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 Noah Majors for qualifying at the district golf tournament.  He now advances to regionals, which will be held Tuesday, October 18, in Sandestin. Submitted by Christy English.

Pictured L to R – Tyson Sanders, Cody Hill, Jackson Weatherall, Flint Bekkers and Coach Scott Michie. Submitted by Barbara Stratton.

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.