Scenic Walton Honors Alys Beach with Design Excellence Award
Scenic Walton recently presented its Design Excellence Award to Alys Beach, recognizing the community’s commitment to architectural excellence and scenic beauty along Walton County’s Scenic Highway 30A corridor.
The award was presented Feb. 26 by Scenic Walton Executive Director Leigh Moore, with Board President Tony Vallee in attendance. Robert Stenhammer, vice president and general manager of Alys Beach, accepted the award on behalf of Alys Beach and its owner, EBSCO Gulf Coast Development, Inc. “Alys Beach represents one of the most thoughtfully designed communities anywhere along our coast,” Moore said. “Its architectural integrity and commitment to design excellence have helped set a standard for coastal development.”
During the ceremony, Moore and Stenhammer also recognized Marieanne Khoury-Vogt and Erik Vogt of Khoury Vogt Architects, recipients of this year’s Seaside Prize. The architects have served as Town Architects at Alys Beach for more than 15 years and helped maintain the community’s original vision.
WFLDAR Honors Student Essayists and Good Citizens
The West Florida Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (WFLDAR) recently recognized local students during its annual American History Essay Contest and Good Citizens Awards Ceremony.
Founded in 2014, the chapter hosts the event each year to celebrate academic excellence, civic responsibility and patriotism among area students. WFLDAR Regent Robbie Carroll welcomed students, teachers, principals and parents to the ceremony.
The American History Essay Contest invites students in grades 5–8 to explore the nation’s past through creative writing. This year’s theme, “Lunch with a Signer,” coincides with America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.
First place was awarded to sixth grader Connelly Grelle for her essay on John Hancock titled “Put Your John Hancock on That.” In her winning entry, she wrote that Hancock “was passionate about our country becoming independent from Britain,” noting that his bold signature was “a statement to King George III.” She also referenced the well-known quote attributed to Hancock: “There, I guess King George will be able to read that without his spectacles!”
Second place was awarded to Freeport Middle School student Sheilia Bouldridge.
The chapter also honored outstanding seniors through the DAR Good Citizen Program, which recognizes students who demonstrate dependability, service, leadership and patriotism. This year’s Good Citizen Award went to Anaya Patel of Seacoast Collegiate High School, with runners-up Elijah Brooks Ordis of Destin High School and Austin Hays Hostetler of South Walton High School.
NWFSC Drives Regional Economic Impact
Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) continues to serve as a powerful driver of economic growth and opportunity across the region, generating a total annual impact of $283.1 million and supporting 3,842 jobs in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
A newly released economic impact summary highlights the college’s role not only as an educational institution, but also as a cornerstone of workforce development, community stability and long-term prosperity.
According to the report, for every $1 invested in NWFSC, students gain $6.50 in lifetime earnings — underscoring the long-term value of higher education. “Our mission is not only to educate students, but to empower them to impact communities,” said NWFSC President Mel Ponder. “These numbers tell a powerful story: when students succeed, our entire region benefits.”
The report outlines several key economic impacts, including $34.9 million in added income generated through operational spending and 982 jobs supported by college-related activities. Student spending also contributes $3.3 million in added income to the regional economy.
Even more significant is the long-term impact of NWFSC graduates. Alumni contribute $237.7 million annually in added income to the regional economy through increased earning power and workforce participation. “This is transformation in action,” said Rhea Goff, NWFSC Board of Trustees chair. “Our graduates are fueling local businesses, filling critical workforce needs and building stronger futures for themselves and their families.”
The college’s influence is amplified by the fact that many graduates remain in the region after completing their education. According to the report, 83% of NWFSC students stay within the college’s service area, while 91% remain in Florida.
Additionally, one out of every 58 jobs in Okaloosa and Walton counties is supported by the activities of the college and its students. “Our graduates don’t just leave with a diploma — they stay, lead and serve,” Ponder said. “Northwest Florida State College is where transformation begins — for individuals and for our communities.”
The report also highlights the earning potential tied to education levels. Individuals with a high school diploma earn an average of $37,100 annually, while certificate holders earn about $40,300. Those with associate degrees average $44,600 in annual earnings, and bachelor’s degree holders earn approximately $64,900.
By expanding access to certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs, NWFSC continues to help residents move into higher-paying careers while strengthening the region’s workforce. “At Northwest Florida State College, we are transforming lives every day,” Ponder said. “When students achieve their goals, our entire region grows stronger. That is the true return on investment in education.” Visit www.nwfsc.edu.
New Workforce Analysis Shows Northwest Florida Outpacing the Nation
A new Labor Supply and Demand Analysis from Florida’s Great Northwest (FGNW) shows Northwest Florida’s workforce growth and wage gains significantly outpacing national averages.
Originally launched in 2021 through a Triumph Gulf Coast grant, the analysis helps guide workforce training, education programs and economic strategy across the region.
Key findings show the 13-county region added more than 42,000 jobs — an 8.7% growth rate compared to the national average of 5.9%. Average wages also rose nearly 19%. Growth was especially strong in targeted industry sectors, where jobs increased 12% (about 8,000 positions) and earnings climbed more than 26%. “This analysis is truly transformative for the story we are able to tell,” said Jennifer Conoley, president and CEO of Florida’s Great Northwest. “It demonstrates why Northwest Florida is a workforce solution, giving our partners a consistent, powerful message to share.”
Jay Trumbull Sr., board chair of Triumph Gulf Coast, said the results highlight the impact of long-term regional investment. “At Triumph Gulf Coast, our mission has always been to ensure this region isn’t just reacting to the economy, but actively shaping it,” Trumbull said. “Seeing Northwest Florida emerge as a national leader in workforce excellence is incredibly rewarding — it proves that our strategic investments are successfully bridging the gap between our regional economy and the talent needed to fuel it.”
To explore the full report, visit www.floridasgreatnorthwest.com.
CHELCO Announces 2026 Youth Tour Delegates
CHELCO (Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative, Inc.) recently announced its 2026 FECA Youth Tour and NRECA Youth Tour delegates following a leadership program in Tallahassee.
In early February, 22 high school juniors from across CHELCO’s service area traveled to the state capital for the Florida Electric Cooperatives Association Youth Tour. Chaperoned by CHELCO staff, the all-expense-paid program gave students an immersive look at state government through mock legislative sessions in the Florida House and Senate, along with tours of the Capitol complex. Participating students represented schools across the region, including Laurel Hill, Niceville, Baker, Rocky Bayou Christian, Walton, Paxton, Freeport, Crestview, South Walton and Collegiate High School at NWFSC.
Following the Tallahassee trip, students submitted video reflections about their experiences. An independent panel of judges from energy and electric cooperatives reviewed the submissions and selected four delegates to represent CHELCO at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Youth Tour in Washington, D.C., this June.
The 2026 CHELCO Youth Tour delegates are Kaylee Yeakos (Paxton School), Calie Brackin (Walton High School), Noah Seeliger (Collegiate High School at NWFSC) and Rose Weinacker (Niceville High School).
Alternates selected were Aidan Enriquez (Crestview High School) and Graham Beauchamp (Niceville High School). “Programs like this reflect CHELCO’s commitment to investing in the communities we serve, while inspiring and empowering the next generation of cooperative leaders,” said CHELCO CEO Steve Rhodes. “ Interestingly, some of our tenured CHELCO employees were once Youth Tour participants themselves, carrying the lessons they learned decades ago into the work they do for our members today.” Visit https://www.chelco.com/youth-tour.
Collegiate High Student Named National Merit Finalist
Collegiate High School at Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) student Nathan Van has been named a Finalist in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Nathan is among approximately 16,000 students nationwide who advanced from semifinalist standing to finalist status, placing him among the highest-achieving high school students in the country. Finalists are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular involvement and potential for success in rigorous college studies.
Collegiate High School at NWFSC is widely recognized as one of Florida’s top-performing public high schools. Its academically driven environment allows students to earn college credit while completing their high school requirements, preparing them for success at the collegiate level and beyond.
Nathan’s recognition reflects both his personal dedication and the supportive culture of high expectations fostered by Collegiate High School faculty and staff. “The Collegiate High School team is very proud of the efforts and accomplishments of Nathan,” said Assistant Principal Tristin Waller. “We wish him the very best as he continues in the competition as a National Merit® Finalist.” Finalists will now be considered for National Merit Scholarship awards to be announced later in 2026.
Visit www.nwfsc.edu
