Okaloosa County students raised more than $9,600 in the 2024–2025 Change for Children Campaign to support Children in Crisis, Inc. Top fundraising schools were recognized at the May 27 school board meeting.
Students and staff across Okaloosa County School District raised more than $9,600 during the 2024-2025 Change for Children Campaign, an annual student-led fundraiser supporting Children in Crisis, Inc., school officials announced.
At the May 27 school board meeting, district leaders recognized participating schools for their contributions to the campaign, which ran from September through May and supports The Children’s Neighborhood—an emergency shelter for children removed from unsafe or unstable home environments.
“We are incredibly proud of our students and school leaders for stepping up to make a difference,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said in a statement. “This campaign is about more than raising money—it’s about teaching compassion, community, and the power of service. Supporting Children in Crisis is one way we can help make sure every child in Okaloosa has the opportunity to feel safe, cared for, and valued.”
The district honored several schools as category winners for their fundraising efforts:
Middle School Division: Ruckel Middle School
Principal: Joe Jannazo | Sponsor: Angela Wargo | Total Raised: $3,000
Top Fundraiser and Community School Division: Southside Primary School
Principal: Amy Bowles | Sponsors: Haley Dukes and Stephanie Hicks | Total Raised: $2,429
Elementary School Division: Plew Elementary School
Principal: Tammy Matz | Sponsors: Shawna Crist and Katie White | Total Raised: $2,189
High School Division: Choctawhatchee High School
Principal: Michelle Heck | Sponsor: Dee Dee Shank | Total Raised: $2,000
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