Community Comes Together for Students: Nine Schools, 90 Volunteers, and 540 Volunteer Hours

In a display of community spirit, 90 dedicated volunteers successfully prepared nine schools in the Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) for the 2024-2025 academic year. The collective effort, totaling 540 volunteer hours, underscores a strong partnership between the district and local organizations, ensuring an enriched educational environment for students.

Volunteers from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Eglin Federal Credit Union, Florida Power and Light, and Hurlburt Field Air Force Base were instrumental in various projects, including setting up classrooms, maintaining facilities, landscaping, and organizing educational materials.

"Our community’s unwavering support for our students, teachers, and schools is truly inspiring. I extend my deepest gratitude to HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital for leading a remarkable volunteer event across our district’s elementary schools,” stated Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “Alongside HCA, volunteers from Eglin Federal Credit Union, Florida Power and Light, and airmen from Team Hurlburt dedicated their time and talents to assist with various interior and exterior projects, helping us prepare our schools for the new year. Acts of kindness like this make a profound impact on our district, and we are incredibly grateful to these volunteers for their steadfast support.”

The volunteer effort is part of OCSD’s ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and well-prepared student environment. The collaboration emphasizes the district's belief that community involvement is essential for our schools' success and our students' overall educational experience.

"We were excited to join forces with the Okaloosa County School District on nine impactful projects to help prepare our students and schools for the new year," said Zach McCluskey, CEO of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. "Our 'We Show Up' volunteer initiative embodies our mission to care for and improve human lives, and we look forward to expanding these efforts and creating even more positive change in our community."

As the school year kicks off, OCSD is excited to welcome students back into revitalized spaces that reflect our volunteers' hard work and dedication.

Senior Airman Jarrett Ayres from Hurlburt Field said, "I wanted to support my community and ensure our children have a positive environment to learn and grow. They are the next generation, and we are responsible for ensuring they are happy, comfortable, and safe."

OCSD is grateful to all the volunteers who contributed their time and energy to these vital projects and schools. Their efforts have made a significant difference, and students, teachers, and families will feel the positive impact.

Schools Assisted:
· Destin Elementary School
· Edwins Elementary School
· Elliott Point Elementary School
· Plew Elementary School
· Edge Elementary School
· Mary Esther Elementary School
· Northwood Elementary School
· Southside Primary School
· Walker Elementary School

For more information about the volunteer initiative or to get involved in future projects, please contact catherine.card@okaloosaschools.com.