OAA Celebrates Student Creativity at 16th Annual Poster Contest
The Okaloosa Arts Alliance (OAA) recently hosted its 16th Annual Okaloosa County School Poster Contest, themed “Arts in Outer Space,” featuring 138 imaginative entries from students across the county. A public reception was held on May 4 at the Emerald Coast Science Center to showcase the artwork and honor the winners.
Special thanks to the Science Center for hosting, Melissa Forte Litscher of NextHome Cornerstone Realty for sponsoring, and Eglin Federal Credit Union for providing gift cards. HH Arts, the Arts & Design Society, and the Science Center also donated art supplies and tickets for top winners and Viewer’s Choice recipients.
Participating schools included Rocky Bayou Christian, Crestview High, Kenwood Elementary, Montessori Learning Center, Village Christian Academy, Risen Star Academy, St. Mary Catholic, Meigs Middle, and Ruckel Middle School.
Winners:
Elementary (K–4th)
- 1st: Christine Blatz, 1st grade – Montessori Learning Center
- 2nd: Rachel Ard, Kindergarten – Montessori Learning Center
- 3rd: Alexa Gonzalez, 4th grade – Kenwood Elementary
Middle School (5th–8th)
- 1st: Aria Berry, 8th grade – Rocky Bayou Christian School
- 2nd: Ahymn Kim, 6th grade – Ruckel Middle School
- 3rd: Trinity Ricciardi, 6th grade – Rocky Bayou Christian School
High School (9th–12th)
- 1st: Jingxuan Lee Song, 10th grade – Crestview High School
- 2nd: Ryan Jaime, 11th grade – Crestview High School
- 3rd: Kennedy Glenn, 12th grade – Crestview High School
To view winning entries and photos, visit: okaloosaarts.org.
The OAA serves as Okaloosa County’s official arts agency, promoting the arts through advocacy, education and community engagement.
Artists Invited to Apply for 30th Annual Festival of the Arts!
The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) is now accepting artist applications for the 30th Annual Festival of the Arts, set for October 25–26, 2025, at the Dugas Pavilion in Destin.
This juried show features over 100 artists and awards more than $12,000 in prizes! Mediums include painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry, and more. Artists benefit from amenities like free breakfast, booth sitters, and an awards dinner.
Applications, including four images, are due by June 30, 2025. Fees are $30 to apply and $350–$700 for booth space. Proceeds support MKAF’s arts outreach programs. Details at mkaf.org or call (850) 650-2226.
Sinfonia Youth Orchestra Ends Season on a High Note
The Sinfonia Youth Orchestra (SYO) wrapped up its 2024–2025 season with a moving and out-of-this-world Spring Concert on May 4 at Destin High School. Nearly 100 student musicians filled the auditorium with space-themed music, marking a joyful finale to a year of hard work, growth, and artistry.
The evening also celebrated standout students with heartfelt scholarship presentations. French horn player Kalle Guerrero, a homeschool student known for his leadership and compassion, received the prestigious Grace Fulcher Memorial Scholarship. Guerrero’s impact reaches far beyond music—he’s founded a homeschool co-op, mentored peers, and served individuals with disabilities.
Two new $500 scholarships were awarded this year. Violinist Ava McCallister (South Walton High) earned the Exemplary Character Scholarship for her integrity and resilience, while tuba player Zaki Beckler (Gulf Breeze High) received the Talented Musician Scholarship for his creativity and excellence.
Nine seniors graduated from the program this year, representing schools across Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Since 2007, Sinfonia Gulf Coast has reached over 220,000 students through its music education efforts.
Auditions for the 2025–2026 SYO season open in June. For more information, contact Margaret Gordon at mgordon@sinfoniagulfcoast.org or (850) 460-8800.
