Fort Walton Beach High School Principal Lindsey Smith has been selected as the 2026 Bill Montford Administrator of the Year, an honor presented by the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee and the Florida Association of School Administrators.

• The Okaloosa County School District announced the recognition Wednesday. The award, established in 2023, recognizes school leaders who demonstrate a strong commitment to inspiring students and teachers, particularly through STEM education. 

As part of the recognition, Smith has been invited to select a class from Fort Walton Beach High School to visit the Challenger Learning Center and participate in one of its immersive, interactive STEM labs.

The center, operated in partnership with the Florida State University and Florida A&M University Colleges of Engineering, engages students from kindergarten through high school in hands-on STEM programming across Florida.

Smith attended the award event with Fort Walton Beach High School science and math department chairs, Dr. Tavia Marez and Jackie Sheffield.

“STEM education and engagement are important not only to ensure we keep up with the ever-changing advancements in technology and engineering as a community, but, now more than ever, STEM education is essential to students’ understanding of the world around them,” Smith said. “I am proud of our STEM and CTE programming at Fort Walton Beach High School and the incredible content experts who pour into our students every day.”

Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised Smith’s leadership and the recognition.

• “Principal Smith is a tremendous leader whose passion for student achievement is evident in everything she does,” Chambers said. “Her commitment to expanding STEM opportunities and empowering both students and staff is exceptional. This recognition is incredibly well-deserved, and we are proud to have her representing Okaloosa County at the state level.”

For more information about the Challenger Learning Center, visit here.