Congratulations to Dune Lakes Elementary School Sandpiper Miss Parker Barnes, in second grade, as her monoprint painting of a monarch butterfly was selected as THE winning art piece from the 2019 Flutterby Arts Festival! Going forward, her artwork will be featured on the event's poster, t-shirts and other promotional pieces for the 2020 Flutterby Arts Festival. Congratulations Parker!
Seahawk Varsity Football won their region quarterfinal game over Marianna and now head to Jacksonville for the region semifinal. They will compete against Bolles in Jacksonville on Friday, November 15, at 7:30 pm.
This past weekend (Nov. 9th), four students from South Walton competed in Speech and Debate at Gulf Breeze High School, arguing questions of public policy or presenting creative interpretations of short stories. Special congratulations to Molly Turner, who placed 1st in Humorous Interpretation.
Pictured, left to right: Molly Turner, Santiago Botero-Echavarria, Forrest Williams (Coach), Ryan Githaiga, and Lorelai Bailey.
Maude Saunders Elementary School pays tribute to our American Veterans in poetry, song, and special recognitions at an awesome Veterans Day program presented by the entire 5th grade! They brought the audience to tears with their meaningful presentation!
“Thank a Vet!”
Walton Middle School gym was filled with Veterans and their families Friday morning, November 8, as the WMS band kicked off the 47th Annual WMS Veterans Day Appreciation program with "Valor March" by Larry Clark. Following a Welcome and Invocation, the Walton High School AFJROTC presented the Colors and Service Flags.
Assistant Principal Scott Hulion read out the names of attending Veterans during a special "Roll Call", with representatives from every branch of U.S. military service. They were recognized and honored with resounding applause by the students, staff and familiy members present.
The WMS Chorus, directed by Lona Robinson, performed the National Anthem and "Thank You, Soldiers", soloist Pruedance Riversa, as a tribute to the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, and their families. "To the soldiers who have traveled on to countries far and near, in peace and war you paid the price for the cause you hold so dear!"
The Walton High School Drill Team presented a Rifle exhibition demonstration, and band students Giavani Castiglione and Jala Thorne performed "Taps" with a moment of silence as a show of remembrance and respect for those who gave their lives for their country. Walton High School JROTC Cadets presented a flag folding ceremony with a narration explaining the significance and meaning of the ceremony.
The 8th Grade Symphonic WMS band, under the direction of Kamber Rafferty, shared a "The Legacy of Heroes", an awe-inspriing work that pays tribute to fallen military heroes by Michael Story.
Principal Jason Campbell introduced guest speaker MAJ Daniel Brown, 1-153 Cavalry Regiment, Florida Army National Guard, who spoke about the importance of remembering those who have given their all for our country. "There are so many brave men and women who have served in a branch of the military, and raised their right hand to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic. The honor of doing so should not be lost on us as Americans."
Following the ceremony and closing remarks by Mr. Campbell, and the retiring of the Colors by the WHS AFJROTC, the Veterans and their families were treated to a special reception hosted by the WMS faculty and students.
Student speakers Emma Lathinghouse, Joseph Gould, Daisy Proffitt, Zayla Wilson, Ellie Clemmons, Paige Allen, Trinity Collins and Cady Robinson did a wonderful job with instroductions, sharing poems and readings, presenting a special candle lighting ceremony, and with the opening invocation and closing benediction.
All in attendance appreciated the hard work and effort on the parts of those who planned and facilitated this very meaningful program!
Mossy Head School and guests gathered together to celebrate and show appreciation for our wonderful Veterans. Mr. Goodman and the Headliners led students and guests in patriotic songs. Two fourth grade students gave excellent speeches about the history and importance of Veteran's Day.
Staff Sergeant Justin Day, a Combat Controller in the U.S. Air Force, was the guest speaker. His story was truly touching and motivating as he shared how he has overcome his near fatal injuries. He continues his work in the Air Force and is a true inspiration.
South Walton High School Girls and Boys Cross Country teams, under the direction of Coach Willie Parker, made it to the Region Championship this week.
