The Okaloosa County School District, in collaboration with the administrative staff at Edge Elementary School and the City of Niceville, held a ceremony on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, to unveil a Florida Heritage Marker at the school.
- The event took place at Edge Elementary, located at 300 Hwy 85 N in Niceville, and began at 5:30 pm.
The school, initially known as Niceville High School, has a rich history dating back to 1924 when George Nathey conveyed seven acres of land to the Okaloosa County Board of Public Instruction.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including fires in 1926 and a hurricane in 1936, the school was rebuilt each time with the support of the community and grants from the Works Progress Administration (WPA).
In 1943, Niceville High School became the first county school to offer a nine-month school term to accommodate military families from Eglin Field. The school’s name was changed to Niceville Elementary in 1952, and in 1962, it was renamed Lula J. Edge Elementary to honor Lula J. Edge’s commitment to preserving the school.
The historical marker is located in front of the school’s flagpole.
Superintendent Marcus Chambers shared his thoughts on the event in a social media post, expressing gratitude to all those who attended and contributed to the celebration.
- “The Tiger Chorus provided a beautiful performance helping to honor the school’s enduring legacy,” Chambers noted. “We were graced by the presence of former principals, esteemed teachers, elected officials and alumni whose lives have been shaped within these walls.”
Chambers extended his appreciation to everyone who made the event possible, particularly the City of Niceville, historian Elisa Mitchiner, and School Board Member Dr. Diane Kelley, whose dedication helped immortalize the school’s shared history. “Your presence and support have not only honored the past but also inspire our path forward,” Chambers concluded.
