SPORTS

Choctawhatchee High School student athlete Bailey Gable earns Naval Academy appointment

Bailey Gable, a graduating senior at Choctawhatchee High School, has earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy after receiving a nomination from Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Gable, who has lived in the same house in Shalimar her entire life, credits her success to the support of her parents, community and the lessons she learned as a student athlete. 

• Throughout her high school career, Gable participated in indoor and beach volleyball, girls weightlifting, and eight extracurricular clubs.

“I think that sports has taught me everything I know about leading and not necessarily just the sport itself, but the people that I got to interact with as a result of being involved in the sport,” Gable said. “It’s been so huge for me in my development.”

Gable’s athletic achievements include placing sixth in the state for weightlifting and earning the Best All Around Athlete award her junior year and Most Valuable Player her senior year for volleyball. She was also involved in student government, class office, inter-club council, global perspectives, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Key Club, Science Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society.

Managing her time between academics, sports, and extracurricular activities was challenging but rewarding for Gable. 

• “It was a lot of late nights, but a lot of time management and a lot of sacrifice,” she explained. “I can’t make it to this thing today, so I’ll have to make it next week…things like that.”

To begin her journey to the Naval Academy, Gable reached out to graduates from Niceville High School who were attending the Air Force Academy to gain insight into the application process. She also extensively researched the Naval Academy website to familiarize herself with the required steps and checklist.

A pivotal moment in Gable’s decision to pursue the Naval Academy was attending the institution’s summer seminar in June. This week-long experience provided her with a firsthand look at the life of a midshipman, participating in activities such as physical training and other aspects of student life. 

• “It was really great to see the life of a midshipman,” Gable said. “And I just fell in love with it.”

To secure a nomination, an essential component of the application process, Gable submitted her application packet in November. She then underwent a rigorous interview process before a panel of six individuals. “They had some really thought-provoking questions that I was definitely not prepared for,” Gable recalled.

Gable navigated the Naval Academy application process independently, relying on the support of her parents, community and the resources available on the academy’s website.

“I would say I was pretty independent, but there was so much help from our community, especially the people at Choctaw. So I never really felt like I was on my own,” Gable said.

As she prepares to graduate on Thursday night and begin her journey at the Naval Academy, Gable offers advice to her underclassmen: 

• “The biggest thing is realizing that nothing you go through is ever about you. Any hardship that you face, it’s not necessarily about how it affects you, but it’s about how it teaches you, what it teaches you and how you can use that to help the next person.”

Gable plans to pursue a career in naval aviation and is excited for the opportunities that await her at the Naval Academy.

SPORTS

Makala Sims secures first-ever girls’ state javelin title for Fort Walton Beach High School

Makala Sims, a junior at Fort Walton Beach High School, won the FHSAA 3A Girls Javelin State Championship with a throw of 38.25 meters (125 feet, 6 inches).

• Sims’s victory marks the first time a Fort Walton Beach High School female athlete has won the state title in the javelin event.

Sims’s journey to becoming a state champion began in her freshman year when she sustained a hip injury as a sprinter on the school’s track and field team. Coach Lissette Fields devised a plan to keep Sims engaged with the team by transitioning her to throwing events, starting with the shot put and progressing to the discus.

With the guidance of her throwing coach, Sims eventually took up the javelin and qualified for the state championship as a freshman, placing 15th.

As a sophomore, Sims built on her success and took second place at the 2023 FHSAA Girls 3A Javelin State Championship.

• “Sophomore year, she went back to sprinting and long jumping and kept with javelin making it to state again and placing 2nd overall out of the first flight – traditionally second flight is the better flight!” Coach Lissette Fields said.

In her junior year, she challenged herself by joining the cross country team and helping the soccer team reach the regional semifinal before focusing on the javelin.

At the 2024 state championship, Sims’s best throw of 38.25 meters secured her the title, with Rebecca Van’t Hoff of Barron Collier High School taking second place with a mark of 36.33 meters (119 feet, 2 inches).

• Sims’s teammate, Yasmin Lott, finished fifth with a throw of 35.34 meters (115 feet, 11 inches).

Throughout her high school career, Sims has maintained a 3.5 GPA, exemplifying the qualities of a dedicated student-athlete.

Looking ahead, Coach Fields has high hopes for Sims’s future in the javelin event.

“Makala is an athlete through and through as is evident by her success in any sport or event she does,” added Coach Fields. “We are hoping that Makala will be our first ever repeat state champion next year 2025!!”

SPORTS

Niceville High School boys track team secures fourth consecutive state title

The Niceville High School boys and girls track and field teams showcased their talent and determination at the 2024 FHSAA Class 4A & Para-Athlete State Championships held at the University of North Florida Hodges Stadium on May 18, 2024. 

• The boys team emerged as co-champions, tying with Columbus High School with an impressive 70 points, while the girls team secured a commendable third-place finish with 42 points.

Going into the meet, Head Coach Todd Brigman said the focus for the boys team was on placement, particularly in events where both Niceville and Columbus had athletes competing. 

• “It was Columbus that we needed to beat,” said Coach Zee White, adding that the main objective was to always have a Niceville athlete finish ahead of a Columbus competitor.

The Eagles’ success was driven by standout performances across various events. In the javelin throw, Aidan Broussard defended his state title with a mark of 59.07m (193′ 9″), while Landon Isbell made a remarkable comeback from eighth place to secure second with a throw of 57.03m (187′ 1″). 

Coach Zee emphasized the pivotal nature of Isbell’s performance, stating, “If he stayed in eighth, we obviously wouldn’t have won.”

The boys 4×100 relay team, consisting of Buelow, Isbell, Jones and Stith, broke their own school record and secured third place with a time of 41.73 seconds. Coach White noted that the team had been striving for a sub-42-second performance for nearly a decade.

Dawson Isbell’s grit and determination shone through in the 800-meter run, where he claimed second place after a no-so-stellar 4×800 relay. Coach Zee praised Isbell’s performance, stating, “Every event that Dawson ran that day, he ran with true heart and grit.”

The boys 4×400 relay team’s success (Buelow, Reuther, Stith and Isbell) was attributed to the outstanding performances of Robert Stith and Dawson Isbell. Stith, a sophomore running the third leg for the first time, followed Coach Brigman’s guidance to “go get Gracie and don’t get caught,” referring to the team’s training strategy of chasing a “hare” while avoiding being caught by a “hound.” 

• Isbell’s anchor leg sealed the team’s second-place finish, holding off the Columbus competitor.

In the pole vault, Van Carter lived up to expectations, capturing the gold medal. Caleb Hurtado’s seventh-place finish also contributed valuable points to the team’s overall score.

On the girls’ side, Niceville’s third-place finish exceeded expectations, considering the team’s smaller squad compared to their competitors. Elena Perkins made history by breaking the school record in the javelin throw with a mark of 44.57m (146′ 2″). Her teammate, Shelby Plasier, also secured a podium finish in the event, contributing to the team’s success.

Yaremi Figueroa delivered impressive performances in multiple events, showcasing her versatility and talent. She played a crucial role in the girls 4×400 relay team’s fourth-place finish, running alongside Kerle, Fayard, and Dennison.

• Figueroa also demonstrated her prowess in the 400-meter hurdles, where she claimed fourth place with a time of 1:02.33.

Coach Zee reflected on the team’s achievements, stating, “It’s surreal right now. I still feel like, gosh, did we really do that?” She emphasized the dedication and trust in the process exhibited by the athletes, many of whom sacrificed their spring break to train and compete.

When asked what it feels like to win four boys state titles in a row, Coach Brigman said “relief.”

• “We are to the point where our community looks for it and expects it and we are able to deliver,” he said. “The boys team has evolved to be able to attack the point system with both track and field. This win was equal to winning the Super Bowl by a field goal. Those boys fought with grit and toughness.”

With the boys team securing their fourth consecutive state title and the girls team delivering a strong performance, the Eagles have solidified their position as a force to be reckoned with in Florida high school track and field.

SCHOOL

Okaloosa students with disabilities graduate from transition program

Six students with disabilities from the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) successfully graduated from the Project SEARCH High School Transition Program on Tuesday, May 21, at the Hilton Garden Inn on Okaloosa Island.

• This marks the second year of the program’s success in providing valuable opportunities for students to gain essential job skills and transition into the workforce.

The Project SEARCH program, in collaboration with OCSD, is designed for students aged 18-21 who have completed the necessary high school credits for graduation but have chosen to defer their diploma. Students are referred to the program through the school district to participate in the business-led collaboration that enables young adults with disabilities to gain and maintain employment through career exploration and on-the-job training.

“This continued success underscores the effectiveness and importance of the program in providing valuable opportunities for these students to develop essential job skills and confidently transition into the workforce,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “The commitment of the school district and community partners like the Hilton Garden Inn demonstrates a dedication to inclusivity and empowering students with disabilities to achieve their full potential.”

• Participating students came from Baker School, Crestview High School, Laurel Hill School, and Silver Sands School. The partnership between the District and Innisfree Hotels demonstrates the importance of community engagement in supporting students’ educational and career goals.

Kathy Ard, ESE Director for OCSD, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, stating, “It’s heartwarming to hear about the positive impact this program has had not only on the students but also on the staff at the hotel. I’m sure the future looks bright for these students as they embark on their careers with newfound confidence and skills.”

To learn more about Project Search, visit www.projectsearch.us.

SCHOOL

Okaloosa County celebrates graduates of innovative program for adults with intellectual disabilities

On Tuesday, May 21, the Okaloosa County School District honored three remarkable individuals – Reid Soria, Bailey Lamonte, and Diana Dowart – for successfully completing the Okaloosa Unique Professionals (Okaloosa UP) program at Okaloosa Technical College.

• Okaloosa UP is a specialized career instruction-comprehensive program designed for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, providing them with access to training and individualized support to develop specific career skills.

The graduation ceremony was attended by proud families and friends who gathered to celebrate the graduates’ significant achievements. Through the Okaloosa UP program, these students have earned occupational completion points for jobs embedded within CTE programs, career certificates for full program completion, and industry certifications or licensure.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the graduates, stating, “This is not just a graduation but a stepping stone towards a brighter future, made possible by the transformative power of the Okaloosa UP program. The program’s comprehensive training and support have been instrumental in their success, and these students have not only overcome challenges but also soared to new heights, setting a shining example for all.”

The mission of Okaloosa UP is to empower adult students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities by providing them with the tools and opportunities to develop specific career skills and secure competitive, integrated employment within their communities.

• The program’s ultimate goal is to foster independence and help students lead fulfilling lives.

All three graduates received certificates for completing the Safe Staff Florida Food Handler and the Specialized Career Instruction Comprehensive courses. The success of these students can also be attributed to the dedicated staff at Okaloosa Technical College and the unwavering support of their families.

• The district also extended its gratitude to the Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Resort for their support of the Okaloosa UP program.

In a testament to the program’s effectiveness, all three students secured employment during their last semester at Okaloosa Technical College.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Niceville police unveil prescription drug collection mailbox

The Niceville Police Department has introduced a new Prescription Drug Collection Mailbox, providing a safe and responsible way for residents to dispose of old or unwanted prescription drugs.

• The mailbox, located in the department’s lobby, was donated by the City of Niceville Public Works staff and has been beautifully refurbished by students from Rocky Bayou Christian School.

On Monday, May 20, 2024, the students who dedicated their time and artistic talents to the project unveiled the completed mailbox at the police department. The students involved in the refurbishment include:

• Addison Lennard
• Abigail Wessner
• Anna Williams
• Addy Sanchez
• Fisher Nelson
• Jacob Downing
• Dalton Binkley
• Greyson DuBose
• Grayson Ros
• Caleb Walton

The Prescription Drug Collection Mailbox will serve as an official collection point for Niceville and its neighboring residents, providing a convenient and secure way to dispose of prescription drugs that are no longer needed or have expired. This initiative aims to reduce the risk of prescription drug misuse and prevent these substances from ending up in the wrong hands or contaminating the environment.

The Niceville Police Department commends the students for their hard work and selfless dedication to their community. Their efforts have not only given the mailbox a fresh new look but have also contributed to a safer and healthier Niceville.

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this new resource and properly dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs at the Niceville Police Department’s lobby.

SPORTS

Choctawhatchee High School names Evan Wyllie as new head boys basketball coach

Choctawhatchee High School has announced the hiring of Evan Wyllie as the new head boys basketball coach. Wyllie brings a wealth of experience from both the collegiate and high school levels to the Indians basketball program.

“We are thrilled to introduce our new head boys basketball coach, Evan Wyllie,” said Athletic Director Andy Thigpen. “Coach Wyllie is well-connected in the basketball community with coaching stops at the collegiate and high school levels.”

Wyllie’s coaching career began as an assistant coach at Dwight Township High School in Illinois from 2012 to 2015. He then served as the head coach at Norris City-Omaha-Enfield High School from 2015 to 2018, leading the team to a regional championship in 2015 and back-to-back 20-win seasons.

In 2018, Wyllie became the head coach at Frankfort Community High School, where he led the team to a 21-11 record and an IHSA Class 2A Regional Championship in the 2018-19 season.

• Most recently, Wyllie served as the head coach at Lincoln-Way Central High School from 2022 to 2024, increasing the team’s win total by five games in his second season and achieving the third-highest win total in school history.

At the collegiate level, Wyllie spent three seasons with the University of West Florida men’s basketball program, serving as a graduate assistant from 2019 to 2021 and as an assistant coach during the 2021-22 season.

“I am so excited for the opportunity to lead the Choctaw Boys Basketball program,” said Coach Wyllie on Thursday. “I am looking forward to meeting all the players, parents, and community members next week. I would like to thank Athletic Director Andy Thigpen, Principal Michelle Heck, and the rest of the search committee for believing in me and my vision going forward. Go Indians!”