Okaloosa schools honor Ruckle Middle School dance and cheer teams after state titles

The Okaloosa County School Board held recognitions for two Ruckle Middle School teams after both programs won state titles.

Superintendent Chambers presented the Ruckle Middle School dance team, noting back-to-back state championships in the Universal Dance Association junior-high game-day division and praising the students’ dedication, practice and parental support. Board members and the superintendent commended the team for discipline built through practice, travel and teamwork.

Coach remarks and student comments described extensive practice schedules, use of school facilities for additional training, and appreciation for parental and community support. The dance coach and a student captain described routines practiced since May and said the team balanced extracurricular commitments with academics.

The board then recognized Ruckle’s cheer team, which won the 2025 large junior-high division state championship. Speakers noted the growth of cheer as a sport, the athleticism required, and the team’s large roster; a presenter identified the cheer roster as 26 members. Coaches credited support from families, fundraising and the district’s new facility spaces, saying separate practice spaces helped both programs prepare.

Board members praised coaches by name, thanked parents and highlighted the feeder-program relationship with Niceville High School, which the board said has an established record of success that benefits district feeder programs.

A commemorative plaque for the dance championship was presented for display at the school.