Principal Smith, her family and friends celebrate her success

The Okaloosa County School Board named Fort Walton Beach Assistant Principal Lindsey Smith the newest principal of the Lewis School in Valparaiso.

The motion to appoint was made by Diane Kelley and seconded by Linda Evanchyk.

Smith is a military child who moved a dozen times before settling in Okaloosa County in 1995.

She attended Choctaw High School and then graduated from Florida State University in 2006 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Education. She later went on to get her Masters Degree from the University of West Florida.

Principal Smith addresses the Board

Smith started her career as an administrator at Bruner Middle School before taking on her current role as an assistant principal at Fort Walton Beach High School.

Smith’s husband works on Eglin Air Force Base and is a Major in the Army Reserves. She has two children, a four year old and a seven year old.

“Thank you for the confidence in me,” Smith said upon receiving a 5-0 vote for her confirmation as principal, “This is my dream… I fully understand the gravity of this position.”

Newly-appointed Principal Smith thanked her family and colleagues at Fort Walton Beach High School.

“To my new Falcon Family, I’m honored to be your principal. I’m excited to work together for our students and give them the opportunities they deserve.”