By JUDGE LAYNE SMITH
Q. Judge Smith, how does one become a U.S. citizen? What are some of the rights and responsibilities of citizenship? Thank you, Katherine
A. The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides two pathways to becoming a citizen at birth, and a pathway for those born abroad:
GRADUATION FOR CHAMBER CLASS
The second class of Leadership Wakulla graduated in a ceremony held on Tuesday, May 12 at the community center. The program is designed to teach a group about what’s going on in the county, from tourism to education to the justice system and more. This year’s graduates were James Lewis, Molly Jones BoWell, Alex Gonzalez, Kaitlyn Wilson, Kellie Wilsey, Novella L. Franklin, Samatha Kennedy, Tina Torrance and Tina Messer. (Photo by William Snowden)
Principal: Josh Sandgren
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Makena is an exceptional student who consistently earns top marks in advanced coursework and demonstrates excellence in the school’s band program. In addition to her academic and extracurricular achievements, she has gone above and beyond by dedicating her time to tutoring fellow students in science. Through one-on-one support and encouragement, Makena has worked diligently to help her classmates better understand key scientific concepts in preparation for the 8th grade science assessment. Her leadership, commitment, and willingness to help others make her truly deserving of recognition as Student of the Week.
Special to The Sun
The Future Leaders of Wakulla (FLOW) Club has announced its newly elected officers for the 2026–2027 club year, continuing to build momentum as a youth leadership organization that brings together young people from across Wakulla County.
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Special to The Sun
On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Ducks Unlimited announced the recipients of its 2026 National Scholarship Program. Applications were reviewed by a volunteer selection committee appointed by the Advisory Senior Vice President to the National Youth Engagement Committee.
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The Wakulla War Eagles, under new coach Derek Allen, traveled to Chiles to play halves against Tallahassee schools Lincoln and Rickards on Thursday. Photos by Ken Fields
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It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates the following students on being named to the Spring 2026 President’s List. The spring terms run from January to May.
Read More …By JUDGE LAYNE SMITH
Years ago, I wrote three newspaper columns with “Independence Day” in-mind. I share them now in celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday.
This is part three of three:
The Revolutionary War began in 1775 and ended in 1783. It spanned over 8 years (101 months). During that time, many American soldiers received little to no pay for their military service. After the war ended, Congress couldn’t satisfy the nation’s war debts, including soldiers’ back pay. Chronically short of funds, the federal government caused runaway inflation by over-circulating worthless paper money. Farmers were hit hard, and many lost their farms to foreclosures.
By AL HARTMAN
The U. S. Wildlife Federation did a survey of the states that have most problems with bear reactions with humans. Florida belongs very high on the nationwide bear problem call list because Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has one of the clearest long-term public datasets anywhere.
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