It has been a busy couple of weeks for the Freeport High School Class of 2026! They started off with a walk-thru of all of the schools in our community. Retracing the steps they have taken since kindergarten and seeing the familiar faces of teachers, administrators and staff from earlier years. Cheers and clapping welcomed them into FLC, FES and FMS, high fives and well-wishes were exchanged along the way.
They continued on to the FHS tradition of Senior Awards and Capping Ceremony. The night began as Mr. Phillips opened our Awards Ceremony, followed by Madilynn Harvey's beautiful rendition of the National Anthem and our future service members; Preston Messer, Josh Juntenen, Chase Justice and Emma Layle (sign language) with the Pledge of Allegiance. Senior Class Vice President, Helena Pitts gave a speech about the Class of 2026 and the memories they have shared while remembering former students that recently passed away and our beloved former band director, Mr. Michael Miller. Students walked across the stage to accept numerous awards, scholarships and honors.
The Capping Ceremony began with an inspiring speech from Senior Class President, Larae Smith. Following her speech, she called Senior Class Officers, Helena Pitts, Mari King and Melanie Ramirez-Martinez to the podium to deliver the class history. Then one by one the Class of 2026 "passed the cap" to the upcoming Class of 2027. In closing, the Class of 2026 gathered in front of the stage to view the class slide show, tears and laughter marked the end of ceremony. Juniors and Seniors moved to the hall for pictures with family and friends as the night came to a close.
This past week, final exams were taken and our Senior Class had their last day of attendance on Friday, May 8th. Once again tears and laughter echoed in the halls of Freeport High School. The day ended with our Seniors meeting for one last sunset at Grayton Beach. The final page will turn on this amazing Senior year on May 16th at 7:00 pm. The Class of 2026 will join together one last time at FLC Stadium to accept their diplomas and begin the next adventure in what is sure to be a beautiful future.
Freeport Schools
11:00 Lion Transfer bus @ FLC
11:15 Rooster & Whale buses @ FLC
11:30 ALL buses @ FES
11:45 ALL buses @ FMS
12:00 ALL buses @ FHS
Congratulations to Max Broginez, Jacob Justice, and Chase Justice!!
Congratulations to our Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Members! These students have been selected by our teachers for their accomplishments and excellence as a Freeport High School Bulldog. Life is great because you're a DAWG!
Due to athletic field construction, those attending games at the baseball field will now park at the current track. Please see the picture for details. While construction is on-going, please slow down and use caution in these areas.
Please join us for a great night and a great cause as this event is a major fundraiser for the Junior Class.
The Walton County School District Continues to Increase its Graduation Rate, Closing the Gap to Just 0.1% From the #1 Ranked District in Florida.
Walton County, Fla. — The results are in, and according to data recently released by the Florida Department of Education, the Walton County School District (WCSD) is proud to announce a 97.5% graduation rate for the 2024–2025 school year. This achievement places WCSD as the #2 ranked school district in Florida for graduation rate, trailing the top district statewide by just 0.1%.
This year’s results reflect WCSD’s districtwide theme of “Keeping the Charge through DC Power”—a focus on sustaining momentum, maintaining high expectations, and maintaining a steady, directed flow of effort that moves energy from negative to positive. This increase of .1% in graduation rate is a reflection of the commitment to keep the charge by finding every available opportunity to continue to improve and excel.
• South Walton High School (SWHS): 100% Graduation Rate
• Walton High School (WHS): 100% Graduation Rate
• Magnet Innovation Center (MIC): 100% Graduation Rate
• Freeport High School (FHS): 99% Graduation Rate
• Paxton School: 93% Graduation Rate
• WISE Center: 88% Graduation Rate
“These outcomes are the result of intentional work, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to student success,” said Superintendent A. Russell Hughes. “Keeping the Charge means not becoming complacent when things are going well, it means continuing to push forward, support students, and turn every negative into a positive. I am incredibly proud of our students, staff, school board, and community.”
The district’s graduation results also reflect the 2024–2025 theme, “In the Boat for the Goal,” which emphasized individual accountability within a shared effort. Staff and students pursued their goals with tenacity, understanding that missed responsibilities affect the entire group. Superintendent A. Russell Hughes set direction and pace, reinforcing that “there’s no seat for average in this boat.” That alignment translated into students completing graduation requirements and finishing the year in EPIC fashion.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Joshua Bledsoe
Public Information Officer
Congratulations to Lainey Pitts who has been selected as Freeport High Schools All Sports Association Spirit Award Winner for 2025! Lainey is a Freeport High School Senior who actively participates as a Manager for the Freeport High School Football Team, Vice President of the Class of 2026, Blue Wave Yearbook Editor and a 2026 Prom Committee Member.
Lainey would like thank Coach Shaun Arntz for allowing her to participate as a team manager for the past 3 years, effectively changing her future career choice and Principal Donna Simmons for creating a family environment for all students at FHS and encouraging her love for all things Freeport!
Lainey, life is great because you are a DAWG!
12/10-FAST Reading Retakes
12/12-Best Alg/Geo EOC Retakes
12/17-Term 2/Sem 1 Exams (Periods 1,3,5,7)
12/18-Term 2/Sem 1 Exams (Periods 2,4,6,8)
Students, please ensure that you are well-rested, have a healthy breakfast and arrive to school on time.
