Submitted by Crystal Appel, Walton County School District

On Sunday, May 1^st, Rosemary Beach Foundation presented the 5^th Annual Music in Pictures** awards ceremony.  The event celebrated arts in education and honored the medalists of the 2016 juried art contest. A “packed house” of over 600 people attended the festivities at Freeport High School. We are grateful to the participating schools and the amazing art teachers who inspire Walton County students.

 Photo: WCSD Art Teachers from left to right: WMS- Katelyn Dorriety, VRB- Constance Rogers, FMS- Kristy Moody, SWHS- Vivian Komando, MSE- Kathy Harrah, BES- Cecile Lindegren, FHS- Terri Jones-Shelley, FES- Laurie Hudson, WDE- Kathy D'arensbourg, ECMS- Jennifer Rhea. Not pictured: WHS- Dimitri Zachos, PHS- Jessica Kommer, and MHS- Krystina Lyon

Submitted by Angela Vance, Emerald Coast Middle School

Emerald Coast Middle School students and PSA contest finalists Reese Branton and Alyssa Sutton are a singing duo, better known as “Storm Singers”.  The Florida Division of Emergency Management selected the singers as 1st Place Winners in the 2016 Severe Weather Awareness Week Video PSA contest for middle school students. 

Reese Branton and Alyssa Sutton created a song with unique lyrics and rhythm highlighting information on tornado safety for their PSA.  The duo filmed the PSA in their Media Class at ECMS, taught by Ms. Angela Vance.  The PSA titled, “Storm Singers” is posted on Kids Get a Plan Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/KidsGetAPlan.  The students will receive prizes and perhaps an opportunity to participate in media/promotional events or ceremonies and interviews.  The winning video will be professionally re-produced and used by the Division in the statewide public awareness campaign. 

Submitted by Christy English, Walton High School

Local law enforcement agencies partnered with the Matrix to host the 4th Annual Jail & Bail fundraiser on April 29.  Mr. Hughes was served an arrest warrant, so WHS students and staff members were asked to raise $250 to keep him out of jail.  We were successful with this effort and contributed over $460 to ensure Mr. Hughes didn't have to go to jail & to support this worthy cause.  All proceeds go to the Matrix Community Outreach Center.  Way to go, Braves!

About the Matrix:
One of the many missions of the City of DeFuniak Springs and local law enforcement agencies is to partner with those in our community whose efforts make DeFuniak Springs and Walton County a safer, stronger, and healthier community.  The Matrix Community Outreach Center has been providing the community with a number of services that implement a "Hand Up Not a Hand Out" mentality since 2011.  The Matrix continues to strive to expand its programs and offerings to this community to help those less fortunate and in crisis. 

In order for the Matrix to meet their mission and provide for those in need in our community, they rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses for support.  Without the assistance of community-minded individuals and businesses, they would not be able to serve the men, women, and children in need in our community.

Submitted by Barbara Stratton, South Walton High School

South Walton High School senior Chris Gastauer signed a letter of commitment to the University of South Alabama’s Track and Field program.

Chris is congratulated by Athletic Coach Phil Tisa, Principal Alexis Tibbetts, Assistant Principal Jimmy Ross, SWHS Track and Field Coach Willie Parker and mother Christina Gastaurer.