The Destin High School Executive Board recently held an appreciation reception for all who have supported the vision and mission for a new Destin High School thus far. Held at Hyatt Place in Grand Boulevard Sandestin® in March, board members gave an update on the current status of the charter application, fundraising success to date and future plans.
Board member Prebble Ramswell said all are looking forward to the new high school opening in 2020 after, hopefully, the charter is approved. “We should know soon and feel confident that we’ve done our due diligence in hiring the best company to assist us.” She further stated that plans are for each grade to have approximately 200 students beginning with Destin residents and then expanding into other areas of Okaloosa County, and even Walton County, if places are available.
Board member Sarah Stone stated that the community has really been supportive as the board has already raised $97,307 so far. “It’s just so amazing,” she said. “The first person I ever spoke with about a potential new high school said they would give me $5,000. I then knew we could do it,” she said. “But then the first $5,000 didn’t come in and that can bring you down. You wonder if you’re on the right path,” Sarah said. But when she started asking people again if they would be willing to support the new high school, she said people just started giving, such as Keith Howard who even said he would match donations. And others have helped spur things along such as Ashley Vannoy, Market President of First National Bank, who quickly stepped up with a letter of credit to meet one of the lengthy list of requirements of the charter application.
Additional donors include Robert J. Guidry Foundation, Corey and Magda Cooper, Keith and Laura Howard, Nitin and Shruti Bawa, Frankfurt 1031 Exchange, Chautauqua Vineyards & Winery, Robbins Investment Group, Brent and Sylvie Hazen, Reed and Cece Harned, Personal Care Family Dentistry, Taylor Allen Properties, Kris and Erin Martin, Jeff and Lindsey Burns, Sonny and Lauren Martin, Mike and Myra Williams, Wood Law Firm, Mary Hong Facebook Live Event and Dan Collins. And Destin Life is honored to be a media sponsor. “Once the charter is approved,” said Sarah, “it will be a full-on sprint to raise $500,000!”
At this time, sports, transportation, curriculum, administration and other subjects are still being discussed and planned. “There are even some high-tech curriculum options being planned and committed to that we are excited about and are looking forward to offering and letting everyone know about soon,” said school board member Heidi Locicero. Destin Life will continue to provide monthly updates as the information becomes available.
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