The Okaloosa County School District celebrated outstanding education staff professionals from across the district during its 2026 Education Staff Professional of the Year Ceremony, held at Crosspoint Church in Niceville.
- Nicole Hardin from Northwood Elementary School was named the 2026 Education Staff Professional of the Year.
The ceremony honored exceptional bus drivers, custodians, secretaries and support staff whose dedication and service are essential to student and school success throughout the district.
This year’s finalists were Hardin from Northwood Elementary School, Gretchen Levinson from Meigs Middle School and Starla Lucas from Mary Esther Elementary School.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers congratulated all honorees and emphasized the profound impact of education staff professionals across the district.
- “You make up the foundation of what we do every single day for kids,” Chambers said. “What you contribute to our schools is amazing, and it’s a huge deal. We couldn’t do what we do without you, and today we honor your dedication, commitment, and heart for students.”
The school district extended appreciation to the committee members who helped make this year’s event a success and to the organizations whose generosity and partnership made the celebration possible.
Supporting organizations included Crosspoint Church, Okaloosa Education Staff Professionals, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, Okaloosa Teachers Credit Union, Okaloosa Gas, Titan Technologies, Bay Area Awards, Katie’s House of Flowers & Gifts and A2Z Specialty Advertising.
