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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.

Jared Williams

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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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“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...”

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

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