SCHOOL

15 Pryor Middle School students embrace leadership roles for a day

Fifteen students at Pryor Middle School had the opportunity to step into leadership roles on Friday, April 26, 2024, as part of an initiative led by longtime educator Ms. Gloria Parish. 

• The students, who typically wear Pryor Middle School shirts as part of their uniform, dressed up in a mix of shirts, ties, slacks, and dresses to show their commitment to their new responsibilities.

The day began with the student leaders greeting their peers as they got off the bus, a task usually handled by school staff. They then took on the role of hall monitors, ensuring that their fellow students adhered to the dress code and arrived to class on time.

“This morning, they took on part of our duties that we do each and every day,” said Ms. Parish, who has been overseeing bus duty for over 30 years. She divided the students into two groups, assigning them to each bus, and praised their excellent performance.

The selection process for the student leaders involved input from teachers across all grade levels, as well as school counselors. The chosen students were those who consistently demonstrated good behavior, timely attendance, and a willingness to take on challenges in the classroom.

Ms. Parish also worked with school counselors to identify students who had overcome difficulties and turned their behavior around. 

• “I wanted to identify students that were either getting into trouble or had a hard time in the classroom but worked hard to turn it around, because they earned that,” she said.

The students selected included:

• Bella Hughes 
• Kenisley Davis
• Mia Arias
• Avery Thigpen
• Kadalina Bledsoe
• Libny Valle 
• Danika Fears
• Antony Lopez
• Jackie Garza
• Swanee Diaz
• Eric Garcia
• Kevin Bravo
• Preston Graham 
• Andry Cisneros
• Ethan Hulett 

The impact of this leadership opportunity on the students was significant. “When I first called them in the room, you should have seen their faces. They were just shocked because they felt that nobody cared enough for them to give them the opportunity to do something like this,” Ms. Parish shared.

The initiative not only boosted the students’ confidence but also showed them that their school community cared about their growth and success. Ms. Parish hopes that this program will continue in the future, with 8th graders leading 7th graders and 7th graders leading 6th graders.

Three 8th grade students who participated in the leadership program shared their experiences and thoughts on their relationship with Ms. Parish. Avery Thigpen, one of the student leaders, described their morning duties, saying, “This morning, we opened the gates for the bus ramp, and we let all the students out of the bus, and we said good morning to them.”

For Bella Hughes, this was her first year participating in the program, and remembered last year’s leadership students. When asked what made her want to be a part of the initiative, she replied, “I really just wanted to be a leader, and I wanted to be part of something like this.” She found the experience of talking to students and ensuring they were in dress code to be enjoyable and fun.

Preston Graham, another student leader, shared his motivation for joining the program in his final year at Pryor. 

• “I felt like for eighth grade, I should do what I’m able to do for my last year at Pryor,” he explained. When asked about how it felt to be dressed up for the occasion, Preston stated, “to be honest, it made me feel professional.”

The student leaders also expressed their appreciation for Ms. Parish and the relationships they have built with her. Avery described her as “really kind and understanding and tries to make great connections with the students.” 

Bella shared that she has grown close to Ms. Parish over the past year, stating, “She’s been very caring and she honestly is like a grandmother to me. When I need something I can come to her and she also talks to me about a lot of stuff. I feel like we have a really good relationship.”

• Preston added, “She’s a really honest person. If I need help, she’ll help me out.” Bella further described Ms. Parish’s personality, saying, “She’s always has high energy and always brings up the mood. She’s really goofy at times. It’s really fun being around her. She’s a big personality.”

For Ms. Parish, it was another year of being incredibly proud of her students at Pryor Middle School.

• “I was watching them and I was just blown away at what was taking place,” she said. “These are students at Pryor Middle School that took on administrative jobs and did what they had to do this morning.”

“This program continues to be a fantastic opportunity for students to become leaders and set an amazing example for their classmates,” said Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers. “Ms. Gloria Parish is an absolutely dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond to inspire her students to succeed both academically and in life with her vast knowledge, genuine love, and endless encouragement.”

FROM THE STATE

DeSantis announces record-setting 103-day Gulf red snapper season for 2024

Governor Ron DeSantis has announced the largest Gulf red snapper season in Florida’s history since the state assumed management of the fishery.

• The 2024 season will span a total of 103 days, surpassing the previous record set in 2023.

The Governor was set to make his announcement in Destin yesterday, but the severe weather prevented him from landing at the airport.

In a video announcement, Governor DeSantis emphasized the state’s commitment to managing the Gulf red snapper population based on “accurate data,” ensuring that anglers have ample opportunities to enjoy this popular pastime.

The governor expressed his dissatisfaction with the federal government’s management of the Atlantic red snapper season, which he believes is not consistent with the abundance of fish in the Gulf.

• “Since I’ve been governor, I’ve told our guys that we need to expand opportunities for anglers to be able to do Gulf red snapper,” DeSantis said in the video. “We are going to have, by far, the largest Gulf red snapper season in the history of Florida, since we have assumed the management of this.”

The 2024 Gulf red snapper season will be open for the entire months of June and July, providing anglers with a substantial window.

Additionally, fishing will be permitted every weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) in September, October, and November, with extended days during Veterans Day weekend and Thanksgiving, according to DeSantis.

• September 1–2 (Sunday through Monday of Labor Day Weekend)
• September 6–8
• September 13–15
• September 20–22
• September 27–29
• October 4–6
• October 11–13
• October 18–20
• October 25–27
• November 1–3
• November 8–11 (Veteran’s Day Weekend)
• November 15–17
• November 22–24 
• November 28–30 (Thursday through Saturday of Thanksgiving Weekend) 

Governor DeSantis expressed hope that the state will eventually assume management of the Atlantic red snapper season as well, providing anglers on the east coast of Florida with similar opportunities.

“But in the meantime, enjoy this record-breaking Gulf red snapper season for 103 days. Just a few years ago, nobody thought that was possible,” he said.

THINGS TO DO

World’s Greatest Baby Shower coming to Fort Walton Beach

The Healthy Start Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties is set to host the World’s Greatest Baby Shower on Tuesday, May 21st, at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center on Okaloosa Island.

• The event, which will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., is designed to cater to expectant parents, new parents who have had a baby since November 2023, and their families.

The event will feature up to 50 informative exhibits covering a wide range of topics, including parenting, prenatal health, new baby care, and community resources. Attendees can also look forward to numerous prizes, guest swag bags, and light refreshments.

Admission to the World’s Greatest Baby Shower is free, and no pre-registration is required for guests. However, businesses and organizations interested in showcasing their products or services to hundreds of new and expecting parents can still take advantage of exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities.

The Healthy Start Coalition, a nonprofit organization led by a volunteer board of directors, is part of a state-wide system of coalitions that provide services to pregnant women and their babies.

• The organization aims to support and educate new and expectant parents through events like the World’s Greatest Baby Shower.

For more information about the event, interested parties can call 850-833-9284 or visit the Healthy Start Coalition’s website at www.healthystartokawalton.org.

SCHOOL

Team Okaloosa triumphs at State Academic Challenge

Team Okaloosa, a group of eight talented high school students, has secured first place in the prestigious Commissioner’s Academic Challenge (CAC) held from April 10-13. The team outshined ten Division 2 teams to claim the state championship title.

The CAC, a tradition since 1986, is Florida’s premier academic competition that tests participants in various subjects, including language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, world languages, physical education, health, and technology.

• Team Okaloosa’s victory was based on their performance in subject matter tests and evaluations of their collaborative problem-solving skills.

The team members, representing various high schools in the area, brought diverse strengths to the competition. The team included:

• Christopher Seeling – Senior, Rocky Bayou Christian School
• Scarlett Stevens – Senior, Rocky Bayou Christian School
• Michael Mosley – Senior, Rocky Bayou Christian School
• William Kyker – Junior, Fort Walton Beach High School
• Adam Jarvis – Senior, Niceville High School
• Brynne Massey – Junior, Collegiate High School
• Cassandra Price – Junior, Niceville High School
• Asher Newcomer – Freshman, Choctawhatchee High School

Lisa Nall, the district academic team coordinator, and Dr. Michael Mosley & Julie Mosley from Rocky Bayou Christian School served as the team’s coaches, providing guidance and support throughout the competition.

The victory at the CAC not only rewards these young scholars with scholarships, championship rings, trophies, and medallions but also bestows upon them the honor of representing academic excellence for their schools and community.

TRAFFIC

White Point Road and Lakeshore Drive to close on Saturday afternoons for tourist season

Okaloosa County has announced that White Point Road and Lakeshore Drive in Niceville will be closed to through traffic on Saturday afternoons starting May 25, 2024, to alleviate congestion and maintain traffic safety during the busy tourist season.

• The closure will be in effect from approximately noon to 6 p.m. every Saturday through August 31, 2024.

This annual measure, which takes place from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is aimed at managing the increased southbound tourism traffic that often diverts from State Road 293 into residential neighborhoods.

Planning authorities emphasize that the start and end times of the closure may vary slightly due to fluctuations in traffic volume. To ensure motorists are well-informed, message boards will be placed along State Road 20 and State Road 293, alerting drivers of the temporary closure.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputies will be responsible for managing the seasonal closure and patrolling the affected areas, according to the county. Residents and visitors are advised to plan their routes accordingly and expect possible delays during the closure hours on Saturdays.

The county’s decision to implement this seasonal closure aims to strike a balance between accommodating the influx of tourists and maintaining the safety and quality of life for residents in the affected neighborhoods along White Point Road and Bluewater Bay.

TRAFFIC

Okaloosa Island motorists to expect new Highway 98 lane configuration near Brooks Bridge

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced that drivers on Okaloosa Island should prepare for a new configuration of the U.S. 98 travel lanes near Brooks Bridge.

• The shift is necessary to accommodate the construction of the new westbound Brooks Bridge structure and approach.

In preparation for the southward shift of the U.S. 98 travel lanes, crews are currently constructing a new temporary roadway adjacent to the eastbound lanes. The process involves grading and compacting piles of black baserock before laying asphalt for the temporary roadway.

The new traffic configuration is expected to be implemented this month, allowing construction to progress on the $171-million Brooks Bridge replacement project.

• The project aims to replace the current four-lane bridge, which opened in 1966, with two new parallel bridges that will increase capacity to six travel lanes.

The Brooks Bridge replacement project is estimated to be completed by summer 2027. Drivers are advised to stay informed about the upcoming changes to the U.S. 98 travel lanes and to exercise caution when navigating the construction zone.