Fort Walton Beach High School claimed the title of best student section in Florida on Monday, winning the 2025 Sunshine State Spirit Showdown.
- “Our student section is unmatched and has been for decades,” said Principal Lindsey Smith following the announcement.
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) announced Fort Walton Beach as the champion after evaluating submissions from three finalist schools, including local rival Choctawhatchee High School and Bishop Kenny High School of Jacksonville.
This marks the second time Fort Walton Beach has won the competition, having previously claimed the title in 2022.
- “The pride in the Vikings is felt throughout our building all day everyday, so of course that bleeds into the student sections not only at football games, but at basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and countless other venues,” Smith said.
The FHSAA’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee evaluated the entries based on sportsmanship, participation, organization of students and spirit conveyed through video submissions. Fan votes via social media also contributed to the final scores.
“Every school captured the creativity and passion of their students in their respective videos,” said Craig Damon, Executive Director of the FHSAA. “Congratulations to Fort Walton Beach High School on winning the 2025 Sunshine State Spirit Showdown.”
Smith emphasized the community aspect of the school’s spirit: “One thing I am most proud of is how our faculty, staff, and students lift each other up and support one another in all their activities, academics, and athletics.”
The competition, established in 2014, aims to promote positive sportsmanship and celebrate school spirit among FHSAA member schools.
“We are a family at the Fort and our spirit and unwavering commitment to the red and blue is the heartbeat of that family. Go Vikings!” Smith added.
Fort Walton Beach will receive a commemorative plaque and personalized banner from the FHSAA to honor their achievement.
