The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation celebrated the accomplishments of 17 graduating seniors from the Take Stock in Children program while welcoming 16 new scholars to the initiative.

• The program, which marked its 29th year, awarded graduating seniors more than $700,000 in scholarships, including two-year Florida Bright Futures Scholarships for successfully completing the program requirements. Each senior also received a backpack and a new laptop from the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for their dedication, perseverance, and achievements,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “This program is changing lives, and we look forward to seeing how these young leaders will shape our future.”

Graduates represented several local high schools, including Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, Choctawhatchee, Crestview, and Baker. The new scholars, who come from various middle schools across the district, each received named scholarships from local donors and organizations.

Take Stock in Children, which operates through the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation under the leadership of Executive Director John Spolski and Board President Cindy Gates, brings together mentors, teachers, administrators and community members who provide moral support, tutoring and financial contributions to help students succeed. 

• The program is coordinated by Kristi Evans, Student Services Coordinator, and Lori Lipnicky, College Success Coach.

The event was hosted at the City of Niceville Community Center, which received special recognition for its ongoing support of the program.The foundation is seeking volunteers to mentor newly admitted students.

Those interested in becoming mentors can visit the Okaloosa County School District website at https://www.okaloosaschools.com/o/ocsd/page/volunteer for more information.