Chamber of Commerce members were on hand for a ceremonial check presentation to the Tallahassee State College Board of Trustees at a meeting held Monday, April 20, at Wakulla Environmental Institute.

The check represents a fully endowed Burt Poole scholarship from the Chamber to go to a Wakulla resident every year. Above, TSC President Jim Murdaugh and trustees with some Chamber members. At right, Chamber executive director Heather Bryan.

Principal: L. Hernandez

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Taylor Vause is a straight A student in Mrs. Temple’s 1st grade class at RES. She performs as a Level 5 in both math and reading. She has been the top reader with the most words read in her grade 2 months this school year. Taylor is a leader among her peers because of her intelligence, compassion and willingness to help her classmates as well as other students in the school. She enjoys taking dance classes. She also was recently chosen to display her artwork at the Wakulla High School Art Exhibit. She is dependable, funny, sweet and smart! And she deserves to be celebrated!

By WALT JACOBS
Special to the Sun

On Tuesday, April 14th, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and festive at Wakulla High School, where the WHS Lady War Eagle wrestling team gathered to celebrate a wonderful season. Head Coach Jon Sanchez capped off an evening of food, fellowship, and frivolity, with the presentation of awards.

Sophia Barron was awarded The Heart of the Eagle, which is given to the wrestler who demonstrates a strong work ethic, determination, and resilience.
Rose Cooper was honored as The Rookie of the Year. This award is given to someone who is new to wrestling, demonstrates skill, performs well, and shows potential for becoming a great wrestler.
Kameron Easter received the academic award, given to the wrestler with the highest GPA.
Julia Baggett took home a pair of awards. She was chosen by her peers as the Queen of the Nest, which is awarded to the individual who is most friendly, supportive, personable, positive, and who fosters camaraderie. Baggett also received the PAFF award. The acronym stands for Perseverance, Attitude, Fight, and Focus which were qualities that were emphasized by former War Eagle Coach Will Pafford throughout his coaching career.
Kendal Haynie was honored with a couple of awards as well. She was selected as the MVP, which is awarded to the wrestler who was most valuable to the team and had an enormous impact on the team’s success. Haynie also received the Outstanding Achievement award, which recognizes exceptional performance and significant accomplishments.
Head Coach Jon Sanchez said, “It was a great banquet, filled with family and friends who were so supportive throughout this season.” Sanchez continued, Having the opportunity to celebrate these young ladies was an honor. They’ve put in so much work this season and collectively they’ve helped build the culture and environment that I’ve expressed a need for.” Sanchez elaborated, “A place where you work hard, earn what you put in, a place where you learn life lessons, the importance of teamwork, the value of accountability, and make lasting friendships.” Sanchez added, “I am beyond proud of what these girls have accomplished this year and we look forward to what they’ll do next year.”

The stage is set and the curtain is ready to rise as Wakulla High School Theatre invites the community to enjoy its upcoming production of the beloved musical comedy, ‘The Drowsy Chaperone.’

This Tony Award-winning show, known for its witty humor and charming “play-within-a-play” format, promises an evening filled with laughter, lively music, and unforgettable characters. Audiences will be transported back to the golden age of Broadway as the story unfolds through the narration of a devoted theatre fan, bringing a comedic yet heartfelt twist to the classic musical experience. Performances will take place April 30 through May 2 at 6:30 p.m., with a final matinee on May 3 at 2:30 p.m. in the Wakulla High School auditorium. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults, and may be purchased at the door or in advance online at teachtix.com/wakullahs. The production showcases the hard work and talent of over 60 student performers and technicians and highlights the school’s continued commitment to excellence in the arts. With dazzling costumes, energetic choreography, and comedic flair, The Drowsy Chaperone is one you do not want to miss. So don’t miss your chance to support local student talent and enjoy a night at the theatre – because when the record starts spinning, anything can happen.

Special to The Sun

The Wakulla War Eagles Varsity Baseball Team brought home a District Title on Friday, April 17th night!
The War Eagles built a 5-run lead in the first inning and then held off the Arnold High School Marlin’s charge in a 5-3 victory.

The War Eagles offensive charge started when Sam Bruce (Sr.) and Owen Klees (Sr.) collected hits that put them into scoring position on a wild pitch. A walk by Wesson Stanley (Jr.) and a line drive double by Kendall Wimes (So.) quickly put the War Eagles up 3-0. A big hit by Tucker High (Jr.), another by Fletcher Brown (Sr.), a walk drawn by Armon Lindsey (So.) and a hard hit by Jayce Hoffman (So.) advanced runners to allow the War Eagles to go up 5-0 in the top of the first. The hard-hitting War Eagles racked up a total of 8 hits on the night including one by Cason Marlow (Sr.) in the top of the third.
Kendall Wimes started on the bump for the War Eagles. The righty lasted 4 innings surrendering just 2 earned runs while walking 3 and racking up 3 strike outs. Landon Lawrence (Jr.) appeared in relief and finished the game out on the mound for the War Eagles and gave up only 1 earned run while striking out 2. The War Eagle defense was on full display with solid plays backing up their pitchers all night.
The FHSAA 4A District 2 Championship is the first for this new coaching staff headed by Coach Paxton Tomaini, and assistant coaches Aiden Driscoll and Joseph Perini. This solid staff brings a wealth of experience on the diamond with all three coaches coming off successful college baseball careers and the results speak for themselves. The team and the community are excited to see what the future holds for this talented group of baseball players.

Special to The Sun

For the past 52 years, the Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta (www.smithregatta.com) has been held at Shell Point Beach in southern Wakulla County for the benefit of the American Cancer Society in memory of Stephen Smith, a local sailor who died from a rare form of leukemia at the age of 29.

This year, April 24-26, this home-grown family-friendly event is back for another year of fun and fundraising. Come sail, watch, eat lunch at the Regatta grill and participate in the Sunday afternoon live auction!
This year’s event is particularly poignant for the volunteers organizing the event because they lost a much admired and loved member, Wright Finney, to cancer in January. Wright was a founding member of the Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta Foundation, Inc. and the Shell Point Sailboard Club and dedicated decades to acting as the logistics lead and as a community representative for the Regatta. “This year’s regatta has been themed as the “Race for Wright,” said John McBride, this year’s event chair, “so that while we mourn the loss of Wright, we can redouble efforts to continue the fight against cancer.”
The Regatta draws more than 200 registered participants (sailors & guests) with hundreds more spectators from all over the southeast. The event includes races for PHRF yachts, catamarans such as Hobie Cats, smaller day sailors including Sunfish, and windsurfers which are the most numerous and often the most colorful participants in the Regatta.

The windsurfing fleet will be competing in multiple races on Saturday and a long-distance race Sunday morning. Catamarans and one design day sailors, and small and large (22 feet and over) monohulls will race over their own courses on Saturday. The public is invited to view the races on Saturday and Sunday. Eat your lunch on the beach—bring the family.

THE AUCTION

Thousands of dollars’ worth of donated items, from jewelry to sailboats will be auctioned at approximately 2 pm on Sunday afternoon. Everyone has a great time as our auctioneers describe the items and ask for bids. You can pick up some great deals while contributing! We encourage generous offers since all the proceeds will benefit residents in the Big Bend area. There is also an early on-line auction ending April 15th, for several items. Go to www.smithregatta.com and look for the Auction tab at the top of the page.

AN AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY BENEFIT

In addition to the many patient services provided to children and adults, the American Cancer Society funds research and public education, which are vital in the effort against this stealthy killer. The ACS receives no government funding, relying exclusively on the generous support of private donations. Thanks to our MANY wonderful supporters and volunteers, over the last 52 years the Stephen C. Smith Memorial Regatta Foundation, Inc. contributed over $730,000 to the ACS, much of which stayed in Wakulla, Leon, Jefferson, Gadsden, and other Big Bend counties, providing services to our area residents.
Contributions may be made by donating items for the auction, in-kind merchandise to support the event, or negotiable funds. To join our team or to donate auction items, contact an event chairman www.smithregatta.com/foundation.cfm.

By TAMMIE NASON
Special to The Sun

Keep Wakulla County Beautiful’s Earth Day Responsible Disposal Event was a resounding success, drawing 389 participants to the Wakulla County Landfill for a day focused on environmental stewardship and community impact.
Held as part of the nationwide Greatest American Cleanup, the event provided residents with a free and convenient way to responsibly dispose of materials that should not be placed in regular household trash. Items collected included aluminum cans, plastic bags, household hazardous waste, off-rim tires, and sensitive documents for shredding.

Organizers reported significant volumes of materials processed, including more than 600 gallons of oil and gas and approximately 600 fluorescent bulbs. The event also marked the successful debut of the county’s new bulb crusher, which operated efficiently and safely, using only a fraction of its capacity. In addition, five dumpsters were filled with tires, highlighting an ongoing need for proper tire disposal in the community.
Despite the high turnout, event operations ran smoothly, with no major traffic issues reported.
In celebration of Earth Day and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, participants received native trees, including red maples and dogwoods, to plant at home. Native coreopsis seeds, provided by the Sarracenia Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, were also distributed to encourage pollinator-friendly landscapes throughout Wakulla County.
Organizers are encouraging residents who received trees to document their planting efforts. Participants are invited to take a photo while planting their tree and share it by emailing keepwakullabeautiful@gmail.com or texting 850-274-0767. The goal is to showcase the community’s progress toward planting at least 250 trees across Wakulla County by July 4.
Keep Wakulla County Beautiful expressed appreciation to the many volunteers, partners, and residents who contributed to the event’s success, noting that community involvement continues to play a vital role in protecting the county’s natural resources.

In Wakulla County, success in 4-H Shooting Sports is built on far more than accurate aim. It grows from discipline, mentorship, safety, and a strong community that believes in its young people. Few stories capture that spirit more clearly than the journey of Emiliano Cadena and the Wakulla County 4-H Shotgun Sharpshooters.

This summer, Emiliano will represent both Wakulla County and the State of Florida at the 2026 National 4-H Shooting Sports Championships in Grand Island, Nebraska, earning a place among the nation’s top youth competitors. His selection follows an exceptional performance at the Florida 4-H State Shotgun Match, where he placed third in Senior Skeet and fourth overall in the Senior Division, securing one of the limited and highly competitive roster positions on the Florida 4-H State Shotgun Team.
Selection to the Florida state team is no small feat. Only a handful of youth statewide qualify each year, advancing through county and state level competition under demanding conditions. Emiliano’s achievement reflects years of consistent training, meticulous attention to safety, and a deep commitment to the principles that define 4-H Shooting Sports—leadership, responsibility, service, and respect.
At its core, the 4-H Shooting Sports program is designed to develop life skills alongside technical proficiency. Nationally, the program emphasizes decision making, goal setting, teamwork, ethical behavior, and the safe, responsible use of firearms and equipment—outcomes that extend far beyond the range and into school, careers, and community life. Emiliano’s competitive success is one visible result of that broader mission.
Behind every strong youth program is a network of trained adults who model responsibility and reinforce high standards. In Wakulla County, that leadership includes volunteer coaches certified through Florida 4-H Shooting Sports, a statewide system that requires extensive training, background screening, and ongoing recertification to ensure youth safety and quality instruction.
A key figure in the Wakulla 4-H Shotgun Club is Emiliano’s father, who serves as a volunteer coach while also supporting his child’s competitive journey. Beyond personal involvement, he dedicates countless hours to mentoring youth, reinforcing firearm safety protocols, and helping build a positive, high character program that continues to grow in participation and impact.
This dual story—of a young competitor and a committed volunteer—highlights what makes local 4-H Shooting Sports programs successful: families, certified mentors, and communities working together under a shared framework of safety and youth development.
Competing at the national level brings significant logistical costs. Travel from Florida to Nebraska, lodging for nearly a week, meals, competition fees, ammunition, and equipment transport add up quickly. For Emiliano’s family, estimated expenses range from $2,500 to $4,000, all of which must be covered upfront.
To meet those needs, the Wakulla County 4-H program is raising funds to support both Emiliano and his coach as part of the Florida delegation.
As Emiliano steps onto the national stage, he carries more than a shotgun and a Florida jersey. He carries the support of Wakulla County, the guidance of dedicated volunteers, and the values of a 4-H program committed to shaping future leaders.
Community support for Emiliano’s journey is an investment not just in one competitor, but in the continued strength of Wakulla County 4-H and in the young people who will follow his path, learning that excellence, responsibility, and service go hand in hand.
To help the Cadenas with their trip to Nebraska, donations can be made online at this link: https://tinyurl.com/wakulla4Hss or donations of checks or gift cards can made at the Wakulla Extension office located at 84 Cedar Avenue in Crawfordville.

She sits on the edge of her seat, across the table from me, white knuckling her purse straps. The scene was familiar – long years of sitting across a table from pre-K teachers with worried frowns, or from special educators at endless meetings, or maybe the middle school principal when the bullying was so bad.

“You know the prayer of moms with kids with special needs?” she asks. I do know it: God, please let me live just one day longer than my child so I can always make sure he is cared for and loved in this world that can be so cruel. When I nod she continues, “I don’t even need one day; I pray I live just one minute longer than my child.”
Though her words are sad, she doesn’t cry. She looks at me with the eyes of a mom who has fought long and hard for her son.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and the autism community is lighting it up blue, wearing red instead, proudly displaying their puzzle piece t-shirts, and embracing the neurodivergent infinity symbol. It is the month when parents can find resources and advocates at the numerous events held in parks, libraries, and schools all over the country.
At NextStep at Endeavor Academy in Marianna, every month is the perfect month for showing acceptance for neurodivergent people. NextStep is a two-year transition program for autistic adults which focuses on employment, independent living, and community connection. Since 2022 we have had hundreds of enrollments in our full-time Transition Academy and our part-time short courses. Our social short course, Stepping Out with NextStep, currently has nearly 40 participants in our groups in Marianna, Tallahassee, Panama City, and Dothan. 100% of our Transition Academy participants have been competitively employed upon graduation and remain so to this day.
I tell the mom across the table from me all this.
“He stims,” she says.
“Everybody stims,” I respond gently, “and we don’t mind that here.”
Autism acceptance is more than a celebratory month at NextStep. It appears daily in our interactions with the adults we serve. We recognize and value the unique characteristics that come with an autism diagnosis, and we also appreciate the unique characteristics we all have that make us human. Acceptance is something all of us are looking for we all want to be seen and heard and valued. In his book Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment, author Daniel Coyle writes about what makes a meaningful life. Connecting with others is key; finding acceptance where we can “let our armor down” is the first step.
I look past the mom’s shoulder into our NextStep common area and kitchen, thinking about all the parent conversations I have had over the years. We’re Scared to Let Her Near the Stove was pulling a pound cake out of the oven, We Don’t Think He’ll be Able to Hold a Job was headed to the restroom to change into his work uniform, and We’re Heartbroken He’s Never Had a Friend was playing Battleship with his buddy. Across the way at NextStep Apartments, I’m Worried He Will Never Be Independent was putting his groceries away in his kitchen, I’m Afraid She Won’t Ever Be Able to Drive was getting into her truck to go to work, and I Just Want Him to Experience All the Things Other People Get to Experience was getting ready to go out to dinner with friends.
Just like you and me, people with autism thrive when they feel accepted and valued. When the right supports are paired with meaningful work, they are some of the most loyal employees you will ever have. When taught with patience and evidence-based practices, they will succeed in ways you never dreamed possible.
I smile at the mom across from me then, getting up and moving away from that table between us. “Come and talk to our students,” I say, leading her toward them and already imagining all the wonderful accomplishments He Stims will be making in his next two years at NextStep.

Tammy Dasher is the director of NextStep at Endeavor Academy in Marianna. She can be reached at TDasher@NextStepatEndeavor.org.

By AL HARTMAN

Hope you all are doing well. There’s a lot going on.
If you haven’t got your turkey yet there’s still some time. Season closes April 26. Where I’ve been going for years turkeys have just disappeared. Foxes, raccoons, coyotes and Florida panthers have wiped them out. Hope your area is holding some.
So time to fish. They are really out there right now. Big trout and big reds are a plenty. Keeper trout are tight, but a few nice ones pop up here and there.
I tried something I heard about that will catch nice reds. I heard that they eat small snakes. So I went to my freshwater tackle box and grabbed a pack of long black rubber bass worms. It works. Not as well as a small or a chunk of a blue crab or surf crabs, but it works.

It’s always good to have a good array of different presentations. Some days they will kill something and the next day they want something different.
We really need some rain. A lot of plants are wilting from the lack of water. Gotta spray your planted garden every day. The best time to water is evening as the sun starts going over the hill. Watering them in the morning can get them cooked in the hot sun.
The gas prices are getting higher every day. I know that a lot of countries need the oil that comes out of the Strait of Hormuz but we don’t. We get our oil from Canada, Mexico and Venezuela. So it ends up we are paying the price because of world fears. We have our own oil, but most of our wells in the U.S. are sitting idle. Crank ‘em up! They say they can’t make any money. WHAT??? Guess they don’t buy gas.
Well the Old Pro is getting up there in years. Been writing for you folks for over 40 years now and I hope to continue many more, but something came up last week. I went to my Doc’s and she did a EKG, and another.
Last year she didn’t like the results. This year she said this one was worse – irregular heart beat.
So I’ve got a lot of tests and meds. I’m going for a stress test next week and then a heart monitor for a couple of days.
Wish me luck I want to write for you many more years.
Happy Hunting and Fishing and take a Youngster.