May, 2008
Underclassmen Second Semester Exam Schedule (pdf)
The NHS All School Booster Club is once again sponsoring Project Graduation for the 16th consecutive year. They urgently need your help for Project Graduation to continue. Parent involvement is critical.
Graduation night can be a very dangerous time. The purpose of Project Graduation is to provide a safe alternative to graduates. This unique event is a safe, drug free, alcohol free, all-night memorable party at Big Kahuna's. It will be on June 5, 2008, immediately following graduation.
Project Graduation activities include the water park, miniature golf, volleyball, DJ, go-carts, thrill rides, bungee pull, screamboni, rock wall, prize drawings and food, food, food! Each graduate buys a ticket for the event. Unfortunately, this does not cover all the costs. Additional funds must be raised each year to cover all the costs. Food and prize donations are also required. We also need volunteers (12-15) to solicit donations from January through May. We also need 12 volunteers on the NHS bus ramp on June 5, 2008 to assist in loading the buses that take the graduates to Big Kahuna's. We need 40 chaperones all night at Big Kahuna's as well as 15 food servers. Senior parents should encourage their graduates to buy their ticket early. This permits t-shirts (free) to be ordered for the event. Most importantly, we need parents from all grades to volunteer. More senior parent involvement is required if Project Graduation to continue.
Please contact Pam See (729-2067), NHS All School Booster Club chairperson, or Jim Evans (897-4678, evanscb@cox.net), NHS All School Booster Club President , to volunteer or to get additional information. We urgently need parent support and participation.
Jenna Testa - Captain
Emily Parsons
Haley Aull
Aline Rackley
Lucy Cockrum
Hadley Fenn
Ashley Allen
A very LIMITED number of extra yearbooks are available for sale at a cost of $85. If you are a graduating senior who purchased a personal ad but did not buy a book – you might be eligible to purchase one of these books. Please report to room 503 on Wednesday May 21 at 1:45 PM for an opportunity to purchase the book. Not all present are guaranteed a book. You must have a check or cash, $85, with you in order to have the opportunity to purchase the book. You or your parent must be present to participate. If you have any questions please email Ms. Duron at durons@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us.
Seniors will be recognized at the Senior Awards Program at the Mattie Kelly Fine Arts and Performing Arts Center at Okaloosa-Walton College on May 15, 2008 at 6:00P.M. Each senior will receive a written invitation sometime in April. (read more...)
A record number of students from Niceville High School have been invited to participate in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program. The students qualified by taking the 2007 PSAT/NMSQT. They have the opportunity to continue through the National Merit Scholarship Program with the possibility of receiving one of about 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards in 2009.
Please congratulate the following students:
| Charles Agnew | Michael Christakos |
| Allison England | Matthew Frank |
| Victoria Hunter | William Karcher |
| Jonathan Lemoel | Gregory Mitchell |
| Hannah Needleman | Sean Payne |
| Erik Peterson | Nicholas Sarra |
| Christopher Schwantz | Michelle Sheridan |
| Alex Smailes | Michael Whitfield |
| Melissa Whitworth |
The 2007 Aquila, Behind Closed Doors, Niceville Highs School’s yearbook publication, won the following awards during the Annual Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO) Banquet on Wednesday night, April 30th.
First Place – Posed Photograph – Katherine Wainwright
Third Place – Action Photograph – Sarah Schladenhaufen
First Place - Cover Design
First Place – Theme
First Place – General Excellence
 Staff members from the Eagle Echo display their awards at Wednesday night’s ECPRO Banquet. L-R: Miguel Vanegas; Jeanette Scadlock; Gabrielle Bikker; Donnie Pridgen, advisor; Sarah Maton, and Stefany Holquin. |
The Eagle Echo, Niceville High School’s student-produced school newspaper, won13 awards during the 19th Annual Emerald Coast Public Relations Organization (ECPRO) Banquet on Wednesday night, April 30th. Sarah Maton, Eagle Echo editor, took the top award for NHS as “Outstanding Print Editor.” The award comes with a $500 scholarship from ECPRO to the college of her choice. Three 1st place awards, four 2nd place awards and five 3rd place awards were also presented to staff members during the banquet.
“I’m very proud of everyone. Our staff is made up of veteran journalists like Sarah and novice writers with no journalism experience, all of whom won awards,” said Donnie Pridgen, Eagle Echo advisor.
The ECPRO Student Public Relations Media Competition is the highlight of the year for student journalists across the Emerald Coast. In addition to staff members and the advisor, Ms. Christy McInnis, NHS assistant principal for curriculum and instruction, also attended. It was held at Bob Hope Village in Shalimar.
ECPRO Student Public Relations Media Competition Results for NHS
| Sarah Maton | Outstanding Print Editor | Eagle Echo |
| Kelli Ordonia | 1st Column Writing | “How much is too much?” |
| Spencer Pullen | 1st Sports Features | “NCAA football review” |
| Cameron Reid | 1st Sports Column | “Super Bowl does not belong on foreign Soil” |
| Sarah Maton | 2nd Layout and Design | “December 2007, Vol. II, pages 4-5” |
| Cameron Reid | 2nd Sports Column | “Delaware’s racist sentiments made evident” |
| Stefany Holguin | 2nd Column Writing | “Find this on the map” |
| Ryker Hall Sheena Morris Spencer Pullen Miguel Vanegas |
2nd Outstanding Creative Piece | “Pop culture teens should know” |
| Entire Staff | 3rd General Excellence | Eagle Echo |
| Heather Murray | 3rd Best Coverage of School News | “School policies emphasized” |
| Sarah Maton | 3rd Editorial Writing | “The brain on optimism” |
| Sarah Maton | 3rd Graphics | College Football |
| Gabrielle Bikker Ryker Hall Katie Haemmerle Stefany Holguin Kaylyn Kraus Sarah Maton Heather Murray Kelli Ordonia Colin Parker Spencer Pullen Cameron Reid C. J. Rood Courtney Stoffel Miguel Vanegas |
3rd Outstanding Creative Piece | “The ABC’s of gift giving” |
April , 2008
Congratulations to the following students from Niceville High School who were awarded bronze, silver, and gold medals in the seventeenth annual Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological And Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) Competition held at OWC on April 26 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
Visual Arts: Participation Ribbon to Micheal Sherman
Visual Arts: Participation Ribbon to NaJacque R. Russell
Visual Arts: Silver Medal to Jonathan B. Yubi Gomez
Musical Instrumental/Classical: Bronze Medal to Javar A. Graham
Musical Instrumental/Contemporary: Bronze Medal to Javar A. Graham
Oratory: Gold Medal to Jemila Stanley
Niceville High School was well represented by these fine students. Jemila will advance to the state competition at Disney World on July 30 – August 4.
Will Jones, standing between Dr. Linda Smith, NHS Principal, and Clint McCrory, NHS weightlifting coach, holds his State Weightlifting Championship medal.
NHS senior Esther Hsiang has been selected as the winner of a National Merit $2500 scholarship. The scholarship may be used at the college or university of her choice. Please congratulate Esther on her outstanding accomplishment.
Please watch the announcements for the exact delivery date. Yearbook payments can be made in the cafeteria on Thursday April 24 and Friday April 25. A limited number of extra books have been ordered. They will be available on a “first-come, first-serve” basis when the books are delivered and will cost $85. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Duron via email durons@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us.
All students taking an Advanced Placement exam must pre-register and have a school leave form on file for each exam. If you have not completed both of these requirements, please email Mr. Pridgen, the AP Coordinator, at pridgend@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us as soon as possible.
Congratulations to Clancey Hopper for being selected as the Exchange Club’s Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Award of the Year!
Mohammed Awarded National Merit Corporate Scholarship
Maryam Mohammed of Niceville High School has been selected as the winner of a corporate-based Merit Scholarship award. She has been offered the “National Merit-Dr. Joseph J. Jacobs Scholarship” pursuant to an agreement with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This scholarship is sponsored by Jacobs Engineering Foundation. Please congratulate Maryam for receiving this prestigious award!
For more information contact Donnie Pridgen
pridgend@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
School Board Approves 2008-2009 Price Increase for Student Meals
Secondary Breakfast $1.00
Secondary Lunch $2.00
Reduced Price Breakfast .30
Reduced Price Lunch .40
NATIONAL LATIN EXAM RESULTS 2008
The American Classical League recognized the following Niceville students for their Outstanding Performance on the National Latin Exam given in March. Eighty Latin students tested; the American Classical League recognized 40. More than 134,000 students worldwide took this test. These students received awards based on their performance in relation to all students. The Exam covered Grammar, Vocabulary, Classical History, Geography, Mythology, Literature, and Sight Translations.
William Karcher (11)
Gold Summa Cum Laude - Latin III
Certificate and Gold Medal
Ethan Utt (11)
Gold Summa Cum Laude – Latin II
Certificate and Gold Medal
Slade Fulmer (10)
Gold Summa Cum Laude – Latin II
Certificate and Gold Medal
Lauren Markowski (9)
Gold Summa Cum Laude – Latin I
Certificate and Gold Medal
Benjamin Rast (12)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin IV
Certificate and Silver Medal
Jessica Andrews (11)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin III
Certificate and Silver Medal
Hannah Needleman (11)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin III
Certificate and Silver Medal
Alyssa Kittell (10)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin II
Certificate and Silver Medal
Noah Dutrum (10)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin II
Certificate and Silver Medal
Jonathan LeMoel (11)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin II
Certificate and Silver Medal
Hunter Browning-Smith (10)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin II
Certificate and Silver Medal
Steven Calhoun (10)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin II
Certificate and Silver Medal
Tom Reho (12)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin II
Certificate and Silver Medal
Carolyn Smith (10)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin II
Certificate and Silver Medal
Joshua Lane (9)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin I
Certificate and Silver Medal
David Partain (9)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin I
Certificate and Silver Medal
Nicole Granade (11)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin I
Certificate and Silver Medal
Heather Gutherie (9)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin I
Certificate and Silver Medal
William Kortbein (9)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin I
Certificate and Silver Medal
Jacob Knight (11)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin I
Certificate and Silver Medal
Spencer Vandecar (9)
Silver Maxima Cum Laude- Latin I
Certificate and Silver Medal
Esther Hsiang (12)
Magna Cum Laude - Latin IV
Karly Hicks (11)
Magna Cum Laude- Latin III
Tiffany Hughes (10)
Magna Cum Laude- Latin II
Robert Smith (10)
Magna Cum Laude - Latin II
Angeline Lenz (10)
Magna Cum Laude - Latin II
Rhamah Norris (10)
Magna Cum Laude - Latin II
Joshua Wagner (9)
Magna Cum Laude - Latin I
Joy Armbrester (11)
Cum Laude- Latin III
Michael Williams (10)
Cum Laude - Latin II
Sarah Donaldson (11)
Cum Laude – Latin II
Kate Allen (10)
Cum Laude- Latin II
Tim Peregoy (10)
Cum Laude- Latin II
Rebecca Anderson (9)
Cum Laude- Latin I
John Fick (9)
Cum Laude- Latin I
Andrew Morton (9)
Cum Laude- Latin I
Brooke Disalvo (9)
Cum Laude- Latin I
Victoria Kampfer (9)
Cum Laude- Latin I
Kevin Pabst (9)
Cum Laude- Latin I
Pierce Agnew (9)
Cum Laude- Latin I
Academic Team Defeats Choctaw and Pensacola High
 NHS Academic Team celebrates their recent wins. (L-R): Ben Rast, Nick Stinnett, Daniel Elsesser, Will Karcher, Jeremy Hsiang, Esther Hsiang. (Back Row): Team Sponsor Justin Reichard, NHS Principal Dr. Linda Smith, and Team Sponsor Amanda Brady. |
The Niceville High School Academic Team consisting of Ben Rast, Nick Stinnett, Daniel Elsesser, Will Karcher, Jeremy Hsiang, and Ester Hsiang recently competed in the Okaloosa County Championship tournament against Choctawhatchee High School. Niceville defeated Choctaw 190 to 160 before moving on to represent Okaloosa County in the Cox Inter-County Academic Tournament Championship Match against Escambia County’s respective winner, Pensacola High School. Niceville’s team again won the match, beating Pensacola with a score of 100 to Pensacola’s 85. The Niceville Team is coached by Amanda Brady and Justin Reichard.
NHS Students Win Big at Art Exhibition
On March 13th-21st the Van Porter Student Artist of the Year Exhibition was held for all county wide 12th and 8th graders and spotlights some of the top artists in the county. The exhibition was hosted by the Okaloosa County School Board and the Arts & Design Society. Students each entered thee original art pieces and a short essay entitled “What Art Means to Me.” The art was judged on a variety of aspects including originality, craftsmanship, and overall composition. Of the nine awards presented to seniors, Mrs. Nihill-Taylor’s AP Art Portfolio students took four. Megan McCall and Rachel Severson both received honorable mentions; Shelby Farrell received the ADSO Award and Marta Wetzell received the Van Porter Student Artist of the Year Award, the top award of the show.
 Marta Wetzell is named the Van Porter Student Artist of the Year. |
 Shelby Farrell receives the ASDO Van Porter Art Award. |
 Rachel Stevens won Honorable Mention at the |
 Megan McCall also won |
Would you like to share your advice and comments regarding your experiences during the deployment of a loved one? (read more)
Military Child Education Coalition (pdf)
Teen to Teen
Deployment Advice & Experience
Web Design Students Compete for Top “Apprentice”
This past fall, April Branscome, NHS IT instructor, was approached by Bart Begley, President and CEO of Emerald Waste Services (EWS) with operations in three states from Gulfport, Mississippi to Tallahassee, Florida requesting that her Web Design 2 students compete in a Web site design competition in order to redesign their current company Web site. Mrs. Branscome incorporated this project in the format of NBC’s “The Apprentice,” and the project is rightly titled, “Eagles Website Showdown” (EWS).
Students are participating in the creation of a Web site for EWS as a team project where they are learning the flow of a project from beginning to end. A Project Manager was selected through completion of a resume, project manager application, teacher recommendations, and an interview with the instructor. Project Managers then interviewed each member of the class through “speed interviews” and selected three to four people, based on the intense selection process, to participate as members of their team. Once the team was selected, the Project Manager assigned specific job roles to each team member. On Monday, March 17, 2008. the company’s management team—Bart Begley, Bruce Roy, Patrick O’Neil, Doyle Donegan—presented the required elements and specifications of the project to the students during a group meeting that is conducted in the same format as a corporate business meeting. Teams work together to complete all the required paperwork, storyboard, documentation, deadlines, and a fully functional Web site meeting all the customer’s required elements and specifications. During the business meeting, students were given Eagles Website Showdown t-shirts that were specially designed for the competition. After the meeting, EWS graciously donated 30 pizzas to the students for lunch.
At the end of the semester, teams will deliver a three to five minute presentation of their Web site to the company CEO, their classmates, and Mrs. Branscome demonstrating their Web site’s functionality. From this presentation, eight finalists will be selected. Final teams will be able to fine-tune their Web sites from suggestions given by the CEO at the original presentation. After changes are made, the final teams will re-present their sites during a highly publicized evening presentation in the auditorium to the company CEO, students, parents, family members, school administration, school board members, community members, and invited guests in order for the company CEO to determine which team he wants to “HIRE.” The company, in exchange for designing their Web site, is donating prizes—iPod Touch, 1st Place; $100 Best Buy Gift Card, 2nd Place; 4gig Flash Drive, 3rd Place—to the winning teams and $2,500 to the Web design program.
During this team project, students will learn the importance of teamwork, organization, planning, and project flow. The students are excited about what they are learning, being able to work as a team, and learning the production of a fully functional, real-life Web site from start to finish. This project is a culmination of everything they have learned over the last two years, but it also requires them to think outside of the box and learn many aspects of their craft on their own and together as a team. The students are using their creative spirit in this project, but they are also learning the business aspect of designing a Web site.
The NHS IT CHOICE would like to thank EWS for allowing our students to participate in this wonderful, real-life experience.
 Alyssa Anderson |
 Esther Hsiang |
Maryam Mohammad Maryam has been involved in many organizations and has accomplished many achievements throughout high school. She is an active member of the Academic Team, Science Club, NaGISA, Math Club and National Honor Society. Maryam’s most stellar achievements have been in scientific research. She has won awards at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair and was a finalist in the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. She was recently selected as one of Next Step Magazine’s Super Teens and is an AP Scholar with Distinction. Maryam is a senior at Niceville High School. |
 Mark Penner Mark, captain of the NHS Debate Team, was awarded the National Forensic League Academic All-American Award, and in 2007 was co-winner of the Public Forum Debate as the Greg Phifer Forensics Tournament at Florida State University. He was selected as a finalist for both the University Fellows Experience and Computer Based Honors Program at the University of Alabama and was selected to be one of the five Faculty Scholars for the Culverhouse School of Business at the University. He is also an AP Scholar with Distinction. Mark is a senior at Niceville High School. |
 Erin Welch Erin has been in the 9-12 Mixed All-State Chorus and is a two-year member of the All-State Reading Chorus and was also named the top soprano in District 1 for both years. She has been a member of the All-County Band and the All-County Chorus for all four years of her high school career. Erin is an AP Scholar with Distinction and has been a member of the National Honor Society since grade 10. This is Erin’s second year as a member of Opus One and she has received the Anne T. Mitchell Award for Excellence since her freshman year. Erin is a senior at Niceville High School. |
Life’s A Beach Publications would like to announce the winner of their 2008 Cover Art Competition. Katina Bass was chosen from a select group of talented artists. Katina a senior at Niceville High School and spends half of her day at the CHOICE Arts Institute where she receives instruction in painting, drawing, photography, and computer graphics design. This year’s contest was intended to challenge students to create works of art representing the whimsical, playful side of the Emerald Coast. “Every one of the students rose to the challenge,” stated Sam Seevers, associate publisher. “We had a difficult time picking a winner.”
Each year Life’s A Beach demonstrates its love for the arts by inviting area artists to participate in an annual cover art competition. The grand-prize winner earns the opportunity to display the winning master piece on the front cover of the popular tourist directory. This year Life’s A Beach Publications took its annual cover contest to the students at the Creative Arts Institute. According to Seevers, “The purpose of this year’s competition is to inspire our youth.”
 Mindy Honeycutt, Life’s a Beach Productions, presents NHS student Katina Bass a certificate and trophy for her winning masterpiece used as the front cover of Life’s a Beach, a popular tourist information
booklet in the Destin area. |
 “Summer Chaos” Katina’s art used on the front cover of Life’s a Beach. |
March 2008
Niceville Choruses Complete Spring District Assessments
The Camerata (men’s chorus), Bel Cantos (women’s chorus), Select Women (advanced girl’s chorus) and the Niceville Singers represented Niceville High School at the annual District 1 Choral Music Performance Assessment on March 3. The event was held at the First Baptist Church of Niceville and involved high school choirs from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa Counties. The day-long festival included over twenty choirs.
The judging panel included Kara Johnson (Houston Academy, Dothan, Alabama), Dr. Gary Packwood (Montevallo University), Thomas Street (Executive Director – Arkansas Choral Directors Association) and John Baker (Enterprise High School, Alabama).
During assessment choirs are given scores of Superior, Excellent, Good, Fair or Poor by each judge.
All of the Niceville’s choruses received the highest possible ratings (superior on stage and in the sight-reading room) from every judge. These were the only “straight” Superior marks recorded at the music performance assessment (MPA).
2008 marks the seventeenth consecutive year that every chorus Niceville has entered at the MPA has earned a Superior rating. Except for the four Niceville choruses, only one other District 1 chorus qualified for the State MPA.
Niceville High School’s Ocean Science Club has been invited to speak at the Spring 2009 opening of the new Ocean Sciences Hall of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. after officials heard their outstanding NaGISA presentation at the regional Hurricane Bowl in Ocean Springs, MS. They will present their NaGISA work at the grand opening of the Institute’s new wing. The trip will be fully-funded and the invitation was issued by Susan Hayne, director of the National Ocean Science Bowl.
Niceville’s Ocean Science Club went to Ocean Springs, Mississippi on February 9 to participate in the Hurricane Bowl, a four-state academic competition of regional high schools. On Friday night at the opening, some of the NHS team wowed the contestants and audience with a wonderful presentation of their NaGISA research. On Saturday after a narrow margin (only 4 points), Niceville was narrowly defeated by the 1st place team and had to settle for third. Team members were. Jeremy Hsiang, Jonanthan LeMoel, Cyndi Milum, Maryam Mohammed, Nicholas Stinnett. The sponsor is John Paul Jones.
Michelle Cook, who teaches Introduction to IT at NHS, became one of only two individuals in the State of Florida and the first female to achieve the Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Instructor title. Ms. Cook is on her way to bringing her students certifications in the latest software to keep us on the cutting edge.
FCAT testing in March is fast approaching. In order to give students additional support, the Plan of Care department at Niceville High School will offer FCAT prep classes both after school and on Saturdays. Classes are open to all 10th, 11th and 12th grade students. The dates are as follows:
After school beginning February 14 from 2-3:30 p.m.
Math: all FCAT levels on Mondays and Wednesdays
Reading: 10th grade FCAT levels 1-3 on Mondays and Wednesdays
Reading Retakes: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Saturdays beginning February 16 from 9am – 12 noon
10th grade and all retakes
All students should report to Room 304A. Parents are also welcome to attend.
In order to prepare an adequate number of materials, pre-registration is strongly recommended although not required. Please call the Guidance Department at 833.4114 x3044 to pre-register.
April Branscome was chosen as Okaloosa County’s “Teacher of the Year” Thursday night, February 28, at the annual banquet honoring Teachers of the Year from each school in the District. Ms. Branscome is a CIW Professional, Dreamweaver 8 Certified Developer, and teacher in the Informational Technology Institute at NHS. Her resume includes local, state and national accomplishments. Ms. Branscome will represent Okaloosa Schools in the Florida Department of Education-Macy’s Teacher of the Year Program. Ms. Branscome must submit further applications and documentation to the FL Dept. of Ed. by March 17. Finalists for Florida’s Teacher of the Year will be announced in April. The staff and students at NHS wish her well!
 Ms. April Branscome is Okaloosa County’s Teacher of the Year for 2007-2008. |
 Ms. Branscome pauses with Troy Knighten during
their 7th period Web Design 2 class. |
Students currently enrolled in the 8th grade at Ruckel, Lewis and Destin Middle Schools registered for their freshmen year during the Registration Fair held on February 25 and 26 in the NHS gymnasium. Hundreds of students and parents attended making it one of the most successful ever.
 The Brock family seeks advice from NHS math teachers Mimi Bruening and Charlotte Stafford (seated) during the Registration Fair. Hunter will be a freshman at NHS next year. L-R: Heather Brock (mom), Hunter, and brother Clay (a 6th grader at RMS). |
 Jennifer Russell (left), NHS Foreign Language Department Chair, assists Kim Jones and son, Taylor Woodard, with registration. Taylor is currently an 8th grader at Ruckel Middle School. “Having the Curriculum Guide in advance really helped with the process,” said Jones who teaches physical education at Plew Elementary School. |
 Jake Jacobsen (left) talks with NHS Intensive Studies Department Chair Marsha Thompson during registration. Jake is an 8th grader at Ruckel Middle School. |
 “Registration went very smoothly,” said Joel Parker during a pause with his family. WestLee Parker and Kenny Nguyen are in the 8th grade at Ruckel Middle School. (L-R): Sylvia Parker, WestLee, Joel, Kenny and Thien (Kenny’s aunt). |
 Thor Schaefer, an 8th grader at Lewis Middle School, gets help from Ms. Bruening with choosing the appropriate math class. |
 Emma Francone and friend Catherine England, both 8th graders at Destin Middle School, chose their freshmen classes for next school year during the Registration Fair. “The only problem was too many choices!” said Nancy England, Catherine’s mom. (L-R): Emma Francone, Catherine, Nancy and Mike England. |
Fudpucker's has joined forces with area high schools (Niceville, Choctaw & Ft. Walton) to help clubs and organizations raise money. There is no selling involved! That's right, it's free! Discount cards are available for any school-authorized club. Put your club name on the back and hand them out to friends, family and neighbors. You can use them more than once. The card holder will get 10% off their next purchase at either Fudpucker's (Destin or Okaloosa Island). The 10% redemption value will be donated back to the schools at the end of each month with a report allocating the funds to the appropriate club. At the end of the promotion period, February 29, 2008, the school that has raised the most money will receive matching funds from Fudpuckers. Fundraising has never been easier! Cards may be picked up in Mr. Fantaski's office
Since students will be registering for the 08-09 school year during February, it is extremely important that students and parents carefully review their grade-level curriculum guide in advance. Current 8th graders will receive their paper copy of the Curriculum Guide at their respective school prior to registration. Ruckel students will register at NHS on Monday night, February 25. Students from Lewis and Destin will register on Tuesday night, February 26. All other students will register during SOAR conferences in February. Students currently in grades 9-11 will be receiving a copy of their Curriculum Guide on a disk prior to their SOAR conference. In order to become more environmentally and financially conscious, paper copies of the Curriculum Guide will only be available for grades 9-11 if requested from the Guidance Department. Click on the links below for the Curriculum Guides.
Curriculum Guide (.pdf) - Upcoming 10th - 12th Grade Students
Curriculum Guide (.pdf) - Upcoming 9th Grade Students
Anna Carr
Ann Durrenberger
Lauren Foy
Esther Hsiang
Jennica Hagberg
Sarah Maton
Megan McCall
Maryam Mohammed
Stephanie Moore
Lindy Peek
Sarah Schladenhauffen
Nicholas Stinnett
Jarrod Tredway
Kyle Ulrich
Katherine Wainwright
Marta Wetzell
February 2008
 Raule is the newest member of the Robotics’s Team. The remotely controlled device will compete in the FIRST Competition in New Orleans in March. |
 The NHS Robotics Team recently performed test trials on “Raule,” the remotely operated vehicle the team designed and built. |
The Robotics Team will be submitting one of its own inventions for competition in New Orleans on March 26-29. The competition is sponsored by FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Team members were recently doing trial runs with “Raule, the Roach,” the remotely controlled vehicle designed and created by the team. Raule must compete on an area that is 54’ X 27’ with a 6.5’ overhang while pushing a large ball. Check out the team’s web site at www.webuildbots.com. Ben Shuman is the sponsor for the Robotics Team.
The Niceville High School football and volleyball teams are the recipients of the Florida High School Sports Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 5A Academic Team Champion Award. This recognized the varsity teams in each sport who had the highest unweighted grade point averages at the end of the 2007 school year. The boys’ and girls’ soccer teams also achieved this award for the 2006 school year.
Congratulations to the following NHS artists who were selected as the high school division winners of the Black History Art Festival
2nd Place Ramiah Castaneda, NHS Junior
3rd Place Deanna Friday, NHS Senior
All art submitted for Black History Art Festival is on display in the main building of the Bay Area Office of the Okaloosa County Schools Administration Building until February 20th. It will then be moved to the Emerald Coast Conference Center for display in the final festival events of Black History Month. Please make plans to stop in and view these works of art.
 Jemila Stanley (left) is congratulated by Dr. Linda Smith, NHS principal, for winning First Place in the OW Oratorical Contest. |
Jemila Stanley recently took the First-Place Award at the Okaloosa Walton College Oratorical contest on January 12. Her speech, “One House…One Family…One America! – Together We Make a Difference,” was selected for the top award in the high school division. The contest commemorates the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
April Branscome was surprised on Wednesday by Dr. Alexis Tibbetts, Superintendent of Okaloosa Schools, with the news that she is one of the three finalists chosen for Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year. She received flowers and congratulations as well as a salute from uniformed members of the ROTC. Ms. Branscome is a CIW Professional, Dreamweaver 8 Certified Developer, and teacher in the Informational Technology Institute at NHS. Her resume includes local, state and national accomplishments. Ms. Branscome will compete for Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year and will be observed by a committee who will then make the final decision. Dr. Tibbetts was accompanied by Kaye McKinley, assistant superintendent, Dr. Linda Smith, NHS principal, and several of April’s colleagues. Ms. Branscome’s son also attended.
 April Branscome learned this week that she is one of the top three finalists for Okaloosa County’s Teacher of the Year. She is congratulated by (l-r) Kaye McKinley, asst. superintendent; Dr. Alexis Tibbetts, superintendent; Ms. Branscome; and Dr. Linda Smith, NHS principal |
 April Branscome is also congratulated by her colleagues. The IT Department
has had an emotional week after the loss of Carmen Wiggins who
taught digital arts in the IT Program. (l-r) Carmen Marshall-Claude, |
Taylor Jordan, April’s son, was also on |
Congratulations to the following students who have been named as
Allyssa Anderson
Esther Hsiang
Maryam Mohammed
Mark Penner
Erin Welch
Merit Scholar designees will be announced beginning in March.
 Ms. Carmen Wiggins has been a member of the NHS faculty since 1999. |
The staff and students of Niceville High School are deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Ms. Carmen Wiggins on Saturday, February 2, 2008. She was our beloved friend, colleague and teacher. She was currently teaching Digital Arts and was instrumental in maintaining a successful IT Program. Ms. Wiggins taught art at NHS prior to the IT Institute opening. Her specialized certifications included PhotoShop and InDesign. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
Niceville High School would like to invite any high school student and his/her family to attend an FCAT Family Night on Tuesday, February 12th. Our goal is to create a fun-filled, educational night for families of high school students who will be taking the FCAT this year. We will have an introduction to each of the five areas of math in which students are expected to master on the FCAT. After each section, individual families will work on problems together. At the end of the session, there will be competition solving math problems. Prizes will be given out for the winners.
We are hoping that this exciting event will inspire students, siblings and parents to become more active and determined when preparing for the FCAT. This venture will be held in the Niceville High School Media Center on February 12, from 4:30 - 6 P.M. and another session from 6:00 – 7:30 P.M.
Businesses interested in donating prizes for this event are asked to contact Kathy Turner at 833-4114.
 Donald Jackson, Jr. is an ESE |
Okaloosa County’s Educational Support Professional of the Year Committee named Donald Jackson, Jr. one of the top three finalists for the coming year. Mr. Jackson is an Exceptional Student Education Classroom Assistant at Niceville High School. In addition, he sponsors the Minority Club at NHS which has become extremely popular and active throughout NHS as well as the community. We congratulate Mr. Jackson for his outstanding accomplishments!
 Dr. Linda Smith, NHS principal, holds the MLK Humanitarian Award trophy recently presented to her.
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 Cheryl Ross, ESE Coordinator, displays the |
Dr. Linda Smith, NHS principal, was recently awarded the 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award at a banquet held on January 19. Also, Cheryl Ross, ESE Coordinator for NHS, received the 2008 Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award. Dr. Smith and Ms. Ross were thanked for the example they set for others to follow in keeping Dr. King’s dream alive.
January 2008
April Branscome (far left) was chosen by the faculty and staff of NHS to represent them as Teacher of the Year. She is a CIW Professional, Dreamweaver 8 Certified Developer, and teacher in the Informational Technology Institute at NHS. Ms. Branscome will compete for Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year later in the school Year. Ms. Gail Campbell, asst. principal (middle) and Dr. Linda Smith, principal (far right), surprised Ms. Branscome with the news and also presented her with roses. Congratulations, Ms. Branscome!
Congratulations to Jessica Andrews and Krista Schumacher for being selected as the NHS representatives for the CHELCO Youth Tour. They will be going to Tallahassee on April 9 and 10 to compete with other area winners for a chance to attend the June conference in Washington, DC.
Esther Hsiang has been selected as one of 2000 semifinalists in the 20th anniversary class of the 2007-2008 Coca-Cola Scholars Program. The program recognizes a diverse group of extraordinary high school seniors who have demonstrated academic and civic excellence in their schools and communities.
Hsiang will be competing to be one of 250 finalists who will be selected in February to attend the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta in the spring.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation was created in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola and to establish a legacy for the education of tomorrow’s leaders through college scholarships.
Remember to watch the NHS Eagle Pride Marching Band performing on New Year’s Day in the Tournament of Roses Parade!
December 2007
Congratulations to the Northwest Florida Art Fair
competition winners: L-R: Emily Parsons, Marta
Wetzell, Shelby Farrell, and Kacey Ziegler.
Seated L-R: Michelle Sheridan and Rachel Severson.
The NHS Chorus will present their Annual Holiday Concert on Monday, December 17th at the OWC Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center. The center opens its doors at 7:00 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. performance.
If you are interested in attending the NHS Chorus Annual Holiday Concert, "A Season of Song", you may purchase tickets from any Chorus member, Chorus Booster, at the OWC box office, or the OWC web site <owc.edu/arts>. Tickets are $15.00.
Alexandra Fleet, a senior at NHS, is pictured holding the Niceville Exchange Club’s “Accepting the Challenge of Excellence Award” for December. Alex wrote an essay which reflected her determination to overcome any obstacle that might impede her academic performance. NHS Assistant Principal Grant Meyer nominated her for the award. The Exchange Club chose Esther Hsiang as their “Youth of the Month” for December. Esther is also a senior at NHS. Both students will compete with other monthly winners for “Students of the Year” in their respective categories.
Ana Garcia (seated middle), a senior at Niceville High School, signed a golf scholarship with the University of South Alabama in Mobile on Thursday, November 15, 2007. Ana is accompanied by her parents Patricia Garcia (seated left) and Willfredo Garcia (seated right). Ana and her golf team were also treated to a reception following the official signing. Standing L-R: Mitch Inness, NHS golf coach; Dr. Linda Smith, NHS principal; and Tony Rogerio, Ana’s personal golf coach.
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 The Eagle cheerleaders lead the student body during the recognition of all fall sports teams. NHS will host Fletcher High School this Friday night, November 16, during round one of the state semi-final playoffs. |
November 2007
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NHS senior Jennica Hagberg has been named one of six national female finalists for the Wendy's High School Heisman award. The award is given to student athletes who excel academically and devote themselves to community service. Over 32,000 students applied for the honor this year.
"I was very surprised. I knew I was a state finalist, but I had no idea about the rest," stated Hagberg after the ceremony.
Her mother and volleyball coach, Kris Hagberg, learned about her award Tuesday, but kept it a secret from her high achieving daughter, who is in the top 1% of her graduating class. Jennica is planning to attend Stetson University on a full volleyball scholarship next year. She has dedicated many hours to community service, including helping out with Desire Street Ministries, which relocated to Camp Timpoochee following Hurricane Katrina. She also tutored students from Lewis Middle School and played varsity soccer, managing to balance it all with a full load of stringent academic courses.
"A better recipient couldn't have been chosen," stated NHS principal, Dr. Linda Smith. "She is an incredible young lady."
As part of the award, Wendy's donated a $2000 check to Niceville High School in Hagberg's name, and officials informed her that she is invited to attend the National Awards Banquet in New York City, which will be filmed by ESPN-2. NHS senior Taylor Noon received an early-round nomination for the male Heiseman Award. The male and female national winners will be announced at the banquet in NYC.
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Dr. Alexis Tibbetts, superintendent of Okaloosa Schools, congratulated the students and staff of Niceville High School for once again earning an “A” rating by Florida Education Commissioner Jeanine Bloomberg. Dr. Tibbetts made the official presentation during last Friday’s afternoon pep rally. NHS has earned the coveted “A” rating for the past three consecutive years.
In addition, NHS Principal Dr. Linda Smith recognized all fall sports teams during the pep rally. Each team was cheered by the entire student body during the pep rally.
The Equestrian Club delivered toys, books and magazines to the Child Advocacy Center this fall. Knowing the joy the club members have received from the association with their equine friends, they collected items for children who might need a bright spot in their day. The club meets on Thursdays after school in room 318. Students need not own a horse to be a member. L-R: Michelle Sheridan, Kim Schell, Amy Miller and Jennifer Grey.
The Eagle volleyball team completed their successful season as District Champs. They ended the season with a 26-4 record. Team members were: Karson Hinds, Jennica Hagberg, Lauren Foy, Cat Houston, Taylor Tiahrt, Ijanae Holman, Rachel Severson, Amber Jenkins, Jaclyn Mailoto, Rachael Farrell, Debbie de Kok, Katie Weeks and Jenna Hassell. The team managers were Montana Hobbs, Carissa Hagberg, Sharome Strutchen and Lindsey Schoewe. Kris Hagberg is the girls’ volleyball coach.
2007-2008 All-State Chorus Members
| Erin Welch - Reading Chorus | Justin Koch - Reading Chorus |
| Jarrod Tredway - Reading Chorus | Melissa Whitworth - Reading Chorus |
| Autumn Francis - Concert Chorus | Edanette Marquez - Concert Chorus |
| Lauralee Buchanan - Concert Chorus | Mary Alice Teague - Concert Chorus |
| Caleb Coatsworth - Concert Chorus | Ryan Smith - Concert Chorus |
| William Kortbein - Concert Chorus | Brad Morris - Concert Chorus |
| A.J. Patel - Concert Chorus | Jessica Wise - Women's Chorus |
| Stephanie Moore - Women's Chorus | Deborah Barnette - Women's Chorus |
| Nick Harvey - Men's Chorus | Garrett Freshwater - Men's Chorus |
| Colton Schniepp - Men's Chorus | T.J. Van Dam - Men's Chorus |
| Jordan Francis - Men's Chorus | Brandon Bubel - Men's Chorus |
| Ben Patel - Men's Chorus | James Theisen - Men's Chorus |
The 2008 Aquila yearbook “Putting the Pieces Together” will be a sentimental possession to cherish for years to come. Yearbooks are available for $75 until November 16. There are two ways to order the yearbook:
Please contact Ms. Duron, the yearbook advisor, through the school telephone directory or email, durons@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us.
Our season capped off with the High School State Meet in Orlando, FL this past weekend. Ross Spock was the only swimmer to compete for the Eagle’s in a very tough 3A division. As an illustration, the top 8 swims in the 100-yard freestyle were all High School National All-American times.
Ross competed in the 100-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke. In the 100 he bettered his own school record. Even swimming that fast only qualified him for finals in 16th place. At night he moved up one place to finish at 15th in the State.
In the 100 backstroke, to get into the finals at night, Ross would have had to break a county record set by a NHS swimmer who got third in the State four years ago. Although not setting that mark, Ross had a good race. He swam 1 tenth of a second slower than his lifetime best set at Regionals a week prior, ending up 18th. He missed the cut for finals by 7 tenths of a second.
All in all, he and the team had a very impressive season. Even though Ross was the only one to go to State, the team commitment was what helped get him there. Even with the challenge of being the only swimmer there, he represented Niceville very well. The swim team would like to thank the Niceville community for their constant support throughout the year.
Congratulations to the following students from the Band Department who were chosen for the following All State Ensembles:
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The following students submitted art projects to the Van Porter Art Show held recently. Seated: Missy Beckham, Tori Phillips and Jillian Shenkel; Standing: Tyler Fults and Tierra Gay. Not pictured: Christina Wright, Caitlin Riggs and Chelsea McLelland. |
The Okaloosa County School Board presents the Van Porter “Artist of the Year Award” each year to an eighth grader and a senior high artist. The students are judged on three pieces of artwork submitted and an essay entitled “What art means to me.” In addition the Arts and Design Society (ADSO) sponsor an award. Niceville High School had eight seniors submit artwork to the Van Porter Student Artist of the Year Exhibition. Tierra Gay won the Van Porter Senior artist of the year and Tori Phillips won the ADSO award; both are enrolled in the AP Portfolio course taught by Ms. Kim Nihill-Taylor.
The District has changed the format for the Anne Mitchell Awards. It will be just for seniors on April 30. NHS will be having award programs for our freshmen, sophomores and juniors on April 10. Representatives from the District will be here to present awards on that day as well.
Under a bill that has passed the Florida Legislature, public schools can start their calendars no earlier than 14 days before Labor Day. With the new calendar, students in Okaloosa County will be getting a longer summer before the start of the 1007-008 school year. The Okaloosa County School Board recently approved the 2007-2008 School Calendar.
The possession, use, or being under the influence of an alcoholic beverage by a student while on school property, on school sponsored transportation, or while attending a school sponsored activity shall warrant him/her a ten (10) day suspension from school and a referral to the Superintendent or his/her designee. Any subsequent offense of this nature shall require the presence of the student and his/her parent or guardian before the Superintendent for further action and may warrant a recommendation of expulsion for the student. Additionally, the student may be referred to the appropriate civil authorities for possible prosecution.
Jeanette Rhoades Slown, principal of Niceville High School from 1989-1993, has made a challenge to the student body of NHS. She has donated $400 to go to tornado-devastated Enterprise High School and challenges NHS students, faculty and staff to match the donation. She is confident the NHS community will give well beyond her $400. Students may give their donations to Ms. Alice Thoreen in room 609 or Ms. Dorothy Covey in room 610. Community members wishing to contribute should leave their donations in the Attendance Office. Please enclose any donations in an envelope and write “Enterprise High School Donation” on it.
The SGA is sponsoring a hat day on March 16. Students may donate $1 to wear their hat for the day. Stickers must be placed on the outside bill of the hat. Students can purchase stickers Tuesday-Friday next week before school in room 609 or room 610.
All donations will be given to the Enterprise High School Band in memory of Dirk Strunk’s daughter, Katie, who died when the tornado struck the school. Dirk is a graduate of Niceville High School.
No student will be released to a parent or guardian during a severe weather lock down or intruder lock down. This necessary precaution required by the Okaloosa School District and emergency response personnel is in the best interest and safety of our staff, students, parents and guardians.
Please keep the Enterprise, AL school system in your thoughts as they recover from the devastation caused by a tornado on March 1, 2007
“I see it as a great privilege and honor to represent Niceville High School and the Okaloosa School District at the National Convention, said Jennifer Sjostrom, AP English Language teacher.
Four Advanced Placement teachers from Niceville High School have been invited to present at the 2007 AP National Conference held in Las Vegas in July. Elaine Crump, Marilyn McGill, Patricia Mixon and Jennifer Sjostrom submitted a presentation entitled “Linking Language and Literature: A Coordinated Two-Year Curriculum Plan” to the College Board in August 2006. They were notified this week that their presentation was approved.
The AP Annual Conference is the largest gathering of the Advanced Placement Program and Pre-AP communities, AP teachers and coordinators, middle school teachers and administrators and counselors from across the United States and throughout the world.
“I also look forward to sharing our experience with other colleagues across the country,” said Sjostrom.
Conference participants attend professional development workshops, share best practices, learn methods and policies for increasing educational access and equity as well as hear prominent speakers from education, science, politics and the arts. Invaluable information on resources to assist an AP Program can also be gained.
Elaine Crump and Marilyn McGill teach AP English Literature; Patricia Mixon and Jennifer Sjostrom teach AP English Language.
| Bethany Gugliemino | Flute | All State Concert Band |
| Ben Johnson | Clarinet | All State Orchestra |
| Rachel Vega | Clarinet | All State Concert Band |
| Alyssa Ward | Clarinet | All State Concert Band |
| Heather Caulkins | French Horn | All State Concert Band |
| Kyle Wilson | Euphonium | All State Concert Band |
| Patrick Melvin | Tuba | All State Orchestra |
| Jayson Heubusch | Bassoon | All State Symphonic Band |
| Daniel Pyon | Clarinet | All State Symphonic Band |
| Kisa Valenti | Bass Clarinet | All State Symphonic Band |
As a point of interest, membership in these ensembles is attained by a statewide audition that utilizes no quota system for regional representation. These students competed in head-to-head blind auditions with hundreds of performers from around the state for membership in these esteemed ensembles. The next closest total from any Okaloosa County high school was three! We tied for the highest membership among non fine arts magnet schools statewide! This is the highest total that NHS has ever placed in the All State Band or Orchestra.
We appreciate everyone’s continued support of music education on our campus and the enthusiasm you show for all of our band members.
Both boys’ and girls’ teams won the County Track Championship on Saturday, Oct 27th. This is the first time in over five years that both boys and girls from the same school have won the County Championship. Boys are currently ranked 8th in the State 4A polls; girls are also currently ranked 8th in the State 4A polls.
Loring Ross won the boys’ individual championship by running at 16:15 to win the 5k race. Tom Reho was only 11 seconds behind to finish 2nd, running 16:26 on the 5k course.
Others placing included: 4th Dylan Schroeder 16:59, 6th Christian Ritacco 17:06, 10th Michael Cooper 17:27, and 14th Patrick Lacombe 17:41. Lacombe also made the All-County Team along with Ross and Reho.
Lauren Eschbach finished the 5k course in a time of 20:10 to place 3rd. Morgan Keel, 20:18, Ashley Calhoun, 20:34, and Abby McCool 20:53 finished 8th, 9th, and 10th to help the girls win. All four made the All-County Team.
The boys’ JV team also won the Championship with the JV girls finishing as the Runner up.
Chanelle Cox, two-time Daily News Runner of the Year, 2006 District Champion, and 2006 Region Champion, is out for the season due to injury.
Meet |
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Place/Teams |
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Place/Teams |
Eye Opener |
Boys |
5th/9 |
Girls |
1st/8 |
FSU Inv |
Boys |
4th/34 |
Girls |
5th/31 |
Gulf Coast |
Boys |
3rd/31 |
Girls |
3rd/27 |
J. D. Mac |
(JV) Boys |
3rd/9 |
(JV) Girls |
6th/10 |
G. American |
Boys |
4th/19 |
Girls |
6th/18 |
Panhandle |
Boys |
3rd/21 |
Girls |
4th/17 |
County |
Boys |
1st/7 |
Girls |
1st/6 |
|
|
|
|
|
Record |
Boys |
107-16 |
Girls |
91-19 |
2007-2008 All-State Chorus Members
| Erin Welch - Reading Chorus | Justin Koch - Reading Chorus |
| Jarrod Tredway - Reading Chorus | Melissa Whitworth - Reading Chorus |
| Autumn Francis - Concert Chorus | Edanette Marquez - Concert Chorus |
| Lauralee Buchanan - Concert Chorus | Mary Alice Teague - Concert Chorus |
| Caleb Coatsworth - Concert Chorus | Ryan Smith - Concert Chorus |
| William Kortbein - Concert Chorus | Brad Morris - Concert Chorus |
| A.J. Patel - Concert Chorus | Jessica Wise - Women's Chorus |
| Stephanie Moore - Women's Chorus | Deborah Barnette - Women's Chorus |
| Nick Harvey - Men's Chorus | Garrett Freshwater - Men's Chorus |
| Colton Schniepp - Men's Chorus | T.J. Van Dam - Men's Chorus |
| Jordan Francis - Men's Chorus | Brandon Bubel - Men's Chorus |
| Ben Patel - Men's Chorus | James Theisen - Men's Chorus |
The NHS swim team had a difficult but successful Regional Meet. Be proud of our swimmers! They travel more during the championship tournaments than anyone else in the state of Florida and still manage to swim well. They have a great attitude and we have a great group of supportive parents. The results are below.
Congratulate these awesome NHS students!
Here are the highlights from the 2007Girls’ Golf season:
at the Florida Finals
Mitch Innis is the girls’ golf coach.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
For more information ...
One hundred and twenty-eight students at Niceville High School have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program exams.
About 18 percent of the more than 1.3 million high school students in 16,000 secondary schools worldwide who took AP Exams performed at a sufficiently high level to merit the recognition of AP Scholar. (read more)
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently announced the names of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists in the 53rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,200 Merit Scholarship awards that will be offered next spring. The NMSC’s goals are to honor the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence. The six Niceville High School Semifinalists are: Allyssa Anderson, Esther Hsiang, Maryam Mohammed, Mark Penner, Benjamin Rast and Erin Welch.
Nine Niceville High School seniors have received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their exceptional academic promise on the 2006 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). Although these students will not continue in the 2008 competition for National Merit Scholarships, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.4 million students who entered the 2008 competition by the taking the 2006 PSAT/NMSQT.
Those Commended Students at NHS are:
Daniel Elsesser
Megan Fontaine
Mark Gipson
Steele Rackley
Brandon Schievenin
Scott Smith
Jarrod Treadway
Kisa Valenti
Dana Ziegler
October 2007
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) will be administered to all freshmen and sophomores Wednesday, October 17, 2007. Although current juniors took the PSAT as sophomores, and this year’s test is optional, they are encouraged to register to take the PSAT again this year. The only time a student may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program is by taking the PSAT as a junior. Although there is no charge for freshmen and sophomores to take test, there is a $13.00 test administration fee for juniors.
Juniors may register for the PSAT in the Guidance Office Monday, October 1, 2007 through Monday, October 15, 2007. Juniors must pay $13.00 at the time of registration. We will accept cash, check, or money order. Checks should be made payable to Niceville High School.
If you have questions or concerns, please call Mr. Biggs in our Guidance department at 833-4114, ext 1331.
In order to comply with Florida’s Department of Education initiative, parents must be notified about the meningococcal vaccine. You may click on the following link for more information: meningococcal vaccines.
ATTENTION STUDENTS AND PARENTS
Please click on http://www.okaloosa.k12.fl.us/foodservices/nochargepolicy.htm to review the new cafeteria charge policies for students from Food Services.
Kelsey Peregoy Receives Award for Excellence in WritingKelsey Peregoy has received the Award for Excellence in Writing given by the National Council of Teachers of English in recognition of excellence in writing by high school juniors. She is one of only 595 students in the nation selected for the award, as well as the only student from Okaloosa County. Peregoy has demonstrated not only superior ability but also notable versatility in writing. She was nominated by her junior English teacher, Ms. Jennifer Sjostrom.
Juniors and seniors who are seeking admission into the National Honor Society must attend an informational meeting after school on either Tuesday, October 9, 2007 or Wednesday, October 10, 2007 in Room 326 with Mr. Rahmes. If any student cannot attend, the student must pick up an informational packet from Mr. Rahmes before Wednesday, October 10, 2007, or the student will be unable to seek admission into the National Honor Society. If you are a senior, this will be your last opportunity to apply for membership. These meetings are for juniors and seniors ONLY. Sophomores seek admission only in the Spring.
The Niceville High School Forensics Speech and Debate team competed with significant success at the Florida State University Gregg Phifer Invitational Tournament this weekend in Tallahassee. There were 22 schools in attendance representing Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and South Florida as well as the Panhandle area. Read more for the results.
The Florida Department of Education has once again named Niceville High School the recipient of the Five Star School Award. NHS has received this honor consistently for the past five years for their exemplary community involvement in
In addition to recognizing outstanding schools, the rigorous criteria identify schools with programs that can be used as models for other schools. A school must have a grade of C or above, and only those schools meeting the requirements for the Golden School Award are eligible to apply.
Principal Dr Smith contributes this honor to the overwhelming involvement and contribution of parents, businesses, students, faculty and staff.
The review process includes a portfolio documenting accomplishments from each of the five community involvement areas and an application. Once the application and portfolio have passed the local school district’s review, the application and review are forwarded to the Florida Department of Education for recognition.
Lance Moss, a 1996 graduate of Niceville High School, has recently begun a program aimed at teaching young Nicaraguan students the importance of keeping our land and oceans clean as well as protecting the environment. (read more...)
