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.

By WALT JACOBS/Correspondent

On April 28th, Wakulla High School announced Shannon Smith as the new head coach of the wrestling program.

Smith will succeed Nate Litowsky, who led the War Eagles to a 50-7 record in dual meets and qualified 14 wrestlers for the FHSAA State Championship during his two seasons at the helm. Additionally, in his final season, Litowsky led Wakulla to an 8th place finish at the FHSAA State Championship (IBT) and a berth in the state semifinals at the FHSAA State Dual Championship.
Smith is no stranger to Wakulla wrestling. He competed at WHS from 1984-1988. After graduation, Smith joined the U.S. Marine Corps and upon completion of his service, his journey eventually led him back to his hometown.
Since his return, Smith has devoted himself to serving the community where he was raised. In 2002, when he found that there were no opportunities for youth wrestlers in Wakulla County, Smith felt compelled to fill that void by launching the county’s first youth wrestling club, known as Team Wakulla. He began with six wrestlers, and by 2016 the club had grown to 75 members. Team Wakulla, led by Smith and former War Eagle Coach Will Pafford, has been instrumental in the success Wakulla Wrestling has enjoyed for nearly a quarter of a century, including two FHSAA State Dual runner-up finishes: one in 2019 and another in 2020.
Contemporaneously, Smith also taught at Riversprings Middle School and coached wrestling until 2018. While there, Smith laid the foundation for a middle school wrestling powerhouse that has, to date, won 24 consecutive county championships; 14 were during his tenure as head coach.
If you ever meet Smith, you’ll realize very quickly that he enjoys winning and that he is very passionate about Wakulla Wrestling. You will also learn that he genuinely cares for the athletes in his charge.
After an 8-year hiatus, the announcement of Smith’s return to coaching was met with a favorable response from the wrestling community on social media, which is a testament to the lasting impression he has made on each of them.
Smith’s passion for the sport and investing in young people has not waned over the years. In Wakulla County, he plans to continue to grow wrestling, a sport that is currently the fastest-growing high school sport in the U.S. for both boys and girls. While acknowledging Wakulla’s rich wrestling tradition, he aspires to take the program to even higher heights. Smith said, “We have always been competitive and respected in the state. I would like to see us continue to grow and strive to get in the top five consistently at the IBT State Tournament.”
For anyone interested in Wakulla Wrestling contact Coach Smith by email at Shannon.smith@wcsb.us

The Wakulla Jazz Band presented a Night of Jazz on Friday, May 8 at the high school. (Photos by Perry Dissmore)

Rowyn Shaw stopped by The Wakulla Sun office to get a newspaper with her honored as Student of the Week. Apparently, the school sent in the wrong spelling with the information and we are glad to correct it here.

Principal: Amy Bryan
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Gunner Allen has been selected as Wakulla Middle School’s Student of the Week for his outstanding dedication, versatility, and positive presence both in and out of the classroom. A talented athlete, Gunner competes on the school’s track and field team, where he excels in the 800-meter run, 100-meter dash, and long jump. He also demonstrated endurance and commitment during cross-country season, competing in 2K races.

Beyond athletics, Gunner plays an integral role on the school’s Broadcast Crew, where he consistently performs a wide range of responsibilities—including anchor, cameraman, data board operator, and computer technician—with ease and excellence. In the classroom, Gunner is a hardworking student who takes pride in doing his best each day. He is well-liked by both his teachers and classmates, and his great personality makes him a positive influence on those around him. Gunner’s ability to balance academics,athletics, and extracurricular responsibilities speaks to his strong work ethic and character. Gunner’s well-rounded involvement, leadership, and dedication make him a valued member of the Wildcat community and a deserving recipient of Student of the Week.

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 BILL TAYLOR
Academic Team Coach

Wakulla High School has something to celebrate. The school’s Academic Team recently finished second in the state of Florida at the 2026 Commissioner’s Academic Challenge, competing against teams from school districts across the entire state.
It is the latest chapter in a proud tradition — the Wakulla Academic Team was founded by the Coastal Optimists Club more than 40 years ago, and has competed in all 39 editions of the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge since the tournament began in 1986.

Now in its 39th year, the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge is Florida’s official statewide high school academic tournament, sanctioned by the Florida Department of Education. Students compete across a broad range of subjects — language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, world languages, physical education, health, and technology. It is a demanding competition that rewards hard work, broad knowledge, and the ability to think clearly under pressure, and Wakulla’s team showed all of those qualities in abundance.
Four students made the trip to Orlando and represented their school and community with great distinction. Troy Thaxton, a senior specializing in mathematics, provided steady, calm leadership throughout the competition — the kind of cool head under pressure that every team depends on.
Ronin Taylor, a junior, handled literature and art for the squad, bringing a depth of knowledge in the humanities that gave the team an important edge throughout the tournament.
Matthew Thaxton, a junior specializing in music, was the team’s leading scorer, dominating one of the competition’s most challenging categories and playing a central role in Wakulla’s run to the awards podium.
Gavin Mullins, a junior specializing in history, rounded out the team with the kind of solid, dependable performance that holds a team together when it matters most.
Coaches Bill Taylor and Trey Thaxton expressed how proud they were of the way the boys carried themselves throughout the competition. The feeling from both coaches was that these four young men put in the work, competed with class, and represented Wakulla County in a way that made everyone connected to the program very proud.
A second place finish in the state of Florida is a genuine achievement, and these four young men are a credit to their families and their school. The support of the Wakulla County School District has made opportunities like this possible, and that investment in its students was on full display in Orlando this spring.
As for what comes next — the team isn’t resting for long. Senior Troy Thaxton, who has earned an ROTC scholarship from the Marine Corps and will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the fall, leaves behind a standard worth chasing.
Ronin Taylor, Matthew Thaxton, and Gavin Mullins, all returning next year, have already set their sights on going one step further and bringing home a state championship.
If this year’s performance is any indication, the Wakulla Academic Team will be a force to be reckoned with in 2027.
Please join us in congratulating Troy Thaxton, Ronin Taylor, Matthew Thaxton, and Gavin Mullins on a job very well done.

Principal: Stan Ward

Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Blakely is a shining example of what it means to be a model kindergarten student. Each day, she comes to school ready to learn, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a genuine love for learning. Academically, she consistently meets and exceeds expectations, eagerly participating in lessons and taking pride in her work. She shows outstanding citizenship by following classroom rules, showing kindness to her peers, and always being respectful to teachers and classmates. A natural leader, she sets a positive example for others by helping classmates, making thoughtful choices, and encouraging those around her. Her positive attitude, responsibility, and caring nature make her a true star student and a joy to have in the classroom.