Baker School celebrated the grand opening of its new Multipurpose Building, a project funded by the Half-Cent Sales Tax.

• The ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased the school’s talent, featuring performances by the band, cheerleaders, and dance team. The Army JROTC presented the colors, adding a patriotic touch to the event.

Principal Michael Martello and his administrative team led tours of the new 15,430-square-foot Multipurpose Building. In addition to this major project, the school celebrated several other improvements.

The Culinary Arts program received a boost with a Commercial Grade Culinary Classroom Renovation, funded by CTE at a cost of $128,485.87. Attendees at the ceremony had the opportunity to sample refreshments prepared by the school’s culinary students.

• In addition to the new building, the project included a new parking lot and pavilion, costing $900,000 and funded by the half-cent sales tax.

The Army JROTC program also celebrated the installation of new flagpoles at the front of the school. This project, costing approximately $7,500, was made possible through community support.

Contributors to the flagpole project included Adam’s Sanitation, local Veterans’ organizations, and several community leaders. Among the donors were the American Legion Emerald Coast Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution Fort Walton Beach Chapter, Military Order of the World Wars, Northwest Florida Military Officers Association, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

• Individual contributors included John Cahoon, Okaloosa School Board Member Linda Evanchyk, County Commissioner Nathan Boyles, and Dave Parisot.

School officials expressed gratitude to community members, students, staff, Jacobs Titan, and Lord and Sons for their roles in bringing these projects to fruition.