The ribbon was officially cut at the new Magnet Innovation Center and the renovated Emerald Coast Technical College (Watersound). The space is a true testament to the power of what is possible when Vision is fused with Collaboration and Innovation. The Magnet Innovation Center began as the brainchild of Superintendent A. Russell Hughes and is home to some of the most hands-on and innovative learning modalities available anywhere - but it's right here in your backyard. Thank you to our community partners, St. Joe Foundation, School Board, and all of those who attended to help celebrate this special occassion!
www.walton.k12.fl.us/employment
Walton County’s own Coleman Borthwick is taking his talents — and his hometown pride — to the world stage. A standout athlete from South Walton High School, Coleman recently represented the United States as a member of the U-18 National Baseball Team, competing in Japan and helping Team USA bring home the Gold Medal.
Coleman was recognized by the school board for his incredible accomplishments.
Playing for your country is an accomplishment few athletes ever achieve, and Coleman’s performance reflected not only his skill but also the character and work ethic shaped right here in Walton County. This work ethic landed Borthwick the 2025 World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 MVP!
Coleman has big dreams — to play professionally — but his heart remains rooted at home. After his playing career, Coleman hopes to return to South Walton High School to follow in his father’s footsteps and carry on the family legacy as a coach and mentor to the next generation of athletes.
Coleman is Keeping the Charge by taking the excellence he crafted right here in Walton County out into the world and becoming a charging station for others — proving that when success starts at home, it can inspire far beyond it!
Way to go Coleman!
@habitatwaltoncounty presented the final key to Hope Village to Samantha Brown this week. Superintendent Hughes, and members of his cabinet, were there to support Samantha as her life and the life of her children was changed for the positive! Samantha is a WCSD alumna and has children in the District. Thank you to Habitat for Humanity for changing lives!! Samantha and her family were met by former NFL running back Warrick Dunn who partnered with Habitat for Humanity to have the house fully furnished and stocked! Let us know when you need some extra hands on the next build!
Congratulations to Mr. Scharver — The District Office's Educational Support Professional of the Year!
Mr. Scharver, Plant Manager for the District Office, was selected for this well-deserved recognition for his outstanding work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to lend a hand. Employees at the District Office met to watch Superintendent Hughes recognize Scharver.
In his four years with the District, Mr. Scharver has become known for his cheerful spirit and can-do attitude that brighten everyone’s day. Whether it’s tackling a tough project or helping a coworker, he does it all with a smile!
Please join us in celebrating Mr. Scharver, our District Office 2025 ESP of the Year!
five schools have been named Schools of Excellence for the 2024–2025 school year by the
Florida Department of Education. This distinction is awarded to schools performing in the top 20
percent statewide in academic achievement for at least two of the last three years.
The schools recognized with this honor are Dune Lakes Elementary, Van R. Butler Elementary,
Emerald Coast Middle School, Freeport High School, and South Walton High School.
In addition, Walton County School District itself has again been designated an Academically
High-Performing District, meeting rigorous criteria for school grades, financial responsibility,
and class size compliance. This success highlights our community’s widespread commitment to
The Walton County Way, or EPIC. This distinction is further proof that we were all In the Boat
for the Goal for the 24-25 school year.
Once ranked in the middle of Florida districts (2015-2016), Walton County has continued to improve its standing for the last nine years. Walton now proudly sits among the top three districts in the state for academic performance, #2 for graduation rate, and #1 in Education according to the Florida Policy Institute.
Superintendent A. Russell Hughes commended the accomplishment, stating:
“This designation speaks to what we can accomplish when everyone is In the Boat for The Goal, rowing in the same direction. Congratulations to our students, educators, school board, parents, and community partners for their EPIC commitment to our district.”
The 25-26 school year is off to an energetic start as students are Keeping the Charge Through DC Power. DC power flows from negative to positive, and Superintendent A. Russell Hughes is urging everyone to Keep the Charge and turn any negative into a positive this year.
