Close Menu
  • Home
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • THINGS TO DO
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • Contact
Facebook
Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Niceville.com
Niceville.com
Home»SCHOOL NEWS»Ruckel, Shoal River students win in statewide art contest
SCHOOL NEWS

Ruckel, Shoal River students win in statewide art contest

Niceville.comDecember 15, 20242 Mins Read
Close-up view of Best of Show artwork by Drake Harris featuring a detailed painting of a cat and Best of Show ribbon.
Drake Harris, Ruckel Middle School, earned Best of Show for this intricate painting of a cat in the 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition. 9Contributed)

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Four Okaloosa County middle school students have been honored for their artistic talents in the 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition, a statewide initiative showcasing creative works by students in grades 6–8.

Woman driving SUV with surfboards promoting low auto loan rates

Drake Harris of Ruckel Middle School received the Best of Show award, leading a strong performance by local students. Other winners include McKenzie Winger, first place, and Sophia Perez, second place, both from Shoal River Middle School, along with Isabella Welling of Ruckel Middle School, who earned third place.

First-place artwork by McKenzie Winger from Shoal River Middle School featuring a samurai and dragon.
McKenzie Winger of Shoal River Middle School earned first place in the 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition for this dynamic artwork. (Contributed)
Second place artwork by Sophia Perez from Shoal River Middle School featuring a winged figure.
Sophia Perez of Shoal River Middle School took second place with her detailed drawing of a winged figure. (Contributed)
Third place artwork by Isabella Welling from Ruckel Middle School featuring a colorful horse in a forest.
Isabella Welling of Ruckel Middle School earned third place with her vibrant depiction of a horse in a mystical forest. (Contributed)
Best of Show artwork by Drake Harris featuring a detailed painting of a cat.
Drake Harris, Ruckel Middle School, earned Best of Show for this intricate painting of a cat in the 2024 Art in the Capitol Competition. (Contributed)

The competition welcomed 14 submissions from Okaloosa County students, evaluated by a panel of elementary and high school art teachers.

Drake’s winning artwork will be displayed in the Florida Capitol, representing Okaloosa County during the 2025 legislative session.

Okaloosa County Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers shared his pride in the students’ accomplishments.

Woman driving SUV with surfboards promoting low auto loan rates

“We are so proud of the creativity and talent demonstrated by these young artists,” said Superintendent Chambers.

“Their artwork reflects their dedication and passion and serves as a testament to the strength of the arts in Okaloosa County Schools. Congratulations to our winners for this well-deserved recognition!”

The Art in the Capitol Competition highlights the importance of arts education and its role in fostering creativity and innovation among students.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
Previous ArticleNiceville’s 2025 election: Qualifying for mayor, council seats starts Dec. 30
Next Article Traffic disruptions ahead for Okaloosa, Walton counties Dec. 15-19

Related Posts

Johna Jones holds 5-Star Performer award alongside Cathie Staton and Gina Denny

Gulf Breeze resident wins Eglin FCU 5-Star Performer Award

May 8, 2025
Town Hall Meeting graphic with City of Niceville logo

Niceville residents invited to May 7 town hall with city officials

May 6, 2025
Truck bed filled with alcohol containers seized by deputies during Spring Break

Spring Break crackdown: 664 students cited for underage drinking in Okaloosa

May 5, 2025
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
The Wharf 850 Niceville, Florida
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
  • EGLIN FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
  • EYEWEAR UNLIMITED
  • HAIR EXPRESS
  • MIDBAY VETERINARY HOSPITAL
  • NICEVILLE FARMERS MARKET
  • NICEVILLE INSURANCE AGENCY
  • RUCKEL PROPERTIES, INC.
  • THE WHARF 850
Categories
  • COMMUNITY NEWS
  • CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY
  • FLORIDA NEWS
  • HEALTH & WELLNESS
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • IT'S GEEK TO ME
  • LARRY WILLIAMS
  • LOCAL NEWS & EVENTS
  • MARKETPLACE NEWS
  • MILITARY NEWS
  • NORTHWEST FLORIDA NEWS
  • OUTDOORS
  • ROADS / TRANSPORTATION
  • SCHOOL NEWS
  • THINGS TO DO
Smiling woman in SUV with surfboards on top promoting auto loan rates

ABOUT NICEVILLE.COM

PRIVACY POLICY

TERMS OF SERVICE

© 2025 Niceville.com. All Rights Reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.