Choctaw High Unveils New Totem Pole Honoring Tradition

Staff Reports
June 17, 2025
8:50 am
Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa County, Schools and Education

In Brief:

Choctawhatchee High School has unveiled a new 11-foot totem pole on campus, replacing a beloved wooden version removed during renovations. Designed by alumnus Mark Forsman and brought to life by Icon Poly, the new polyresin structure reflects 73 years of school pride, culture, and community. The project was a collaboration between alumni, school leaders, and the Okaloosa County School District.

FORT WALTON BEACH — A new 11-foot, 250-pound polyresin totem pole was unveiled Monday at Choctawhatchee High School, commemorating more than seven decades of school heritage and replacing a beloved wooden structure removed during campus renovations, according to a news release from the Okaloosa County School District.

The new totem pole now stands at the front of the school, near where the original version stood from 1997 until its recent removal.

School officials stated that the original wooden pole could not be safely reinstalled because it had deteriorated over time.

“Choctaw is built on tradition, and our new Totem Pole was so carefully designed to tell our 73-year-old story,” said Principal Michelle Heck in the release. “I’m so grateful as well as proud of our alumni who served on the design committee and felt so passionate about the Choctawhatchee standard of excellence with Academics, Athletics, Music, and Arts. What they have helped to create will continue our legacy for the next many generations.”

The project began in 2023 and was a collaborative effort between Choctaw alums, Okaloosa County School District staff, and School Board Member Linda Evanchyk.

Choctaw graduate Mark Forsman designed the new totem pole, which was brought to life by Icon Poly. This Nebraska-based company specializes in 3D sculpting and resin casting.

Each element of the pole represents different facets of Choctawhatchee High School’s identity, aiming to connect students, faculty, alums, and the broader community through a shared symbol of pride.

“It’s a symbol of 70+ years of tradition,” Evanchyk said in the release. “People identify with it.”

Superintendent Marcus Chambers also praised the team’s effort.

“It was truly inspiring to see the totem pole installed today,” Chambers said. “The alumni’s dedication to preserving this tradition is remarkable, and the result is absolutely beautiful.”