FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — The Okaloosa County School District has announced that Fort Walton Beach High School Principal Lindsey Smith has been named the 2026 Bill Montford Administrator of the Year.
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The award is presented by the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee and the Florida Association of School Administrators. Established in 2023, the Bill Montford Award recognizes school leaders who demonstrate exceptional dedication to inspiring students and teachers, particularly through STEM education.
Ms Smith was selected for her leadership in strengthening STEM and career and technical education opportunities at Fort Walton Beach High School.
As part of the recognition, Ms Smith has been invited to choose a Fort Walton Beach High School class to visit the Challenger Learning Center and participate in one of its immersive STEM lab experiences.
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The Challenger Learning Center, operated with the support of the FSU and FAMU Colleges of Engineering, provides hands-on STEM programming for Florida students from kindergarten through high school.
Ms Smith attended the award celebration alongside the school’s science and math department chairs, Dr. Tavia Marez and Jackie Sheffield.
“STEM education and engagement are important not only to ensure we keep up with the ever-changing advancements in technology and engineering as a community, but, now more than ever, STEM education is essential to students’ understanding of the world around them,” Ms Smith said.
“I am proud of our STEM and CTE programming at Fort Walton Beach High School and the incredible content experts who pour into our students every day.”
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Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised Ms Smith’s leadership.
“Principal Smith is a tremendous leader whose passion for student achievement is evident in everything she does,” Mr Chambers said.
“Her commitment to expanding STEM opportunities and empowering both students and staff is exceptional. This recognition is incredibly well-deserved, and we are proud to have her representing Okaloosa County at the state level.”
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For more information about the Challenger Learning Center, visit https://www.challengertlh.com/.
