Special to The Sun – Page 7

Student of the Week

Posted onMarch 11, 2026March 11, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Sam Harris Jr. – 8th grader, Riversprings Middle School

Principal: Joshua Sandgren

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Riversprings Middle School proudly recognizes Sam Harris Jr. as our Student of the Week. Sam is not only a dedicated student in the classroom but also a committed athlete who represents the school with pride. He consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and respect for others. Teachers and coaches describe Sam as responsible, hardworking, and a great teammate. His dedication both academically and athletically makes him a great role model for his peers. We are proud to celebrate Sam’s achievement and look forward to his continued success. Congratulations, Sam!

Talquin provides students with educational tour

Posted onMarch 11, 2026March 11, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Area high school students at the state Capitol as part of the Talquin Youth Tour.

Special to The Sun

Talquin Electric Cooperative, Inc. (“Talquin”), a Member-owned, not-for-profit electric Cooperative, selected twenty-four high school juniors from Gadsden, Leon, Liberty and Wakulla Counties to participate in the Talquin Youth Tour.

Wakulla 4-H Nature Crew club charts new path

Posted onMarch 11, 2026March 11, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

By RACHEL PIENTA
4-H Agent

On a mild February morning, the 4-H Nature Crew Club set out on an adventure that blended education, exploration, and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Wakulla County. Their destination—Wakulla Springs State Park, one of Florida’s ecological treasures, became both classroom and playground as club members immersed themselves in learning about freshwater ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and conservation.

History program set on Apalachee Indians

Posted onMarch 4, 2026March 5, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Special to The Sun

The Wakulla County Historical Society invites you to attend our Second Tuesday History Talk on thatching and the history of the Apalachee Indians.
The slideshow presentation by Nelson Martin will be held on Tuesday, March 10, at 6 p.m. at the Wakulla County Public Library, 4330 Crawfordville Hwy. Martin will also talk some about the Calusa Indians who are the focus of the museum of Natural History.

7 Wakulla wrestlers qualify for state tournament

Posted onMarch 4, 2026March 4, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Clayton Manzi qualifies vs Walt Maddox of Marianna.

By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent

On February 28th, in spite of only having nine wrestlers competing, Wakulla placed second as a team in the 1A Region 1 Championship.

Kade Gerrell – Shadeville Elementary

Posted onMarch 4, 2026March 4, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Principal: Tim Wheeler

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: We are so proud to recognize Kade Gerrell as Shadeville Elementary School’s Student of the Week! Kade is a wonderful kindergarten student who brings joy, curiosity, and kindness into our school each day. His positive attitude and eagerness to learn make him a standout in the classroom, and we are thrilled to celebrate him for all the great things he’s doing.
Way to go, Kade! Keep shining bright, buddy — your Shadeville family is proud of you!

STUDENT OF THE WEEK FEATURES A DIFFERENT SCHOOL EACH WEEK.

Celebrate 183 years of Wakulla history on March 14th

Posted onMarch 4, 2026March 4, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

By RACHEL PIENTA
Wakulla 4-H

Wakulla County is preparing to honor 183 years of rich history, community spirit, and hometown pride at this year’s Wakulla Wonderful celebration, scheduled for Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the UF/IFAS Wakulla Extension facility at 84 Cedar Avenue. The free, family friendly event – hosted annually by Wakulla 4 H – has grown from a modest youth service project into one of the county’s most beloved community gatherings.

Thousands turn out for KWCB’s Mudbugs & Music

Posted onMarch 4, 2026March 4, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Wakulla’s Josh Homan and the Spice is Right Gang won the People’s Choice Award at the cook-off.

By TAMMIE NASON
KWCB

On Saturday, Feb. 21, thousands gathered at Woolley Park in Panacea for the first-ever Mudbugs & Music on the Bay Crawfish Cook-Off, hosted by Keep Wakulla County Beautiful (KWCB).
With more than 60 vendors, 15 cook-off competitors, and five distinguished judges, the Mardi Gras-themed waterfront event exceeded expectations and marked a major milestone for Wakulla County.

Caden Gruebel, Emily Zak selected to speak on podcasting

Posted onFebruary 25, 2026February 25, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

From 4-H

Two Wakulla County 4-H members, Caden Gruebel and Emily Zak, have earned a prestigious opportunity that places them on a national stage. This March, the pair will travel to Washington, D.C. to present at the Ignite by 4-H Conference, a gathering that brings together thousands of teens, educators, and youth development professionals from across the country. Their session will focus on a topic they know well and have spent months mastering: the art and impact of podcast production.

Mardi Gras party

Posted onFebruary 25, 2026February 25, 2026AuthorSpecial to The Sun

Friends of the Wakulla County Public Library held a Mardi Gras fundraiser on Saturday night at the community center. There was a blues band, jambalaya catered by Harry’s, and a silent auction. (Photos by William Snowden)