Submitted by Tammy Smith

On Wednesday, April 11, 2018, three area Walton County School District high schools participated in a Shark Tank experience with the assistance of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce.  Each of the high schools developed a new business and business plan that was presented to members of the Walton County Chamber of Commerce for judging and feedback.  Freeport High School participants; Sarah Jackson, Ethan Parker and Jenna Martin presented a business plan for CurrenSea.  Walton High School participants; Will Huff, Billy Hubbard and Rachel Smith presented a business plan for the P.E.A.C.H. South Walton High School participants; Katherine Pickers, Taylor Collier, Isabela Jaramillo, Jon Allen and Blake Whitson presented a business plan for the Artic Shade.  The presentations included a business description, marketing and industry analysis, sales and marketing strategies, management, and financials.  Students were also judged on creativity, professionalism, grammar/spelling, and each member’s participation.  The students gained valuable knowledge from the Chamber Members through the feedback they were provided at the end of the presentations.  Special thanks to Megan Harrison, Chamber President/CEO and to Gabrielle Kilgore, Event Coordinator for organizing this worthwhile event for Walton County students to experience.

Main Article Picture includes left to right: (back row) Superintendent A. Russell Hughes, Mr. Jamey Goddin – FHS Instructor, Mrs. Megan Harrison – Chamber CEO, Ethan Parker, Jenna Martin, Jon Allen, Blake Whitson, Billy Hubbard, Sean Libby – SWHS Instructor, Mrs. Kelley Stephenson – WHS Instructor, Mr. Nathan Smith – WHS Assistant Principal. (front row)  Taylor Collier, Katherine Pickers, Sarah Jackson, Rachel Smith, Will Huff, and Isabela Jaramillo.

FHS students brought home the trophy for their presentation.  Congratulations to all of these students for their participation in this learning experience.  Submitted by Donna Honish.

AVID: ECMS AVID seventh and eighth grade students visit Florida State University Panama City campus.

Submitted by Candy Bodie

This year, Maude Saunders fourth and fifth grade students were active participants in student-led conferences with parents.  Research shows that children take more responsibility for their learning when they are not only present for conferences, but in charge of explaining their progress, reflecting on accomplishments, and setting short and long-term goals. 

Submitted by Krisy Chandler Spence