Principal: Alena Crawford
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Ja’riya Cole is a fourth-grade student who is a great example of hard work and kindness. She has earned straight A’s all year and stays organized in everything she does. Ja’riya is kind to everyone and is a positive leader to have in the classroom. This year, she won the fourth-grade 4-H Public Speaking Competition, and she also placed third in the school spelling bee. She is an example of what it means to be a successful student!
Principal: Michele Falk
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Wakulla High School proudly recognizes senior Sydney Baker as Student of the Week for her outstanding leadership and dedication to excellence. As president of the National Honor Society, Sydney leads a student-driven organization that has grown to over 175 members this year, setting a remarkable standard for involvement and achievement. She has been an exemplary leader, spearheading fundraising efforts that have raised more than $5,000 to support NHS scholarships. Sydney’s contagious energy and commitment to building school spirit have left a lasting mark on campus, most notably through her organization of a highly successful, school-wide Spring Carnival. Beyond her leadership accomplishments, she truly embodies the NHS pillars of character, service, and scholarship in everything she does. Sydney’s future is bright as she prepares to attend Florida State University’s College of Engineering beginning this summer. Wakulla High is proud to celebrate her many achievements.
Special to The Sun
Wakulla High School proudly recognizes junior Mattie Harrell as this year’s Sunshine State Scholar, an honor that celebrates Florida’s top students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Sunshine State Scholars Program, sponsored by the Florida Department of Education, highlights one outstanding senior from each district who demonstrates exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to excellence in STEM fields. Mattie represents Wakulla County Schools among the state’s highest-performing students.
By KRISSY SANCHEZ
Special to The Sun
Wakulla High School Theatre took 27 students to Tampa this week for the Annual Florida Thespian Competition.
At this event students compete in various categories from performance to technical events. In addition to competing, students get to attend workshops with Broadway professionals and attend main stage performances on some of Tampa’s finest stages.
Principal: Amy Bryan
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Riley Gwin is a wonderful student and a pleasure to have in class. Riley comes to class each day ready to learn and always works hard to complete all assignments. Riley consistently stays on task and takes pride in doing quality work. In addition to being a responsible student, Riley is also very kind and helpful to others. Riley is always willing to assist classmates and shows respect to both peers and teachers. Riley’s positive attitude and strong work ethic help make his classroom a great place to learn. Outside of school, Riley enjoys watching and reading anime, especially Jujutsu Kaisen. WMS is proud to recognize Riley Gwin as our Student of the Week!
Special to The Sun
Wakulla High School and Riversprings Middle School recently participated in the essay contest sponsored by the Coastal Optimist Club.
The theme for this year’s contest was “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.” Students were given the opportunity to write an essay of 700 to 800 words for cash prizes.
Principal: Susan (Vicki) Tillman
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Sam is always smiling and happy. He voluntarily turns in three songs each week for the “Tune Tuesday” for the school. Sam loves music and is an aspiring DJ.
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!
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.
Serenity Holcomb – 5th grader at Crawfordville Elementary
Principal: Alana Crawford.
Achievements/Reason for Nomination: Serenity is a 5th grade student here at Crawfordville Elementary School. While she has not been with us long, she has already made quite the impression. Currently she is leading the school with 3,401,710 words read! She has worked incredibly hard and earned all A’s throughout the entire school year. Serenity’s teachers say that she is an outstanding 5th-grade student who always goes above and beyond in everything she does. Serenity is kind and respectful to others. She consistently gives her best effort and leads by example. Her dedication is clear in her incredible achievement of reading over 3 million words, showing both her strong work ethic and love of learning.