The Okaloosa County School District is thrilled to announce that three talented students have been selected as finalists in the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest, a statewide competition for K-5 students. With nearly 2,600 entries from across Florida, the contest challenged students to design Florida’s future spacesuits. Okaloosa County finalists include:
• Jason Ritnour, a second-grade student at Kenwood Elementary School
• Vanessa Wesbur, a second-grade student at Wright Elementary School
• Isabella Wesbur, a fourth-grade student at Northwest Florida Ballet Académie (pictured right)
Each finalist will receive two tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in recognition of their exceptional creativity and unique vision for the future of space exploration. “We’re incredibly proud of these students for their talent and dedication,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers. “To have three finalists from Okaloosa County among thousands of entries is truly special.”
Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez, who launched this year’s contest at Plew Elementary School in April, praised the students’ work: “Congratulations to the finalists and to all participants who brought imagination and skill to their artwork. I look forward to celebrating Florida’s young artists and recognizing their contributions to our state’s space legacy.” The Florida Space Art Contest was designed to inspire students to explore space through art. Two grand prize winners from other counties will have their artwork launched on an upcoming SpaceX mission.
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