pictured with Dan Marcinkowski and Cindy Anderson)

Defense Attorney:
Krislynn McLaney (far left)
Sarah Jackson (third from left)
(pictured with Dan Marcinkowski and Cindy Anderson)

FHS Leadership class with Judge Kelvin Wells (back center) and instructor, Jamey Goddin (far right).

SWHS Leadership class with Judge Kelvin Wells (back center) and instructor, Mandy Rodriguez (far right).

WHS Leadership class with Judge Kelvin Wells (back center) and instructor, Kelley Stephenson (far right).

Submitted by Donna Honish.

Congratulations to the 2017-2018 Teacher and Educational Support Personnel of the Year! 

Teacher of the Year: Mr. Dan Bump (7th Grade Civics)

ESP of the Year: Ms. Kim Dier (Paraprofessional)

Submitted by Chelsea Ellison.