District News

Sgt. James Stromenger highlighted the Veterans Day assembly Wednesday morning for West DeFuniak Elementary students. Sgt. Stromenger served three years active duty in the Army and 12 years in the Alabama National Guard. He currently works as a sergeant at the Walton County Correctional Institute. Sgt. Stromenger reminded students of the importance of Veteran’s Day and serving others.

Sgt. Stromenger is pictured with his wife, Amber Stromenger, WDE paraprofessional.

Students at MHS brought in donations to support the victims of Hurricane Michael. The donations were delivered to Golson Elementary School in Marianna, FL. Submitted by Elizabeth Gaither

Families and students enjoyed a tradition Thanksgiving feast at lunch on Thursday, November 8, prepared by the incredible Freeport Elementary Cafeteria staff! Submitted by Laurie Langford

This past weekend, the PHS cross country team competed in the Regional meet. At the meet, the team placed 8th overall and were the first public school to finish. The team ran their hardest and displayed PRIDE, PASSION, and PURPOSE throughout the meet. We are all very proud of you, Bobcats!

Regionals Team (Pictured L to R): Cage Wibbing, Philip Anderson, Conner Gaither, Lawson Geoghagan, Ragan Butts, Jacob Morgan, Nick Johnson, Coach Laurie Gilbert, Blaine Johnston, and Eugene Hall.

Submitted by Kalli McMillan

Walton Middle School hosted their 46th Annual Veteran's Day program in honor of our local heroes - our military veterans. Veterans and their families were welcomed warmly as the administration, staff and entire student body showed respect and appreciation for their service. Visitors had the opportunity to view a special Veteran's Day visual art display in the gymnasium lobby. The Walton Middle School Band and Chorus presented patriotic selections reflecting the sacrifice our military veterans make to secure liberty and safety for each and every citizen of our great nation. Students led the program with special tributes, and Assistant Principal Scott Hulion read a "roll call" recognizing each of the Veterans and their specific branch of service.

The Walton High School Color Guard added to the significance of the event with the presentation of the Colors and Service flags. The WHS Drill team gave an incredible rifle demonstration and flag folding ceremony.

Special guests from Eglin Air Force Base Military Working Dog program gave an exciting and informative demonstration on how their canine soldiers and their handlers help to safeguard military bases from intruders, and detect minute traces of explosives and drugs. TSgt Garver narrated while SSgt Wise w/ MWD Ajda and
SSgt Castilleja w/ MWD Arko took the canines through some of their drills.

Superintendent Russell Hughes shared his heart-felt appreciation to the veterans at the conclusion of the program. "On behalf of 10,000 students and over 1500 employees, let me thank you for your service. It is because of YOU, and men and women like you, that our country is safe and protected on a daily basis."

A reception for the Veterans was held in the library following the program.

During Red Ribbon Week at PHS, students and teachers showed their Paxton pride and passion for saying NO to drugs by dressing up in the various themes throughout the week. The school was filled with wacky tourists, people dressed in the traditional clothing of different countries, and the styles of some of the past decades. As Halloween fell on the same week as Red Ribbon week, Bobcats could be seen dressed as their favorite movie characters. Their were some EPIC outfits to be seen. Submitted by Kalli McMillan

The FES Odyssey of the Mind Team collaborates in order to solve Spontaneous Challenges! Submitted by Laurie Langford

These two students are making reading POP!

Pictured with Principal Kristin Lewis, Michael Aresco and Carson Langford have both read over a million words so far this year!

They have joined the Millionaire Club at FES! Keep up the good work!

Submitted by Laurie Langford

In honor of Halloween and Red Ribbon Week's Favorite Character Day, Paxton teachers dressed as their favorite movie characters. Way to make Red Ribbon Week really POP, teachers! Submitted by Kalli McMillan

Paxton School honored and celebrated our United States Veterans today with a moving and inspiring program in the Paxton Gymnasium. Special performances by the Sound of the Pride elementary chorus, and the Paxton High School Band enhanced the program with our National Anthem and Patriotic music selections. Senior Representative, Camryn Brazil, welcomed all the guests and students and led the audience in reciting the National Anthem. She served as host for the entire program.
Selected 4th graders shared poems and essays honoring the Veterans, and reflecting on what it feels like for the families who are left at home when loved ones serve in the military.
The Key Club presented a special flag folding ceremony and explained the symbolism of the 13 folds.
Special guest speaker of the day was Reverend Tyrone L. Broadus, a Veteran of the United States Army, and a former member of the John F Kennedy Honor Guard.
Broadus was one of the 13 honor guards chosen to escort the Kennedy family and President Lyndon B. Johnson to the consecration of the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame grave site on March 15, 1967.

In his speech at Paxton Veteran’s Day program he challenged the students to always give their very best and remember that the future is wide open to them. “If you work hard, and apply yourself, you can be what ever you choose to be!” With a nod to Supt. Russell Hughes, also present for today’s event, he shared “You could one day be the Superintendent of Schools of Walton County...or maybe even the President of the United States!”

The program closed with the recognition of guests from the different branches of military service.

Paxton school wishes to thank Superintendent Hughes, the Walton County School Board members, Rev. Broadus, and all the school and community partners that helped make today’s special event possible.