Student Spotlights – April 2026

Students from Scenic Heights Elementary School recently participated in the Imagine Learning Literacy Bowl and brought home the national championship. The Imagine Learning Literacy Bowl is an annual, national bracket-style competition where students compete by completing digital lessons in the Imagine Language & Literacy program.
Schools nationwide qualify for the playoffs during the fall semester based on their overall usage of the digital program.
After months of qualifying rounds, the Top 10 schools nationwide were announced in late January 2026, from over 9,000 eligible schools. The top-performing schools are divided into Eastern and Western Conferences. They competed in weekly head-to-head “playoff rounds” to determine a winner for each conference. The final two schools from each conference that battled for the National Championship were Scenic Heights Elementary (Pensacola, FL) and Mary Welty Elementary (Nogales, Arizona). This school year, a record-breaking 9,437 schools from across the nation battled it out in the 8th Annual Imagine Learning Literacy Bowl National Championship.
Scenic Heights Elementary will host this year’s National Imagine Literacy Bowl award celebration in March. At the event, outstanding class and student achievements will be recognized and the prestigious Imagine Literacy Bowl trophy will be presented.

Vincent Sammons, a freshman at Booker T. Washington High School, earned first place in the Fall Competitive Stock Market Challenge sponsored by the SIFMA Foundation and American Express. The Stock Market Game is a nationally recognized financial education program that allows students to manage a simulated investment portfolio. Participants research companies, analyze market trends, evaluate risk, and make strategic financial decisions in a real-world simulation environment.
Sammons competed against students from across the state and demonstrated exceptional analytical skills and disciplined decision-making throughout the competition. As part of his first-place finish, he received a commemorative medal and banner recognizing his achievement. American Express also awarded Sammons $100 in recognition of his outstanding performance.
Wendy Evans, Sammons’ teacher at Booker T. Washington High School, said success in the competition requires far more than chance.
“The Stock Market Game is not about luck. It requires students to analyze data, study trends, evaluate risk, think long-term and make informed financial decisions in a constantly changing environment. It challenges students to apply real-world math, economics and strategic thinking in meaningful ways,” Evans said.
Escambia County School District is proud of Sammons’ accomplishment and the continued success of students at Booker T. Washington High School who are engaging in rigorous, real-world learning experiences that build financial literacy and prepare students for future academic and career success.

During Catholic Schools Week, Chesterton Academy of the Florida Martyrs students served the community alongside the St Vincent de Paul food pantry volunteers to bundle and distribute bags of food to the needy.

During Catholic Schools Week, Chesterton Academy of the Florida Martyrs students participated in a flag ceremony to honor our Military.

Creative Learning Academy’s seventh graders spent a week in our nation’s capital, bringing their study of American history to life on an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C. Led by CLA faculty members Sarah Smith and Melissa Sontag, and supported by many dedicated parent chaperones, students experienced the places, stories, and symbols that have shaped our democracy. Our learners have stepped into living history and are discovering that what they read in textbooks looks very different when they can stand where history actually happened.
Early in their week, students paused for photos near the White House and the Washington Monument, taking in two of the most recognizable landmarks in the country while discussing the roles of the executive branch. Evenings included visits to the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where students reflected quietly on leadership, courage, and sacrifice while looking out over the Reflecting Pool. These moments sparked meaningful conversations about the responsibilities of citizenship and the importance of remembering those who served.
The group also spent time on Capitol Hill, walking past the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, and Library of Congress. Museum visits included stops at Smithsonian institutions such as the National Museum of American History and the National Museum of Natural History, where students encountered artifacts like the Star-Spangled Banner, presidential treasures, dinosaurs, and the Hope Diamond. These hands-on experiences gave CLA seventh graders a deeper understanding of how our nation’s story weaves together government, culture, science, and everyday life.
Another especially moving part of the visit included time at the National Archives, where students marveled at the original Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Visits to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and other memorials encouraged discussions on justice, human dignity, and how individual choices matter in the face of injustice. Throughout the week, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Sontag, and many parents helped students process our shared American history, and recognize just how special this week was.

West Florida High School is home to a growing, highly motivated Electrathon race car team that provides students with hands-on experience in engineering, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving. The WFHS Electrathon team’s newest all-electric vehicle is an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office cruiser-themed race car. The car was custom built and designed by the student-members of the team in order to honor the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office has played a key role in shaping the Electrathon program and it has become a strong community partner with West Florida High School.
Currently made up of around 25 students, the team is focused on much more than racing. Students learn critical life and technical skills, including working effectively as a team, problem-solving, critical thinking, engineering design, battery management, gear ratios, fabrication, and data analysis. Electrathon racing is not about speed—it is about energy efficiency and endurance, with cars competing in one-hour races to see who can go the farthest on a limited amount of energy.
West Florida’s Electrathon team has traveled across Florida to compete at major tracks, including Daytona International Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Five Flags Speedway. These opportunities give students exposure to professional racing environments while applying classroom knowledge in real, high-stakes situations.
The Electrathon team at West Florida High School of Advanced Technology continues to grow, innovate, and push boundaries—preparing students not only for competition, but for future careers in engineering, technology, and skilled trades.

Previously rained out, the Annual Mardi Gras parade rolled at Westgate, and boy, what a celebration. Krewes from nearly 40 different organizations assembled and brightened the day of these amazing students, the excellent Westgate staff, and any others who were lucky enough to be in attendance.
Community is so important to our schools, and to this school, in particular, so it was so gratifying to see all the smiling faces who donated their time, treasure and talent to make sure this year’s parade was a success. We are so very grateful to each of you.
A special thank you Sheriff Chip Simmons and PPD’s Interim Chief, Kristin Brown, for taking time out of your hectic schedules to make these students feel special. This is what true servant-leadership looks like. UNITED, we are ensuring brighter futures for our students, their families and this community.

On Friday, March 6, Northwest Florida State College hosted their 38th Annual Math Bowl during which they hosted various high schools from across the region on their Niceville Campus to compete in mathematics. The competition features team and individual categories and this year, Pensacola Catholic High School took top honors in both categories – 1st Place Overall Team and Maya Sandfort, 1st Place Overall Individual! Congratulations, Crusaders: Front Row – Jillian Lacour (6th Place Individual), Maya Sandfort (1st Place Individual), Kristen Gaubert, and McKenna Hindman; Back Row – Everett Raybourn, Parker Hodge, Luke Juhas (5th Place Individual), and Ava Galinis (4th Place Individual).

C.A. Weis Elementary’s SAIL (Students Achieving Innovation and Leading) Academy helps struggling students glide toward excellence. The afterschool program funded by the Escambia Children’s Trust provides tutoring and enrichment opportunities to about 100 academically struggling kindergarten through fifth grade students.

At West Pensacola Elementary School, a group of student leaders recently launched an inspiring initiative called the Look for the Good Project. This student-led effort was created to promote kindness, gratitude, and positivity throughout our entire school community. The students who led the project worked hard to bring their vision to life.
They:
Designed and created colorful posters encouraging others to “Look for the Good.”
Placed orange gratitude dots on the floors throughout the school.
Helped create a Gratitude Wall where everyone could participate.
Students across campus were excited to stand on the gratitude dots and share who or what they were thankful for. From family members and friends to teachers, and favorite things, students proudly expressed their appreciation.
The Gratitude Wall quickly became a highlight of the week. Students eagerly added sticky notes sharing messages of thanks, kind words, and positive thoughts. Each note helped build a powerful display of appreciation and unity.
“The Look for the Good Project, led by our amazing 6th grade students, has helped create a culture of gratitude and positivity at West Pensacola Elementary,” said West Pensacola Elementary Principal Christine Baker. “We are so proud of our student leaders for showing that when we look for the good, we can help it grow!”
As part of the project, the school created and distributed special “You Matter” letters to people students felt grateful for. These heartfelt letters allowed students to personally thank those who have made a difference in their lives.
In addition, “You Matter” cards were given out whenever someone was “caught” doing something kind. Whether it was helping a classmate or simply offering a smile, these cards recognized and celebrated acts of kindness throughout the day.

Emerald Coast Writers is thrilled to announce the launch of the Emerald Coast Youth Poet Laureate program, inviting passionate young poets ages 13–19 to apply by April 10, 2026.
This opportunity is open to teens who reside in one of the following counties: Escambia (FL and AL), Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Fort Walton, Bay, Baldwin, or Mobile. Applicants should be enthusiastic about reading and performing their poetry for an audience and giving back to their community.
Applications open in late March and close on April 10. Applicants will submit five poems and a resume highlighting community involvement and civic service. Finalists will be eligible to compete at the regional level and could potentially apply for the next National Youth Poet Laureate.
For more information and future updates, visit: https://www.emeraldcoastwritersinc.org/
To learn more about the National Youth Poet Laureate program, visit: https://www.youthlaureate.org/
Emerald Coast Writers looks forward to meeting and celebrating the voices of young poets across the region.
About Emerald Coast Writers – Emerald Coast Writers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all-volunteer organization based in downtown Pensacola, Florida. Initially founded in 1986 as the West Florida Literary Federation, it now has over 100 members. ECW works to preserve the area’s literary heritage and cultural scene by hosting contests and workshops and sponsoring community events, youth programs, and the Books by the Bay Festival.

Students from Workman Middle School’s Art Club are making waves in the local arts community after having their artwork featured in the Pensacola Museum of Art’s Annual Youth Art Exhibition. The prestigious exhibition showcases outstanding student artwork from across the district, highlighting the creativity and talent of young artists in Escambia County.
Under the direction of Laylah Holiday, a dedicated language arts teacher and founder of Workman’s growing art program, students have been exploring various artistic styles and mediums throughout the year. Mrs. Holiday’s vision has helped build a vibrant and inspiring art club that encourages creativity, confidence, and self-expression.
Among the talented group of Workman students featured in the exhibition, Symeria Moore, an 8th grader, earned 1st Place in the Digital Art Category. Her award-winning piece stood out among submissions from schools across the district, demonstrating exceptional creativity, technical skill, and artistic voice.
Faculty and staff at Workman Middle School are extremely proud of all the students whose artwork was selected for display. The achievement reflects not only the students’ hard work and dedication, but also Mrs. Holiday’s commitment to fostering artistic growth and opportunity for her students.
The Workman Middle School community celebrates this incredible accomplishment and looks forward to continued success in the arts. Congratulations to Symeria Moore and to all of the talented young artists who represented Workman with excellence.

Aletheia Christian Academy’s K-3rd grade students had the pleasure of welcoming local Christian author Teresa Scott Dobson to the library. During her visit, T.S. Dobson encouraged students to transform “the ordinary into the extraordinary.” She shared her “secret superpower” with the students and discussed how they can embrace their own God-given talents. Additionally, she showcased her original artwork and revealed the inspiring stories behind her creations.

Aletheia Christian Academy’s AP Literature students recently read The Crucible, a play that highlights how propaganda and persuasive tactics were used to influence public opinion and justify the Salem witch hunts. As part of their study, students created their own propaganda posters inspired by themes from the play. They then displayed their work in a classroom gallery, where they analyzed and critiqued one another’s posters before voting to select a winning design.

Congratulations to Chesterton Academy of the Florida Martyrs Junior, Victoria, for being awarded the Alpha Center Student of the Year Award.

The College Board recognized four high schools in Escambia County for Advanced Placement Honor Roll Recognition. Pensacola High School has earned the silver status, while Booker T. Washington High School, J.M. Tate High School, and West Florida High School have earned the bronze status. To qualify for the AP Honor Roll, schools had to meet or exceed the criteria across three metrics: college culture, college credit earned, and college optimization.

It is tradition at Catholic High School every year that there is an inner-class competition “on the court” where Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors take each other on during a friendly tournament of volleyball. During early play of the tournament the Senior Class played the Sophomore Class and won, and the Junior Class played the Freshman Class and lost. This left the Seniors to play the Freshmen in the final match. Much to the dismay of the Seniors, this year’s Freshman Class were the victors in the tournament and will have bragging rights for the next year. Math Teacher and Freshman Class Moderator, Ms. Ashley Friday, poses with her victorious team; while inset, Senior players stand in disbelief after the Freshmen score the winning point.

Since 1982, ten Seniors each year are named to the CHS Student Hall of Fame as a way to honor students who show outstanding personal achievement and integrity through their attitude and service. The Senior Class, athletic teams, clubs, and extracurricular organizations nominate eligible Seniors for consideration. After nominations are compiled, the faculty and Senior Class make the final selection through an anonymous balloting process. Inductees were recognized for their status as exemplary Crusaders as they were announced during a ceremony on February 27 in which their families joined them as their names were revealed during a student body assembly. Congratulations to this year’s inductees to the CHS Hall of Fame: Front Row – Jillian Lacour, Lily Day, Lennon Lusane, Ella Adams, and Abigail Barzacchine; Back Row- Reed Rhodes, Michael Baroco, Colton Guillot, and Maya Chavan. Not Pictured: Caden Jasso.