Giving Back, School

Okaloosa County students raise over $9,600 for Children in Crisis’ emergency shelter

Students across the district participated in the annual Change for Children Campaign, supporting local youth who have been removed from unsafe homes.

Jared Williams

Okaloosa County students raised more than $9,600 through the 2024-2025 Change for Children Campaign, a student-led fundraiser supporting Children in Crisis, Inc., the school board announced May 27.

The annual campaign, held from September through May, raises funds for The Children’s Neighborhood, an emergency shelter for children removed from unstable or unsafe home environments. The money helps provide food, clothing, shelter and stability to local children in need.

Ruckel Middle School won the middle school division, raising $3,000 under Principal Joe Jannazo and school sponsor Angela Wargo.

Southside Primary School claimed both the community school division title and top fundraiser honors, collecting $2,429 with Principal Amy Bowles and sponsors Haley Dukes and Stephanie Hicks.

Plew Elementary School took the elementary division by raising $2,189 under Principal Tammy Matz and school sponsors Shawna Crist and Katie White.

Choctawhatchee High School won the high school division with $2,000 raised under Principal Michelle Heck and school sponsor Dee Dee Shank.

“We are incredibly proud of our students and school leaders for stepping up to make a difference,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “This campaign is about more than raising money — it’s about teaching compassion, community, and the power of service. Supporting Children in Crisis is one way we can help make sure every child in Okaloosa has the opportunity to feel safe, cared for, and valued.”

The Okaloosa County School District partners with Children in Crisis to support vulnerable youth and teach students about giving back to their community.

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

School

Okaloosa County Schools urge early registration ahead of Aug. 11 start date

School

‘Take Stock in Children’ program seeks mentors for Okaloosa high school students

School

Okaloosa School District earns ‘A’ rating from FDOE, continues streak since 2014

School

Okaloosa County teachers complete AI certification program

Robin commented on Walton County shark attack survivor returns to local hospital, shares recovery story

“Why are we talking about menstrual cycle. It is a story of true grit and determination to move forward and find joy in day to day interaction in spite of...”

Respond

M Smith commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“This is correct. Base Commander ordered my husbands shop (Heavy Equipment Shop) to close it off because people would not adhere to the rules. People continued to ferry others from...”

Clyde M Pence MD commented on A Hometown Healer: Dr. Lee Thigpen’s 40-year legacy of healthcare in Crestview

“Lee, may your retirement be as rewarding as your life of service. If you are ever in our area of Tennessee please stop by and visit. We’d love to see...”

Jessie commented on Walton County shark attack survivor returns to local hospital, shares recovery story

“There is no evidence supporting the theory that sharks are attracted to period blood. They actually aren't attracted to human blood anyway. There is, however, evidence that they're attracted to...”

Jacob commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“It was closed off by one of the previous base commanders here at Eglin. The reason for it was out of safety concerns, according to the vice commander. Drug activity,...”

Kyle commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“They tried that, they let the public access it and what did the public do? Trash it, didn’t take care of it. We were warned what would happen and nobody...”

Dennis Ray commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“Merwin you're correct! The EPA would lock them up! I have a different version of this story told by Chat Holly, who was born and raised in the area east...”

Nick Jones commented on Okaloosa County deputies join statewide crackdown on speeding, aggressive driving

“They aren't trying to hard in my neighborhood. They'd fund their donut campaign for fifteen years ticketing the drivers who run stop signs and race the residential streets in my...”

Michael Farrell commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“Eglin is a terrible neighbor. Closing off all the property it does. Look at the pass in Panama City and what has been done to it. Public access walking trails...”

Merwin Chambers commented on Four men, shovels, and a storm: The accidental birth of Destin’s East Pass in 1929

“I had heard part of the story when visiting the Destin History and Fishing Museum (highly recommend), but not all the details. Thanks for the rest of the story. Can...”