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Okaloosa students honored for speeches, artwork celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy

Winners were named across elementary, middle and high school divisions in oratorical and poster contests held at Fort Walton Beach High School.

Ashley Ward

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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.

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Okaloosa students honored for speeches, artwork celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy

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