RBCS Junior Classical League Regional Forum Wins
Rocky Bayou Christian Academy Latin students recently earned the Ordo Tertius (3rd place) overall trophy and individual ribbons at the Junior Classical League Regional Forum on Saturday, March 1, at Gulf Breeze High School. Five local high schools from four counties were in attendance. Individual RBCS winners for the academic testing were Seniors- Oliver McKinney, 2nd in Advanced Heptathlon and 5th in Adv Mythology; Jonas Mosley, 5th Adv Greek Literature and 5th Adv Latin Literature; and Austin Sanders, 1st Adv. Latin Derivatives and 5th in Adv Latin Grammar ; Juniors- Lela Cawood, 4th in Adv Latin Grammar and 3rd in Adv Latin Derivatives and Everly Willis, 3rd in Latin Derivatives 2 ; Sophomores- Gaige Adkins, 4th in Greek Derivatives 2 and 5th in Latin Derivatives 2; Brianna Nutt, 2nd in Adv Latin Derivatives and 5th in Adv Mythology; and Nolan Weisbruch, 2nd in Heptathlon 2; and Freshmen- Collette Schnieders, 2nd in both Latin Grammar 1 and Pentathlon 1 and Ronin Weiss, 1st in Latin Derivatives 1 and 2nd in Ancient Geography 1.
Three club members won ribbons for their creative entries: Jada Stine won 3rd for her Pandora painting and 5th for her Impromptu Art, while Gaige earned 5th, Everly earned 3rd and Janessa Laemmel (not in attendance) earned 2nd for their Modern Myths. Lela also won 1st for Impromptu Art. Finally, seven of the above earned enough ribbons in the Forum Olympics top earn a second place trophy amongst all five schools. JCL Sponsor Julie Mosley is very proud of this small school group for earning wins amongst much larger high schools in this “total points” competition. Pictured are left to right: Lela Cawood, Nolan Weisbruch, Ronin Weiss, Brianna Nutt, Everly Willis, Collette Schnieders, Jada Stine and Sponsor. Not in the photo are Gaige Adkins, Oliver Mckinney, Jonas Mosley, and Austin Sanders.
For more information about Rocky Bayou Christian School, please visit www.rbcs.org.
Results from Recent Niceville Election
Referendum #1: This ballot proposal would allow the current city clerk to work with the city while living outside city limits.
• No: 416 votes, or 53.82%
• Yes: 357 votes, or 46.18%
Referendum #2: This allows the mayor of Niceville to be the deciding vote if a tie is reached among the council members when filling a vacancy on the council. This came up as recently as last year when Mayor Dan Henkel used a coin flip to decide Niceville’s next city council member after the sudden resignation of council member Abner Williams.
Earth Day Town Hall
By Carolynn Zonia
Walton County continues to be one of the fastest growing Counties in the Country, and this is leading to a lot of changes. Much of the remaining land that is undeveloped is in flood zones or contains wetlands that pose risks to water quality and natural habitats if developed. Taking into account that we live in a disaster-prone area, questions remain around these developments. Are they safe? Is it smart? Is it even sustainable? Please join us on Saturday, April 5 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in Padgett Park as we ponder answers to these questions and more at the Fourth Annual Earth Day Town Hall. The theme this year is “Building Our Community.” Topics to be discussed include community adaptation of recent Florida Statutes like the Live Local Act; Strategic Planning and Mitigation in Walton County; Success Stories and Generational Impact of Affordable Housing; Updates on Recycling in our County. The event is free and open to the public. We will have speakers from a range of organizations, including the Florida Housing Coalition, the Emerald Coast Chapter of the Florida Planning Association and Habitat for Humanity. Also, please plan to tour the Community Garden in Padgett Park during the event to learn about their programs. Hosted by the Democratic Environmental Caucus, the Democratic Women’s Club and Cultivate Community Gardens. For questions please email waltonenvironmentalists@gmail.com.
Cheers to 100 years!
The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary at Hilton Sandestin. Originally formed in 1925, the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce has been a steadfast proponent of the local business community from its inception. This year’s Gala was a celebration like no other, marking a century of achievements, partnerships and community impact. Successes of the past year and 100-year legacy were honored, while looking ahead to an exciting future. The evening featured a seated dinner, networking reception and an inspiring awards ceremony, all set in an elegant black-tie atmosphere. It was a wonderful evening honoring the Chamber’s century of service and dedication to the community. Photo credit: Walton Area Chamber of Commerce
ECP Announces First-Ever Nonstop Flight To NYC
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) announces that Delta Air Lines will be launching new seasonal Saturday service between LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and ECP for Summer 2025. The new service will begin on June 14, 2025, and will operate once weekly on Saturdays. Additionally, Delta will offer daily service from June 28, 2025, to July 6, 2025, to accommodate travelers for the 4th of July holiday. The flights will run through Labor Day and will be operated on Delta’s CRJ-900 aircraft. Starting Saturday, March 1, 2025, passengers can book their flights directly through Delta or by using the new FlyMyAirport booking tool available on the ECP website.
Okaloosa County School District to Host Job Fair
The job fair, free to attend, will take place on Saturday, April 5, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Choctawhatchee High School’s Multipurpose Building, located at 110 Racetrack Road, Fort Walton Beach.
OCSD is hiring for various positions including teachers, substitute teachers, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, custodians, and more.
In addition, the Professional Services Department will offer a class on “How to Become a Teacher” during the fair. Contact Human Resources at (850) 833-5800 for more information.
NHS Student Surprised with Donated Car From Local Shop
Niceville High School student, Cadet Zikeara Flowers, recently received a huge surprise when local auto body shop, Mullens Auto Body, bestowed her a new set of wheels.
Amber Carter, Niceville High alum and owner of Mullins Auto Body announced that the vehicle, a 2013 Chevy Malibu LTD, was going to a very well-deserved young lady.
Mullins Auto Body bought it from a customer, did the repairs and made it safe, all with the goal of donating it where it would make a difference.
High School senior Zikeara plans to serve in the Army while attending college to become a marine biologist. Carter says this is the second car that Mullins Auto Body has donated. Previously, they gave one to “Caring and Sharing.”
