Niceville Biology Instructor Wins Statewide Charter School Award
Sean Gordon, a biology instructor at Collegiate High School in Niceville, has been named a 2025 Charter School Champion of the Year by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools (FCPCS). Gordon is one of only nine educators across Florida to earn this distinction for the 2024–25 school year.
“Champion” teachers are recognized for inspiring high achievement and serving as role models within their charter schools. “Each of the winners helps deliver quality education to Florida’s charter school students,” said FCPCS President Robert Haag. “They are important contributors to Florida’s hugely successful charter school movement.”
Okaloosa Students Raise Over $9,600 to Support Children in Crisis
Students across Okaloosa County recently demonstrated the power of compassion and community by raising more than $9,600 for the 2024–2025 Change for Children Campaign. The student-led initiative, held each year from September through May, benefits Children in Crisis, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter, food and care for local children removed from unsafe home situations.
The Okaloosa County School Board formally recognized participating schools, students and sponsors at its May 27 meeting, commending their commitment to service and leadership. Funds raised go directly to The Children’s Neighborhood, a safe haven that offers stability and support to children in need.
Each participating school brought creativity and heart to their fundraising efforts, with top honors awarded in multiple categories for their contributions to this vital cause.
“This campaign is about more than raising money—it’s about teaching compassion, community and the power of service,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. Supporting Children in Crisis is one way we can help make sure every child in Okaloosa has the opportunity to feel safe, cared for and valued.”
2024–2025 Winners:
Middle School Division: Ruckel Middle School
Total Raised: $3000
Community School Division and Top Fundraiser: Southside Primary School
Total Raised: $2429
Elementary School Division: Plew Elementary School
Total Raised: $2189
High School Division: Choctawhatchee High School
Total Raised: $2000
New Leadership and Store Hours at CALM in Niceville
Crisis Aid for Littles and Moms (CALM) in Niceville welcomes Krista as its new house director. CALM provides transitional housing and life skills training for mothers and children in need. For assistance, contact Krista at (850) 264-6191, director@nicevillecalm.com or visit www.nicevillecalm.com.
CALM’s Furniture Resale Store, located at 201 Redwood Ave., is now open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shoppers can find stylish, gently used furniture and décor, with all proceeds supporting CALM’s mission. Donations are welcome; call or text (850) 461-5315. Follow along on Facebook @calmfurnitureresale.
Nominations Open for 2025 Okaloosa Women’s Hall of Fame
The Okaloosa County Commission on the Status of Women (OCCSW) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Women’s Hall of Fame. Nominations are due online by Thursday, July 10 at www.occsw.com.
Honorees will be recognized during a ceremony on Monday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. Nominees must be current or former Okaloosa residents who have made significant contributions to the county through leadership, service and community impact.
Photos of past inductees are displayed at government buildings across the county. For questions, contact Jeanne Rief at (850) 685-8027.
Heritage Museum Receives Donation from Rotary Club
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida recently received a generous donation from the Niceville-Valparaiso Rotary Club in support of its annual Saturday in the Park spring event. The museum, located in Valparaiso, is a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Florida Panhandle. Pictured at the check presentation are museum trustees Marie Hallion, Barbara Palmgren, and Ken Walsh, along with Rotarian Bill Higgenbotham. The museum continues to serve as a vital educational and cultural hub for residents and visitors alike.
International Fashion Brand EKKO Opens at Destin Commons
Sustainable fashion brand EKKO celebrated the grand opening of its first U.S. retail store at Destin Commons, 4100 Legendary Drive, on June 6. The 3,000-square-foot space features EKKO’s signature men’s and women’s apparel, crafted with ethical sourcing and global style in mind.
Founded in Sri Lanka by Lalantha Watudura, EKKO has received numerous international accolades. The Destin ribbon-cutting was hosted in partnership with the Destin and Walton Area Chambers of Commerce. Customers can also shop online at www.ekko.style.
LadyWorld Festival Returns to Seascape Resort
LadyWorld, the immersive entertainment retreat by The LadyGang podcast, returns to Seascape Resort Sept. 26–28, 2025. This three-day event blends podcasting, music, and comedy with wellness activities, pop culture panels, and signature cocktails from 21Seeds Infused Tequila. Newly announced headliners include comedian Hannah Berner and the Girls Gotta Eat podcast duo, Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg. Other performers include Kaitlyn Bristowe, Stassi Schroeder, Rachel Lindsay and Justin Sylvester.
Attendees can choose from several pass levels and accommodation options. For tickets, visit www.ladyworld.co. VIP perks include reserved seating, exclusive merch, and access to a private planning group.
Heritage Museum Summer Camp: Step Back in Time
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida invites children in kindergarten through 5th grade to its annual summer camp, Heritage Days, from July 7–11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso.
Campers will experience life in the 1920s and ’30s through activities like making corn husk dolls, weaving, candle making and playing old-fashioned games. Water and snacks are provided; campers must bring their own lunch.
Cost is $85 for non-members or $80 for museum members. To register, call (850) 678-2615. Space is limited. Camp directors are Karen Davis Cadenhead and Deborah Hudson Edgar.
