Niceville High School Retired Educators Celebrate America’s 250th
By Barbara Palmgren
America’s 250th birthday is all about history, reunions, celebrations and, as the saying goes, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.” The ladies pictured here gather each month for lunch, sharing memories and updates about their families and activities.
This month, at The Wharf Restaurant in Niceville, Marie Hallion joined the group to discuss activities surrounding the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida’s America 250 exhibit commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Many have attended Dr. Hallion’s popular teas at the museum over the years, and she wanted them to know about a special Colonial Tea planned for July 2. Everyone is familiar with the Boston Tea Party as one of the key events leading to America’s decision to become a free nation.
These retired Niceville educators stay busy with travel, family, mentoring, volunteering and more activities than many can imagine. They fondly remember teaching, counseling, working in the media center and sponsoring extracurricular activities at Niceville High School. Their love for the school remains strong today, and they continue to view it as one of the finest schools in the nation.
Teachers have always been, and will continue to be, a vital part of America’s landscape as they inspire young people to pursue greater goals for themselves and for our nation.
Twin City Mayors Honored to Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday
By Barbara Palmgren
Mayor Joe Morgan, portraying John Hart of New Jersey, and Niceville Mayor Dan Henkel, portraying Benjamin Harrison V of Virginia, signed the Declaration of Independence during the America 250 Gala and Drone Show on June 12. The historic reenactment was organized by the Okaloosa County America 250 Commission as part of a yearlong celebration commemorating the birth of our nation.
Dressed in colonial attire complete with white wigs, the two leaders looked every bit the part of the patriots who, 250 years ago, risked everything for liberty. Patriotism runs deeply through the service both men provide to their community and country.
Now the community will have an opportunity to become part of history as well. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, visitors will be invited to sign a replica of the Declaration of Independence as a lasting remembrance of this special anniversary.
Mayor Morgan will be out of town on July 4, but Mayor Henkel, portraying Benjamin Harrison V, has agreed to officiate the community ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida.
Located at 115 Westview Ave. in Valparaiso, the museum will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers dressed in colonial attire will lead tours of “Celebrate America 250! The Revolution” in the museum’s new exhibit hall. Visitors are also invited to explore the museum, stroll through the pollinator garden and enjoy vendors, music and special activities throughout the day.
Meet Captain Billy 71
One of our area’s most closely guarded secrets was revealed June 13 when Kent Tinsley was unmasked as Captain Billy Bowlegs LXXI during the annual Krewe of Bowlegs Coronation Pageant at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tinsley becomes a second-generation Captain Billy, following his father, Herb Tinsley, who served as Captain Billy XXXVI. During the ceremony, Tinsley shared plans to carry his father’s sword and wear his father’s captain’s medallion throughout his reign, honoring a family legacy deeply rooted in the Krewe.
The coronation also introduced the new Queen, First Mate, First Mistress, Honor Guard and Children of the Court who will accompany Captain Billy through the 2026-27 Bowlegs year. The new captain’s theme, “Whiskey In, Wisdom Out,” was unveiled as the Krewe officially began preparations for next year’s Billy Bowlegs Pirate Festival and a full calendar of community appearances and pirate traditions.
Community Invited to “Stuff the Bus” School Supply Drive
The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, in partnership with the Okaloosa County School District and The Salvation Army of Fort Walton Beach, is inviting the community to participate in the annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive on Friday, Aug. 1, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walmart stores in Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Niceville.
Held during Florida’s back-to-school tax-free month, the event gives residents an opportunity to help local students by purchasing and donating school supplies while they shop. Donations will help ensure students throughout Okaloosa County have the tools they need to begin the school year ready to learn. “Every notebook, backpack and box of crayons donated helps remove barriers to learning and gives students the confidence to start the school year successfully,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
Donation boxes will also be available at participating businesses throughout the county. Additional collection sites will be announced on the district’s website and social media channels. Businesses interested in serving as a collection site may contact Debbie Tate at (850) 974-0742 or tated@okaloosaschools.com.
For the latest event information, collection site locations, and supply donation updates, visit https://www.okaloosaschools.com/page/stuff-the-bus and follow Okaloosa County School District on Facebook.
