Fort Walton Beach, Choctaw compete for ‘best student section’ in Florida

The Florida High School Athletic Association's annual competition spotlights student sections from across the state, with Fort Walton Beach and Choctawhatchee High Schools among three finalists.

Jared Williams

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Rivals Fort Walton Beach and Choctawhatchee High School have advanced as finalists in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Sunshine State Spirit Showdown, competing to be named the state’s best student section.

The two Okaloosa County schools, along with Bishop Kenny High School from Jacksonville, are the only schools selected for this year’s competition, which recognizes outstanding student spirit and sportsmanship.

Public voting opened February 12 and continues through February 27 at 5 p.m. The FHSAA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee will review the submissions on March 3, with the winner to be announced the same day. The champion will receive a plaque and banner from FHSAA.

Students from both local schools submitted video entries showcasing their spirit sections, which are available for viewing on the FHSAA’s YouTube channel. Fans can cast their votes through a JotForm link provided below each video.

Vote form

Lake Howell High School won the competition last year. The winner will be determined through a combination of public votes and evaluation by the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.