Okaloosa schools, OCHIP honor student winners of pedestrian safety poster contest

The Okaloosa County School Board on the meeting floor recognized first-place winners of a countywide pedestrian-safety poster contest organized by the Okaloosa County Health Improvement Partnership (OCHIP) and county partners.

Superintendent Chambers introduced the initiative, noting that the contest engaged students from VPK through 12th grade and was intended to raise awareness about safe walking and shared responsibility on roadways. Brian Mulbeck, who identified himself as the Florida Department of Transportation District 3 law-enforcement liaison and a reserve deputy with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, said October was pedestrian-safety month and described the countywide response as “outstanding.”

"Pedestrian safety is an important topic because every crash involving your pedestrian is preventable," Mulbeck said. Winners in each category will receive a $100 gift card and certificates from local mayors; their posters will be displayed in government buildings for public viewing. Schools and student winners named in the meeting included Vanessa Westberg (third grade, Liza Jackson Elementary), Zaheen Kim (seventh grade, Rookal Middle School), and Ava Christiansen (eleventh grade, Barrett School). A VPK class from Creative Play School and a committee-choice group from Silver Sands School were also recognized.

Amanda Colwell and Michelle Shelton from the Department of Health were present for the recognition, and School District staff noted that the contest aims to start safety conversations among students, parents and drivers. Organizers thanked parents, teachers and partner agencies for their support and said they plan to hold the contest again next year.

The board did not take formal action on the recognition; the presentation closed before the board proceeded to personnel business.