Orlando, FL (October 14, 2016) – Music education is strong and thriving in Walton County, where two elementary school students have been accepted for participation in one of two All-State elementary music ensembles. Students selected attend Van R. Butler Elementary and Freeport Elementary Schools. These students will perform with the FMEA All-State Elementary Chorus or Orff Ensemble in Tampa, January 13, 2017 at the Tampa Convention Center.  These students were chosen for this prestigious honor through a competitive audition process among over 875 elementary students from all across Florida.  Congratulations to Ella Ekenseair (Butler, 4^th grade, Chorus) and Savannah Smith (Freeport, 4^th grade, Orff Ensemble). The students’ teachers, Mrs. Rebecca Austin and Ms. Angela Saltsman, are members of the Florida Music Educators Association and the Florida Elementary Music Educators Association.  Submitted by Nancy Currie - FES.

Congratulations to Haven Varnum, 8^th grade, and her teacher Steve Ruder from Paxton school, for having her art work selected to represent the Walton County School District in the Art in the Capitol competition. The Art in the Capitol competition is a statewide visual arts competition that requires each school district to annually hold an art competition for all students grades 6-8.  The art works are displayed in the Capital Building during the regular legislative session. Submitted by Keitha Bledsoe.

Mossy Head School’s Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1^st grade classes celebrated Fire Prevention Week with a visit from the local fire department. Firefighters brought their fire trucks and gear to teach students about preventing fires and what to do in case of a fire. The students had a great time learning about fire prevention and safety from our local firefighters. MHS would like to give our local fire stations a big THANK YOU for helping our students learn about fire prevention and safety! Submitted by Elizabeth Gaither.