Choctawhatchee High School, home of the Big Green Indians, celebrated the grand opening of its new multipurpose building and redesigned front entry on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in the school’s 72-year history.
- The ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased the latest improvements funded by the voter-approved half-cent sales tax.
Principal Michelle Heck welcomed attendees and expressed enthusiasm about the new facilities. “Our new multipurpose building is going to be used for our students in so many ways,” Heck said. “During the school day, we plan for extra room for our P.E. classes, for performance groups to rehearse, and a large space to serve as a testing center for our students.”
The multipurpose building will also accommodate after-school activities, serving as a practice area for athletic teams and performance groups, as well as a venue for competitions and tournaments. This versatility addresses a long-standing need for additional space to support the school’s diverse programs.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers highlighted the broader impact of the half-cent sales tax on the school district. “We should have raised approximately $72 million. To date, we’ve collected over $114 million,” Chamber said.
- Chambers emphasized that the benefits extend beyond Choctawhatchee High School. Similar facilities are being built or renovated at other schools across Okaloosa County, including Fort Walton Beach High School, Crestview, Baker, Laurel Hill, and Niceville.
The redesigned front entry not only provides a more suitable lobby for visitors but also enhances school safety. Chambers noted that the half-cent sales tax allowed the district to implement single-point entry at every school three years ahead of schedule.
“It’s not just about a beautiful entry. It’s also about safety,” Chambers explained. He added that the improvements go beyond the visible changes, including new flooring, doors, technology, and bathroom renovations throughout the school.
The event featured performances by the school’s jazz band, a component of the Style Marchers, and appearances by various student groups, including JROTC cadets, the dance team, cheerleaders, and athletes representing different sports.
- While some finishing touches are still pending, including the installation of benches and artwork, the new facilities are already in use. The front addition includes a mix of old and newly engraved pavers, with plans to install a totem pole outside the front doors in the coming months.
Principal Heck acknowledged the long-term vision that made this project possible. “I think Mr. [Richard] Bounds and Mrs. [Cindy] Gates and Dr. [Lee] Hale can attest to this envisionment that has been decades in the making,” she said, referencing her predecessors who were present at the ceremony.
The improvements at Choctawhatchee High School are part of a larger district-wide initiative that includes classroom additions, cafeteria upgrades, air conditioning replacements, and improved parking lots and car rider lines at various schools.
As the ceremony concluded, attendees were invited to tour the new facilities and enjoy refreshments, marking a new chapter in Choctawhatchee High School’s history. The event highlighted the commitment to enhancing educational facilities and creating an environment where students can thrive academically, artistically, and athletically.