School

Fort Walton Beach High School Teacher named as finalist for prestigious state award

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Okaloosa Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers announced that a local educator, Mrs. Jacqueline Sheffield, has been named one of three finalists for the State of Florida’s Presidential […]

Jared Williams

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Okaloosa Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers announced that a local educator, Mrs. Jacqueline Sheffield, has been named one of three finalists for the State of Florida’s Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST).

This prestigious award is the highest national honor for teachers in the fields of mathematics, science, and computer science.

Since 1983, more than 4,700 educators have been recognized for their outstanding contributions in the classroom and to their profession. Awardees serve as role models for their colleagues, inspirations to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

Mrs. Sheffield, a Fort Walton Beach High School (FWBHS) alumna, has been teaching at her alma mater for over twenty years. Known for her dedication to student success, she continually pushes her students to excel and serves as an outstanding mentor to her fellow teachers.

Superintendent Chambers made a surprise visit to Mrs. Sheffield’s classroom to recognize her achievement and present her with a District Challenge Coin. In his statement, Chambers expressed his pride in Mrs. Sheffield’s accomplishments and highlighted the importance of the award, which honors teachers who possess deep subject matter knowledge and the ability to inspire and enable their students to succeed.

“She has always been an excellent educator and mentor to fellow teachers, and I’m proud that she is a finalist for this award,” he said.

The winners of the PAEMST award will be announced later this summer by the state. If Mrs. Sheffield claims the top honor, she will represent Florida on the national stage, joining an esteemed group of teachers recognized for their excellence in mathematics and science education.

“It is a great honor, and I know Mrs. Sheffield is a great candidate to represent the state nationally,” added Chambers.

Side note: Mrs. Sheffield was my homeroom teacher during my time at Fort Walton Beach High School. As someone who struggled with math, she was always willing to look at the assignments and offer help during homeroom, after school or even study hall. Congrats to Mrs. Sheffield!!

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Giving Back, School

Okaloosa County students raise thousands for foster children through Change for Children Campaign

School

Okaloosa County School District joins 2026 summer feeding program

Sports

The best of 2025-26: A look back at the top 15 Okaloosa & Walton sports highlights

School

Okaloosa County School District celebrates 2026 Project SEARCH graduates

Richard Bails commented on Reps. Maney and Boyles voice concerns over property tax amendment approved for November ballot

“Tax the rich and the rich go away and no longer pay taxes. The top 5% of earners pay about 60% of all taxes. Do you really lose 60% of...”

Respond

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: June 9, 2026

“1:40......5 attempts”

JIm Graber commented on Reps. Maney and Boyles voice concerns over property tax amendment approved for November ballot

“Schools, Police and Fire/Rescue are all protected in the proposed amendment. In Volusia County, the 2027 tax levels would reduce aggregate govt income by 6.5%, most of which are discretionary...”

Howard Levins commented on Reps. Maney and Boyles voice concerns over property tax amendment approved for November ballot

“This is a horrible bill as we will have another tax to fund fire, law and so forth. People think before you vote. You may get a relief on property...”

didierjuges commented on Fort Walton Beach council to weigh school speed cameras, budget cap, dispatch proposal Tuesday

“It's always the same answer: revenue stream.”

Bobbi Davis commented on Reps. Maney and Boyles voice concerns over property tax amendment approved for November ballot

“Oh, by the way, this proposal does not go to the Governor - it's a constitutional amendment and will be on the ballot for the November 2026 election”

“Y'all both disappoint me. I agree with Ray - Are either of you up for re-election?”

ray sullivan commented on Reps. Maney and Boyles voice concerns over property tax amendment approved for November ballot

“DeSantis is actually trying to do something as opposed to 25 more years of "study". People are tired of the waste and fraud in government. For better or worse, social...”

Donna L Davis commented on Okaloosa County School District celebrates 2026 Project SEARCH graduates

“What skills did they learn? What are the job opportunities that opened up for them?”

Samantha Lambert commented on Fort Walton Beach council to weigh school speed cameras, budget cap, dispatch proposal Tuesday

“Most cities only have the school speed zone cameras set up for when students are arriving in the morning and leaving in the afternoon. I don’t understand why they are...”