School

Okaloosa County first grader honored for saving toddler’s life this past summer

A 6-year-old Laurel Hill School student received recognition Tuesday for rescuing a 3-year-old from drowning at a summer pool party.

Jared Williams

Add Get The Coast on Google

An Okaloosa County first grader is being honored for his life-saving actions this past summer after rescuing a toddler from drowning.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers posted details on social media Tuesday about meeting Kal-El, a 6-year-old student at Laurel Hill School who saved his 3-year-old friend Sebastian at a family pool party.

Kal-El noticed Sebastian floating face down in the pool. He pulled the child from the water, alerted nearby adults and found Sebastian’s mother while his uncle performed CPR.

Sebastian survived because of Kal-El’s quick response.

The district presented Kal-El with a certificate of recognition, a wristband featuring this year’s theme “Be Courageous Everyday, Lead Through the Challenge” and the superintendent’s coin.

“Because of Kal-El’s courage and fast response, Sebastian is alive today,” Chambers said. “You are a true hero and a shining example of the amazing kids in our school district.”

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

School

Okaloosa County schools to stay closed Wednesday, now reopening Thursday after Hurricane Isaias

School

Okaloosa County Schools to reopen Wednesday after Hurricane Isaias, storm-related absences to be excused

School, Weather

Okaloosa County schools to remain closed Monday and Tuesday, reopening expected Wednesday

School, Weather

Okaloosa County Schools closed Thursday and Friday ahead of Tropical Storm Isaias

Anne Porter commented on WordroW: October 14, 2026

“Having been without TV since Isiasis, give us an update on Spectrim’s progress restoring cable, please,”

Respond

George commented on FPL: Restoration ‘essentially complete’ in Okaloosa and Walton counties after Hurricane Isaias

“It is Wednesday morning Oct.14 and we have a downed electric pole in our front yard in incorporated Okaloosa county. So no thanks from us. We reported it when it...”

Shirley Allen commented on FPL: Restoration ‘essentially complete’ in Okaloosa and Walton counties after Hurricane Isaias

“Thank you to all the linemen who left their homes to ensure those of us affected by this hurricane got our power back. I know they worked long hours and...”

TonyG commented on All Sports Association’s Casino Night returns Oct. 22 with $10,000 Raffle Royale grand prize

“I attended last year's casino night and had a great time. The food was delicious and the games were fun. Its also cool having an event in the Legendary show...”

Robert English commented on FPL on track to restore power in Okaloosa by end of day Monday, revises estimate for Santa Rosa and Escambia

“Ok, but to ignore the Chelco outages in an article gives a false impression on recovery of power outages. If you had the info, why wouldn't you report a more...”

Helen, Sonnet and our dog, Moksha commented on FPL: Restoration ‘essentially complete’ in Okaloosa and Walton counties after Hurricane Isaias

“Thoroughly, thoroughly thank you for all the hard work and long hours to restore power.”

Steve Saunders commented on FPL: Restoration ‘essentially complete’ in Okaloosa and Walton counties after Hurricane Isaias

“What a fantastic job! These individuals travel from far away to help restore power to the people who live here and the work is long, hard and very dangerous! Thanks...”

Theodore Taylor commented on FPL: Restoration ‘essentially complete’ in Okaloosa and Walton counties after Hurricane Isaias

“I for one would like to complement the crews on the power restoration.”

Sweet 16 commented on Hurricane Isaias came ashore ‘smack in the middle of Destin,’ but damage varied widely, Maddox says

“Any news from the Live Oak Landing community in Freeport?”

Get The Coast commented on FPL on track to restore power in Okaloosa by end of day Monday, revises estimate for Santa Rosa and Escambia

“We have been reporting CHELCO numbers on our social media. FPL has been pushing out more information that CHELCO and this story was focused solely on FPL.”