Area Math Teacher Connects With Music in a Unique Contribution
By Barbara Palmgren
Retirement for many teachers often means time to follow and excel in other fields, often to the benefit of others. Ever smiling and ever volunteering to share her talents as a musician, Ellen Shepard is one of those rare individuals.
I had the privilege of working with Ellen at Niceville High School in the late ’90s and into the 21st century … wow, I’m definitely feeling so much older and not a bit wiser! Ellen was a teacher for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program at the school. She taught IB Math Methods, the most difficult of the IB math curricula, with students having to score well in subjects like calculus. Each year, as IB coordinator, I saw high scores for all her students, with many earning the full IB diploma as well as a high school diploma.
What happened to this gifted teacher upon retirement? Her passion and dedication continued with music. Volunteering to play the hammered dulcimer for herself, her church and many organizations, Ellen has produced CDs to share the joy of the sound created by this large, trapezoidal instrument, played by striking its strings with small wooden or felt hammers. The sound is mesmerizing. It helps preserve a historic musical tradition associated with major folk revivals in our country.
Ellen’s creativity didn’t stop. With her sister, Scottie Fredrickson, who resides in South Carolina, Ellen wrote the score for a musical presentation, “Daniel’s Ballad, A Folk Opera.” Her sister wrote the lyrics. The musical centers on events involving the exiled Judeans and Daniel’s dreams as recorded in the Bible. One can almost feel the courage and faithfulness of Daniel and those facing captivity. Both humor and drama come to life through words and music.
This uplifting experience is a must for all of us. We have an opportunity to see and enjoy the masterpiece these two sisters have created Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Simon’s on the Sound Episcopal Church in Fort Walton Beach. Come and enjoy this free concert, a gift for the holiday season indeed!
Operation Jingle Bells Brings Holiday Joy to Students
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Okaloosa County School District are once again partnering for Operation Jingle Bells, an annual initiative bringing holiday cheer and essential items to students and families in need.
Through the program, school guidance counselors and school resource officers identify students who could use additional support and create holiday wish lists. District employees, businesses, organizations and community members help fulfill those wishes with clothing, shoes, gifts and other necessities.
“Here in Okaloosa County, we know some children face the holidays without the basics, including clothes or shoes, and of course without gifts of any kind,” said Sheriff Eric Aden. “Operation Jingle Bells is an opportunity for our community to come together and ensure every child feels seen, supported, and cared for during the holiday season.”
Superintendent Marcus Chambers emphasized the importance of community partnerships in making the holidays brighter for students. “Every student deserves to feel valued, supported, and cared for, especially during the holiday season,” he said.
Community members can sponsor a child or make a monetary donation at ocsostarcharity.com/operation-jingle-bells. For information, email catherine.card@okaloosaschools.com or ktingle@sheriff-okaloosa.org.
BBQ & Bingo Supports Okaloosa Schools
The Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation (OPSF) will host its sixth annual BBQ & Bingo fundraiser Thursday, Nov. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Okaloosa Gas’ “The District,” 511 Government Ave., Valparaiso.
The community event raises funds for student educational opportunities, teacher grants and innovative learning initiatives throughout the Okaloosa County School District.
Tickets are $50 per person and include barbecue, bingo and entertainment. The evening begins with a social hour at 5 p.m., followed by bingo and auctions from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Guests can enjoy live music by Paradise Bayou and $1 bingo games throughout the evening.
Businesses and individuals can also support the fundraiser through sponsorships or silent auction donations, even if they cannot attend. All proceeds benefit the foundation’s efforts to provide additional resources for local students and educators.
For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, visit givebutter.com/6th-annual-bbq-bingo-s6n1mq. To donate an auction item or volunteer, contact Debbie Tate at 850-974-0742 or tated@okaloosaschools.com.
