Okaloosa County School District honors its 2025 Teachers of the Year

NICEVILLE, Fla. — The Okaloosa County School District (OCSD) honored its Teacher of the Year candidates at the 2025 annual Teacher of the Year banquet, celebrating excellence in education across the district.

Niceville Florida Community Farmers Market at Palm Plaza

Ms. Katrina Brownsburger, an English and Speech and Debate teacher at Fort Walton Beach High School, was recognized as the Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year. She will represent the district in the Florida Department of Education’s statewide competition this spring in Tallahassee.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised Ms. Brownsburger’s contributions to education, stating, “Ms. Brownsburger’s dedication and success inspire all of us, and we are honored to have her represent the incredible educators of Okaloosa County.”

The OCSD also recognized two finalists: Ms. Brittney Stein, an eighth-grade Pre-Algebra teacher at Pryor Middle School, and Ms. Shalytha Payne-Blevins, an English teacher at Crestview High School.

Among the many honorees, several Niceville-area educators were celebrated for their dedication to students:

Ms. Samantha Bollhalter, Niceville High School’s Teacher of the Year, teaches AICE European History and AP Macroeconomics. A 2006 graduate of Niceville High, Ms. Bollhalter expressed gratitude for the recognition, saying she is honored to represent her school and appreciates the support of her colleagues, students, and family.
Ms. Ashley Kempton, Ruckel Middle School’s Teacher of the Year, has been teaching at Ruckel since 2018. A math educator, she also serves on multiple school committees.
Ms. Becky Holtery, Edge Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, has been a part of the Edge community for a decade, teaching kindergarten, first grade, and now fourth-grade math and science.

Samantha Bollhalter, Niceville High Teacher of the Year, stands in a school hallway. — Samantha Bollhalter of Niceville High School has been named Teacher of the Year. (Contributed)

Ashley Kempton, Ruckel Middle School Teacher of the Year, stands outside the school. — Ashley Kempton of Ruckel Middle School has been named Teacher of the Year. (Contributed)

Becky Holtery, Edge Elementary Teacher of the Year, poses in front of stuffed husky mascots. — Becky Holtery of Edge Elementary has been named Teacher of the Year. (Contributed)

Ms. Taryn Peterson, Bluewater Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, focuses on empowering her third-grade students while actively participating in school programs and activities.
Mr. Skylar Harsson, Okaloosa STEMM Academy’s Teacher of the Year, teaches seventh-grade English and sponsors the school’s e-sports program. He began his teaching career in Tennessee before moving to Crestview in 2023.
Ms. Abbie Wilbourne, Plew Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year, has spent 26 years in education, with the past seven dedicated to teaching art. She encourages students to explore creativity and express themselves through various artistic mediums.
Ms. Morgan Stokes, Lewis School’s Teacher of the Year, is an eighth-grade English teacher who also serves as the middle school ELA department chair. She is involved in multiple leadership and mentoring roles at the school.

Taryn Peterson, Bluewater Elementary Teacher of the Year, smiles in her classroom. — Caption: Taryn Peterson of Bluewater Elementary has been named Teacher of the Year. (Contributed)

Skylar Harsson, Okaloosa STEMM Academy Teacher of the Year, poses outdoors. — Skylar Harsson of Okaloosa STEMM Academy has been named Teacher of the Year. (Contributed)

Abbie Wilbourne, Plew Elementary Teacher of the Year, poses outside the school. — Abbie Wilbourne of Plew Elementary has been named Teacher of the Year. (Contributed)

Morgan Stokes, Lewis School Teacher of the Year, poses outside the school. — Morgan Stokes of Lewis School has been named Teacher of the Year. (Contributed)

Each Teacher of the Year honoree was selected through a rigorous process beginning in the fall when schools nominate their candidates. Finalists submit portfolios and undergo classroom evaluations before the final selection.

The OCSD celebration was made possible with support from the Okaloosa County Education Association, the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, and other community sponsors.