Ruckel Middle School Dedicates Cafetorium in Honor of Former Principal Dr. Ginny Morgan
Ruckel Middle School officially named its new cafetorium The Dr. Ginny Morgan Cafetorium, honoring the late principal whose decades of leadership left a lasting impact on the school and the Okaloosa County School District. The Okaloosa County School Board unanimously approved the naming in August. Superintendent Marcus Chambers joined district leaders, current and retired staff, students, family and friends to celebrate Dr. Morgan’s legacy. Dr. Virginia “Ginny” Henderson Morgan began her career at Ruckel in 1968 as a math teacher, later serving as district math supervisor before returning as principal. She passed away Feb. 15, 2024, at age 76.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers, who was hired by Dr. Morgan in 1998, reflected on her influence. “Dr. Morgan was a principal, but more importantly, she was an educator through and through,” Chambers said. “She shaped the careers of countless teachers and leaders, including my own. Her guiding question, ‘What is best for students?’ continues to echo through the halls of Ruckel and throughout our district.” During her tenure, Dr. Morgan introduced the International Baccalaureate and “Alternatives to Learning,” emphasized her “three A’s” — Academics, Arts and Athletics — and helped build a culture of high expectations, collaboration and community partnership.
Current Principal Joe Jannazo said, “As we officially dedicate this new facility, we ensure that her name and her impact will remain at the heart of Ruckel Middle School for generations to come. The Dr. Ginny Morgan Cafetorium will stand not only as a building, but as a living reminder of a leader who believed deeply in students, deeply in staff, and deeply in the power of school community.” Her husband of 56 years, Dr. David Morgan, attended alongside family members, including granddaughter Lily Morgan, who shared memories of her grandmother. “My grandma knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to ask for it. This quality is what I think made her such a great leader and principal, and the ability to effortlessly command a room,” Lily Morgan said.
Engineering Excellence on Display at Niceville High School
Niceville High School students demonstrated innovation, teamwork and problem-solving skills during the school’s annual Engineering Challenge Project presentations in November. The event welcomed elected officials, district leaders and community members to view the results of weeks of research, writing and collaboration.
This year’s challenge, “The Impact of Rising Sea Levels and Storm Surge on Florida,” tasked students with analyzing predictive data, evaluating policy needs and proposing infrastructure and mitigation strategies to address growing coastal threats. Guided by Gifted and AICE Global Perspectives teacher Richard Hernandez, students consulted with engineers, reviewed historical storm-surge data and developed practical, cost-effective solutions.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the effort, saying, “The Engineering Challenge at Niceville High School is a shining example of what happens when creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking come together. I continue to be impressed by the professionalism and ingenuity these students display each year. Mr. Hernandez does an incredible job guiding them through complex, real-world topics that prepare them for success in college and beyond.”
The annual Engineering Challenge continues to connect classroom learning with real-world issues while inspiring students to think critically and collaboratively.
Purple Star Schools of Distinction
The Okaloosa County School District has once again earned Florida Purple Star Schools of Distinction status for all district schools, reaffirming its commitment to supporting military-connected students and families. OCSD is also recognized as a Florida Purple Star District of Distinction, one of only five districts statewide to receive the honor. With one of Florida’s largest military-connected student populations, the district continues to focus on academic excellence, stability and social-emotional support.
“With some of the strongest ties to our nation’s military installations, including Eglin Air Force Base, Hurlburt Field, and Duke Field, this recognition holds special meaning for Okaloosa County,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Our educators, staff, and community partners take great pride in serving military-connected students. We are deeply committed to ensuring that every child who walks through our doors, no matter how many times they move, feels welcomed, supported, and valued. This distinction reflects that commitment and our collective gratitude to those who serve our country.”
Signed into law in 2021, the Florida Purple Star Schools of Distinction program honors schools that exceed standards in serving military families. Superintendent Marcus Chambers noted the district began following the initiative during the 2021 legislative session. “Our own Representative Patt Maney was instrumental in bringing the Purple Star program to Florida, and we are thrilled to see our schools recognized for the incredible work they do to support our military children,” Chambers said.
This year, Florida Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas announced that 451 schools statewide received the Purple Star designation, including renewed and newly recognized schools, along with 16 Florida College System campuses.
Okaloosa County School District Announces Sunshine State Scholars
The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) announced its 2025 Sunshine State Scholars in November—Penelope Gordon from Fort Walton Beach High School and Emma Michel from Niceville High School. Adonaiah White from Crestview High School has been named the district’s alternate scholar. The Sunshine State Scholars Program is an annual initiative that recognizes Florida’s top 11th-grade students pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM). Each school district selects its most outstanding STEM scholars to participate in a two-day event in Orlando, where they can network with STEM-focused employers and colleges and be honored for their academic excellence and aspirations in these critical fields.
“Penelope, Emma, and Adonaiah exemplify the talent, determination, and curiosity that drive innovation and discovery,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make in the future.”
For more information about the Sunshine State Scholars program, visit https://www.fldoe.org/academics/sunscholars/.
