The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation held its inaugural Spring Pickleball Smash April 28-30 at Mooney Tennis & Pickleball Courts in Fort Walton Beach. The three-day tournament raised more than $15,000, which will support and extend educational opportunities for the Take Stock in Children scholarship program, which currently provides two-year college scholarships and one-on-one mentoring for academically deserving high school students from low-income families. In addition, the money will also support the 501c3 non-profit organization’s teacher grant program and promote overall student success through other initiatives.
Despite inclement weather during the tournament, 165 players participated in 16 divisions. “We are pleased with the success of our first tournament! We could not have done it without our dedicated volunteers and amazing sponsors. We are grateful for the community’s support of our children,” said Steven Horton, Executive Director of Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation. Congratulations to all of the winners!”
These were the sponsors: Cox Communications, Live Oak Fiber, Chelco, Bit-Wizards, Old South Land Title, Sunshine Financial, 4eSolutions, Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, Emerald Coast Science Center, Sax Grille, The Hand Center of the Emerald Coast, Cotton & Gates, Jeff McInnis Anchors Smith & Grimsley, Linda Evanchyck, Paul McNeely, Camille’s, La Paz, Beach Group, Bay Area Awards, J&B Medical, Run With It, Bodyworks by Bull, Performance Pickleball Academy, Lewis Beer Company, Eglin Federal Credit Union, HCA Florida Healthcare, Florida Power & Light Company, Hammock Bay Pickleball Club, Christi Hebisen, Sherri Edwards Cox, and Okaloosa Technical College for building the winners podium.
To view the winners please visit www.facebook.com/Performancepickleballemeraldcoast. To learn more about the TSIC program or about mentoring a scholar, visit the OPSF website.
