Students from across Okaloosa County stepped forward to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through speeches and artwork that reflected his message of leadership, service and unity.
- The Okaloosa County School District recognized winners of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Oratorical and Poster Contests on Saturday, Jan. 10, at Fort Walton Beach High School.
The annual event, hosted in partnership with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Sigma Omicron Omega Chapter, brought together students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
“These students honored Dr. King’s legacy in a truly meaningful way,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Their words and artwork reflected not only creativity and talent, but also a deep understanding of Dr. King’s message and its importance in today’s world. I am incredibly proud of each student who participated.”
Elementary K–2 Poster
- 3rd Place: Cecilia Peterson – Bluewater Elementary School
- 2nd Place: Aranza Pinto – Edwins Elementary School
- 1st Place: Santana Stewart – Liza Jackson Preparatory School
Elementary K–2 Oratorical
- 1st Place: Riyah Welcome – Kenwood Elementary School
Elementary 3–5 Poster
- 3rd Place: Sophia Feilder – NWF Ballet Academy School
- 2nd Place: Taylor Wilcox – Bluewater Elementary School
- 1st Place: Sophia Kleiser – Bluewater Elementary School
Elementary 3–5 Oratorical
- 3rd Place: Landyn Duncan – Edwins Elementary School
- 2nd Place: Corry Lee – Edwins Elementary School
- 1st Place: Emily Chambers – Lewis Elementary School
Middle School (6–8) Poster
- 2nd Place: A’Kayla Glenn – Woodlawn Middle School
- 1st Place: Melonie Welcome – Pryor Middle School
Middle School (6–8) Oratorical
- 3rd Place: Kaydence Coolin – Liza Jackson Preparatory School
- 2nd Place: Melonie Welcome – Pryor Middle School
- 1st Place: Eriella Havens – Okaloosa STEMM Academy
High School (9–12) Poster
- 3rd Place: Ke’Aire Gains – Crestview High School
- 2nd Place: Elizabeth Clark – Choctawhatchee High School
- 1st Place: Asher Guilary – Crestview High School
High School Oratorical
- 3rd Place: Paisley Swlingbere – Choctawhatchee High School
- 2nd Place: Anthony Jones – Crestview High School
- 1st Place: Kadesh Lott – Navarre High School
The school district thanked Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Sigma Omicron Omega Chapter, for its continued partnership in celebrating student voice and Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
