On Wednesday, April 12, 2017, three area Walton County School District high schools participated in a Shark Tank experience with the assistance of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce.  Each of the high schools developed a new business and business plan that was presented to members of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce for judging and feedback.  Freeport High School participants; Martha Freeman, Ceanna Thomaston and Kathryn Dier presented a business plan for Sweet Buns on the Run.  Walton High School participants; Melanie Nowell, Will Huff and Joey Wilkerson presented a business plan for the Country Side Cookery. South Walton High School participants; Ben Balfanz, Matt Garrett and Greg Garrett presented a business plan for the Beach Box.  The presentations included a business description, marketing and industry analysis, sales and marketing strategies, management, and financials.  Students were also judged on creativity, professionalism, grammar/spelling, and each member’s participation.  The students gained valuable knowledge from the Chamber Members through the feedback they were provided at the end of the presentations.  Special thanks to Megan Harrison, Chamber President/CEO and to Gabrielle Kilgore, Event Coordinator for organizing this worthwhile event for Walton County students to experience. Submitted by Donna Honish.

Main Article Picture includes left to right: Mrs. Kelley Stephenson - WHS Instructor, Matt Garrett, Mrs. Donna Honish - WCSD (back), Greg Garrett, Mrs. Shelly Hinojosa - SWHS Instructor (front), Ben Balfanz, Joey Wilkerson, Will Huff, Melanie Nowell, Martha Freeman, Mr. Jamey Goddin - FHS Instructor (back), Ceanna Thomaston, Kathryn Dier, Megan Dunaway, and Wendy McCormick. 

Pictured above left to right: Greg Garrett (SWHS), Ben Balfanz (SWHS), Matt Garrett (SWHS), Martha Freeman (FHS), Ceanna Thomaston (FHS), Kathryn Dier (FHS), Melanie Nowell (WHS), Joey Wilkerson (WHS), and Will Huff (WHS)

SWHS Youth Leadership Students

WHS Youth Leadership Students

FHS Youth Leadership Students

WDE is "BUZZING with Excitement." Recently, Mrs. Katie Adams, a 4th grade teacher at WDE, received a grant for a bee hive from The Bee Cause. This project has provided hives for 220 schools in 46 states and 4 countries. Through this exciting project students will have the opportunity to learn about the natural world in a unique way and will be challenged by STEM activities. We are grateful to NoWal Farms of DeFuniak Springs for providing the bees. We welcome students and parents to stop by the media center to see what's buzzing. Books, posters, and interesting facts are ready to help answer your questions. Find out more information about The Bee Cause at www.thebeecause.org. Submitted by Jessica Dawkins.

The 6^th Annual Rosemary Beach Foundation - Music in Pictures arts in education initiative and juried art contest celebrates the music of five diverse composers: Leo Delibes, Igor Stravinsky, Astor Piazzolla, Aaron Copland and Phillip Glass.  Over 4,000 students from 17 Walton County Schools* listened to and visually interpreted classical music.  Their artwork was entered into a juried competition for public exhibition. This year, 403 paintings are on display from March 13 – April 22, 2017 at 3 locations: Amavida Coffee & Tea (Rosemary Beach®), The South Walton County Coastal Branch Library (Santa Rosa Beach) and Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast (Miramar Beach)

Created in collaboration with professional musicians and Florida State University Faculty, Music in Pictures also includes classical performances, classroom presentations, and professional development workshops for teachers. 

The Music in Pictures Awards Ceremony will be held Sunday, April 30, 2017, at 2 pm.  Festivities will include student artwork slideshow, and awards presentation.

 Submitted by Keitha Bledsoe.