Cox Communications recognized 38 remarkable students during the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards, held May 13, 2026, on the campus of Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.
The students were honored for demonstrating strength, resilience and perseverance while overcoming significant personal hardships. From navigating medical challenges and family loss to persevering through difficult personal circumstances, each student has remained committed to personal growth while inspiring classmates, educators and school communities.
“These students embody perseverance and hope, despite facing significant challenges in their young lives. Their stories remind us of the remarkable strength found in our young people,” said David Deliman, Cox Gulf Coast market vice president. “We’re proud to partner with the Okaloosa County School District to honor these students and remain committed to supporting the educators, families and communities who help inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Students were selected by a committee of school leaders across Okaloosa County for their ability to persevere through adversity while showing measurable improvement and positively influencing those around them.
“Our Cox Inspirational Student Heroes represent the very best of Okaloosa County. Each of these students has faced challenges with courage, determination, and resilience, and their stories are a powerful reminder that adversity does not define a person’s future. We are incredibly proud of these students for their perseverance, their growth, and the positive example they set for others each day. I want to thank Cox Communications for continuing to recognize and celebrate these remarkable young people and for their longstanding commitment to supporting students and public education in our community,” said Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
During the ceremony, each honoree was presented with a personalized engraved medallion and certificates of honor from Cox, United States Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, United States Representative Jimmy Patronis, Florida State Senators Don Gaetz and Jay Trumbull, and Florida State Representatives Nathan Boyles, Patt Maney, and Michelle Salzman. The Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners also recently ratified a proclamation congratulating all honorees and officially recognizing May 2026 as Cox Inspirational Student Hero Month in Okaloosa County.
The Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program began over three decades ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. Since its inception, Cox has recognized more than 5,200 students across its southeastern markets.
Okaloosa County’s Cox Inspirational Student Heroes for 2026 are:
• Antioch Elementary School - Jarell Gray
• Baker School - Brian Caporaletti
• Bluewater Elementary School - Ayden Bauridl
• Bob Sikes Elementary School - Donald Brooks
• Bruner Middle School - Emmett Brown
• Choctawhatchee High School - Fernando Alvarenga
• Collegiate High School at NWFSC - Isabelle Rushing
• Crestview High School - Brynn Brown
• Davidson Middle School - Joseph "Joey" Arrington
• Destin Elementary School - Chase McCraine
• Destin Middle School - Douglas Dos Reis Ferreira
• Edge Elementary School - Taylor Rae Tucker
• Edwins Elementary School - Chase Brazzell
• Eglin Elementary School - Charles O'Connell
• Elliott Point Elementary School - Victoria "Tori" Morales
• Florosa Elementary School - G'ohnny Johnson
• Fort Walton Beach High School - Nathan Jucha
• Kenwood Elementary School - Flynn Olcsvary
• Laurel Hill School - Kade Webster
• Lewis School - Kristopher Fortson
• Longwood Elementary School - Emmanuel "Manny" Grice
• Mary Esther Elementary School - Destiny Hart
• Meigs Middle School - Zujeily Calderon-Arias
• Niceville High School - Nicholas "Nick" Nolin
• Northwest Florida Ballet Academie - Gwen Lovell
• Northwood Elementary School - Jayden Worthy-Pittman
• Okaloosa STEMM Academy - Joey Hopton
• Plew Elementary School - Leona Tipton
• Pryor Middle School - Avianna Baker Lott
• Richbourg School - Josue' Velasco
• Riverside Elementary School - Londyn McCray
• Ruckel Middle School - Mac Skelley
• Shalimar Elementary School - Farah Mehio
• Shoal River Middle School - Adoni Quinteros
• Silver Sands School - Jeramiah Laird
• Southside Primary School - Scarlett Gavin
• Walker Elementary School - Noah Toney
• Wright Elementary School - Siarrah Davis
