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Okaloosa County students shine in 2024 ‘Art in the Capitol’ Competition

Four middle school students from Okaloosa County earned top honors in Florida's 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition, with the winning artwork set for display during the 2025 legislative session.
Drake Harris' Best of Show artwork (left) and McKenzie Winger's first-place entry (right) from the 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition. The winning pieces were among 14 submissions from Okaloosa County middle school students. Harris' artwork will be displayed in the Florida Capitol during the 2025 legislative session. (Contributed)

Four middle school students from Okaloosa County earned top honors in Florida’s 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition, with the winning artwork set for display during the 2025 legislative session.

  • A panel of elementary and high school art teachers evaluated 14 submissions from local students in the statewide visual arts competition, which is open to students in grades 6-8.

Drake Harris of Ruckel Middle School captured Best of Show honors. McKenzie Winger and Sophia Perez, both from Shoal River Middle School, earned first and second place respectively. Isabella Welling from Ruckel Middle School took third place.

“We are so proud of the creativity and talent demonstrated by these young artists,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Their artwork reflects their dedication and passion and serves as a testament to the strength of the arts in Okaloosa County Schools.”

Harris’s Best of Show artwork will be displayed in the Florida Capitol during the 2025 legislative session.

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Community Comments

keoms commented on WordroW: June 12, 2026
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“What a milestone! The Kiwanis Club of Niceville-Valparaiso will always honor you for starting our club over 50 years ago. Your help over the years with AKtion Club is also...”
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“Congratulations Paul, on this milestone event! Your dedication to and support of the Chamber and new businesses are unparalleled.”
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“Paul Between the Chamber and the FWB Kiwanis club, your impact our community is beyond measure. I want to thank you for your dedicated support for the Kiwanis sponsored Aktion...”
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“Congratulations Paul for a well deserved recognition! You deserve it! Bob Pinard”
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“Thank you, Paul, for ALL that you do for our Chamber members and our community! Your dedication to helping others has made a huge impact on so many of us....”
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“Got a feeling it's a lot of money they don't want to give up.”
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“I don't blame him for not trusting the watch group. They have proven themselves to be untrustworthy and have wasted so much tax money with their lawsuits to pursue their...”
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