Fourth grade students at Paxton School learned first-hand about the four forces of flight from former paper airplane world record holder Ken Blackburn. Blackburn, an engineer at the Air Force Research Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base and former world record holder for the longest flying paper airplane, taught students about lift, thrust and drag and weight. He then helped students craft their own paper airplanes. Students competed with their airplanes, taking careful measurements of the distance each plane traveled and the number of seconds it maintained flight.  Submitted by Kalli McMillan.

Students at Mossy Head School were visited by Deputy Kristin Pond and K9 Kayne from the Walton County Sheriff's Office to learn about her job as a K9 deputy.  In class, the students read a book about a police officer and his K9.  The students were then able to compare and contrast the character in the book with Deputy Pond and Kayne. Submitted by Elizabeth Gaither.

On Wednesday, April 12, 2017, 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; Martha Freeman, Ceanna Thomaston and Kathryn Dier presented a business plan for Sweet Buns on the Run.  Walton High School participants; Melanie Nowell, Will Huff and Joey Wilkerson presented a business plan for the Country Side Cookery. South Walton High School participants; Ben Balfanz, Matt Garrett and Greg Garrett presented a business plan for the Beach Box.  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. Submitted by Donna Honish.

Main Article Picture includes left to right: Mrs. Kelley Stephenson - WHS Instructor, Matt Garrett, Mrs. Donna Honish - WCSD (back), Greg Garrett, Mrs. Shelly Hinojosa - SWHS Instructor (front), Ben Balfanz, Joey Wilkerson, Will Huff, Melanie Nowell, Martha Freeman, Mr. Jamey Goddin - FHS Instructor (back), Ceanna Thomaston, Kathryn Dier, Megan Dunaway, and Wendy McCormick. 

Pictured above left to right: Greg Garrett (SWHS), Ben Balfanz (SWHS), Matt Garrett (SWHS), Martha Freeman (FHS), Ceanna Thomaston (FHS), Kathryn Dier (FHS), Melanie Nowell (WHS), Joey Wilkerson (WHS), and Will Huff (WHS)

SWHS Youth Leadership Students

WHS Youth Leadership Students

FHS Youth Leadership Students