Board extends condolences to Baker community and highlights college-career fairs and scholarships

Okaloosa County School Board members used the workshop to extend condolences to Baker School and the family of student Cadence Frederikson and to highlight upcoming college-and-career events and scholarship opportunities.

Doctor Hale, sitting in for the superintendent, asked the board to extend condolences to the Frederikson family and the Baker community. The board later heard extended remarks from Miss Evanchak, who praised Baker School staff for supporting students and described community grieving and ongoing healing. Evanchak also noted a nonprofit the student founded, Cayda's Promise, which gathered teddy bears and blankets for children in need; she said community members can donate teddy bears, blankets or funds to support the foundation.

The nut graf: board members acknowledged the district's response to a student death, encouraged community support for grieving students and flagged district outreach and upcoming events where families and students can connect with colleges and employers.

Doctor Hale also described open enrollment and scholarship items: the superintendent's scholarships for students pursuing careers in education (two two-year scholarships) have applications open on the district website through March 21. Staff announced the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation will host a College and Career Fair March 11 at Beachside Community Church for students from Fort Walton Beach, Niceville and Choctawhatchee High Schools; an additional fair for northern schools will be held March 7 at Crestview High School. The district also announced a job fair on April 5 for prospective employees.

Ending: Board members asked the public to keep Baker students and staff in mind as they approach end-of-year events and asked staff to circulate links for scholarships, fairs and foundation donation information on district channels.