Niceville Senior Named Distinguished Young Woman of Okaloosa County
Niceville High School senior Avary Ritenour has been named the Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) of Okaloosa County for the Class of 2026. Selected from a group of 13 high school seniors, Avary earned top honors in four of the program’s five categories—Scholastics, Talent, Self-Expression, and Fitness—and was named the overall winner. In total, she received $3,750 in scholarships.
Participants in the program were evaluated in five areas: Scholastics (25%), Interview (25%), Talent (20%), Fitness (15%), and Self-Expression (15%).
Principal Charlie Marello praised Avary’s achievement, saying, “Avary is an exceptional young person who is very deserving of this honor. As well as being one of our top academic students, Avary is a leader amongst her classmates, and we are very proud of her!”
Reflecting on her experience, Avary shared, “This experience pushed me way beyond my comfort zone, and I can honestly say I’ve grown so much because of it. For any rising seniors looking to challenge themselves and develop new skills, I’d highly recommend DYW—it’s an incredible opportunity!”
Over the next year, Avary and her fellow participants will represent the Distinguished Young Women program at community events and parades while promoting the national “Be Your Best Self” initiative, which encourages youth to embrace five guiding principles: Be Healthy, Be Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious, and Be Responsible.
For more information, contact Brooklyn Peters at (850) 525-3144 or email okaloosa@DistinguishedYW.org.
EFCU Donates $50K to Westonwood Ranch
Eglin Federal Credit Union (EFCU) recently presented Westonwood Ranch in Freeport with a $50,000 donation to upgrade technology and communication systems. The funding will expand learning opportunities for children and young adults with developmental differences. Westonwood Ranch, a nonprofit on a 10-acre campus, provides hands-on programs that teach life skills, job readiness and social confidence, along with unique enterprises like aquaponics and dog treat production. “With this $50,000 gift, we’re going to be able to invest in our technology here at Westonwood Ranch,” Lindy Wood, founder and CEO of Westonwood Ranch, said. “To have a partnership like this with Eglin Federal Credit Union is incredible, and we are beaming with gratitude knowing we have a team we can count on. Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in some of the most vulnerable lives in our community, those with developmental disabilities.”
“Eglin Federal Credit Union is proud to support Westonwood Ranch in Walton County,” said President/CEO Cathie Staton. “We toured their impressive 10-acre ranch in Freeport and are truly inspired by the programs and unique learning environments they offer. We’re grateful for the meaningful work Westonwood Ranch is doing and are honored to contribute to their continued success.” Info: westonwood.org
PAWS in Urgent Need of Support
The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) is facing a financial crisis that could lead to closure in early 2026 without immediate help. Serving Okaloosa County for nearly 60 years, PAWS operates as both animal control and shelter—one of only two nonprofits in Florida to do so. With only 56 kennels and more than 2,200 animals taken in since October 2024, costs have soared to over $1.1 million, while local contracts provide just $900,000. PAWS does not euthanize for space, but the shelter is full nearly every day. Donations are critical to continue lifesaving services. Learn more or give at paws-shelter.org or email Executive Director Tracey Kinsley at traceyk@paws-shelter.org.
Hanshi on the Gulf” Summer Karate Camp
Niceville had a taste of Okinawa the weekend of Aug. 1–3, when CD Williamson Karate School welcomed Hanshi Minoru Nakazato and his wife, Hiroko, from Okinawa, Japan, for the Hanshi on the Gulf Summer Karate Camp.
Sensei Nakazato, 10th Dan and world leader of the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu, Shorinkan Karate system—the oldest form of karate—was joined by 19 Seventh- and Eighth-Degree instructors (Kyoshi) from around the globe. Together, they taught Shorinkan students from across the U.S. throughout the three-day camp.
Hosted by Kyoshi (8th Dan) CD Williamson, the camp drew more than 300 students to Ruckel Middle School Gym, including 90 children ages 5–11. Training sessions covered self-defense, kata (forms), kobudo (Okinawan weapons), and sparring. Many students had the rare honor of testing for their next rank before Sensei Nakazato himself. “The 2025 ‘Hanshi on the Gulf’ Summer Camp was one of the largest ever held in the United States,” said Kyoshi Williamson. “Hanshi Nakazato was very impressed not only with the turnout, but with the strong family support of each student.”
Scenic Walton Launches YouTube Channel
Scenic Walton has launched a new YouTube channel to spotlight community design and planning excellence. The first episode features Walton County Schools Superintendent Russell Hughes, Facilities Director Jill Smith, and Scenic Walton Executive Director Leigh Moore in conversation with Melissa Ward, President of the Emerald Coast Section of the American Planning Association Florida.
The discussion highlights the design process behind Dune Lakes Elementary and the school district’s choice to follow the Land Development Code—even though not required—setting a strong precedent for thoughtful development.
Future episodes will feature interviews on design, scenic preservation, and community impact across Walton County. Watch and subscribe: YouTube.com/@ScenicWalton
Boys 2 Men Seminar Set for Sept. 13
The Rho Omicron Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. will host its annual Boys 2 Men Seminar on Saturday, Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Okaloosa County School District office, 202 FL-85, Niceville. The free seminar is open to male high school students for the 2025–26 school year and includes lunch.
Topics will focus on furthering education, keys to success, financial management, interacting with law enforcement and health awareness, encouraging open discussion and practical skills for young men preparing for adulthood. Presenters represent diverse fields including medicine, engineering, law enforcement, marketing and the military.
The seminar is part of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Go-to-High School, Go-to-College national program, which promotes scholarship and leadership among youth. Space is limited to 30 students; interested participants should consult their parents and contact Finley Woods at (478) 919-5923 by Aug. 31 to reserve a spot.
Ribbon Cutting Celebrates New DeFuniak Springs Airport Terminal
State and local leaders gathered with DeFuniak Springs officials for the ribbon cutting of the city’s new $8.4 million municipal airport terminal. The project was funded through a mix of grants from the Florida Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the City’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Over the past five years, DeFuniak Springs has secured more than $25 million in aviation-related funding, supporting major airport improvements. The new terminal is part of a larger expansion that will include runway extensions, new hangars, an access road, and a taxiway.
In a video statement, U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn praised the effort: “This project is the result of years of hard work, vision, and dedication. As Walton County continues to grow, this facility will play an essential role in linking DeFuniak Springs to the rest of Florida and the entire country.”
Mayor Bob Campbell called the terminal “a significant upgrade and modernization of our airport that will serve the city for years to come,” while Councilman Todd Bierbaum emphasized the airport’s mission to be “the premier general aviation airport on the Emerald Coast and the gateway to the beaches of South Walton.” The DeFuniak Springs Municipal Airport, designated 54J, serves both general and corporate aviation.
SOCKS Launches 2026 “Show Us Your Kitties” Contest
Save Our Cats and Kittens (SOCKS) has opened entries for its 2026 Show Us Your Kitties calendar contest. Cat lovers can upload photos of their pets—any cat, anywhere—and rally votes to win a spot. Entry is $5 (includes five votes); additional votes are $1 each. The top vote-getter earns the calendar cover and SOCKS swag, with the next 12 featured as “Cats of the Month.” Special dates can also be reserved for $10 donations, and all cats with 50+ votes will appear in a back-cover collage. The contest runs through Sept. 5 at 9 p.m. Info & entry: saveourcatsandkittens.com
American Airlines Expands at VPS
American Airlines will launch daily nonstop service to Miami International Airport beginning Dec. 19, 2025, from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS). The new route connects travelers to more than 70 destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. American will also expand its Chicago O’Hare service to run year-round, offering daily flights through both winter and summer seasons.
Scenic Walton Seeks Design Excellence Nominations
Scenic Walton is calling for nominations for its upcoming Design Excellence Awards, which recognize outstanding architectural and landscape design across Walton County. Past honorees include Dune Lakes Elementary School, Eglin Federal Credit Union’s Freeport branch, the restored CCB Bank and Sunbright Inn in DeFuniak Springs.
The awards honor projects that respect the environment, enhance scenic beauty, and reflect the character of the community—whether through architecture, landscaping, signage, lighting, or environmentally sensitive design.
Know a project that stands out? Submit nominations by emailing Leigh Moore at leigh@scenicwalton.org.
