Cox Communications honored 38 students from across Okaloosa County during the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards, held May 13 at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.
- The students were recognized for demonstrating strength, resilience and perseverance while overcoming significant personal hardships, including medical challenges, family loss and difficult personal circumstances. Each student was selected by a committee of school leaders for showing measurable improvement and positively influencing those around them.
“These students embody perseverance and hope, despite facing significant challenges in their young lives. Their stories remind us of the remarkable strength found in our young people,” said David Deliman, Cox Gulf Coast market vice president. “We’re proud to partner with the Okaloosa County School District to honor these students and remain committed to supporting the educators, families and communities who help inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the honorees and Cox’s continued investment in local students.
- “Our Cox Inspirational Student Heroes represent the very best of Okaloosa County. Each of these students has faced challenges with courage, determination, and resilience, and their stories are a powerful reminder that adversity does not define a person’s future,” Chambers said. “I want to thank Cox Communications for continuing to recognize and celebrate these remarkable young people and for their longstanding commitment to supporting students and public education in our community.”
During the ceremony, each honoree received a personalized engraved medallion and certificates of honor from Cox, U.S. Sens. Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis, state Sens. Don Gaetz and Jay Trumbull, and state Reps. Nathan Boyles, Patt Maney and Michelle Salzman.
The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners also recently ratified a proclamation recognizing May 2026 as Cox Inspirational Student Hero Month in Okaloosa County.
The 2026 honorees are:
- Jarell Gray, Antioch Elementary School
- Brian Caporaletti, Baker School
- Ayden Bauridl, Bluewater Elementary School
- Donald Brooks, Bob Sikes Elementary School
- Emmett Brown, Bruner Middle School
- Fernando Alvarenga, Choctawhatchee High School
- Isabelle Rushing, Collegiate High School at NWFSC
- Brynn Brown, Crestview High School
- Joseph “Joey” Arrington, Davidson Middle School
- Chase McCraine, Destin Elementary School
- Douglas Dos Reis Ferreira, Destin Middle School
- Taylor Rae Tucker, Edge Elementary School
- Chase Brazzell, Edwins Elementary School
- Charles O’Connell, Eglin Elementary School
- Victoria “Tori” Morales, Elliott Point Elementary School
- G’ohnny Johnson, Florosa Elementary School
- Nathan Jucha, Fort Walton Beach High School
- Flynn Olcsvary, Kenwood Elementary School
- Kade Webster, Laurel Hill School
- Kristopher Fortson, Lewis School
- Emmanuel “Manny” Grice, Longwood Elementary School
- Destiny Hart, Mary Esther Elementary School
- Zujeily Calderon-Arias, Meigs Middle School
- Nicholas “Nick” Nolin, Niceville High School
- Gwen Lovell, Northwest Florida Ballet Academie
- Jayden Worthy-Pittman, Northwood Elementary School
- Joey Hopton, Okaloosa STEMM Academy
- Leona Tipton, Plew Elementary School
- Avianna Baker Lott, Pryor Middle School
- Josue’ Velasco, Richbourg School
- Londyn McCray, Riverside Elementary School
- Mac Skelley, Ruckel Middle School
- Farah Mehio, Shalimar Elementary School
- Adoni Quinteros, Shoal River Middle School
- Jeramiah Laird, Silver Sands School
- Scarlett Gavin, Southside Primary School
- Noah Toney, Walker Elementary School
- Siarrah Davis, Wright Elementary School
The Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program began more than three decades ago in New Orleans. Since its inception, Cox has recognized more than 5,200 students across its southeastern markets.
