[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14932]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHOCTAWHATCHEE HIGH SCHOOL

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
60th anniversary of Choctawhatchee High School in Fort Walton Beach, 
Florida. For 60 years, the students, teachers, and staff at 
Choctawhatchee High have exhibited the assiduous dedication to 
excellence that makes our nation great.
  In 1952, Okaloosa County, Florida completed plans to open a high 
school in Shalimar, Florida. The county provided a state of the art 
building designed to hold 500 students; however, the school did not 
have an official name, so the local newspaper held a countywide naming 
contest. After the votes were counted, Choctawhatchee High School was 
declared the winner. Choctawhatchee--derived from a Creek Indian word 
meaning ``coming together''--was a fitting moniker for a school that 
would unite students from all across Okaloosa County.
  Choctawhatchee High School opened its doors on September 22, 1952 in 
Shalimar, Florida; however, after four years, the school had already 
exceeded its capacity, and the school relocated to its present location 
in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. From day one, Choctawhatchee established 
itself as an institution of academic excellence committed to educating 
each and every student. Nearly 20,000 students have graduated from the 
school since its opening, with many of them going on to achieve success 
in fields ranging from our military and space exploration to 
professional athletics and business.
  Thanks to the dedicated support of teachers, staff, alumni and the 
entire community, Choctawhatchee has continued to excel and reach new 
heights. Today, the school offers the only International Baccalaureate 
program in Okaloosa County, Florida, more than a dozen Advanced 
Placement classes, an aviation program offered in partnership with 
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, duel enrollment college courses 
with Northwest Florida State College, computer and electrical 
engineering programs in conjunction with the University of West 
Florida, as well as a successful Air Force Junior ROTC program.
  Choctawhatchee also has a long and successful athletics program. In 
fact, the school's tradition of having a student ride a horse onto the 
field prior to football games served as the inspiration for a similar 
tradition at Florida State University. Whether it is on the playing 
field or in the classroom, Choctawhatchee High School's commitment to 
excellence has served as an inspiration and point of pride for the 
entire Northwest Florida community.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the entire United States Congress, it is an 
honor for me to rise today to recognize the 60th anniversary of 
Choctawhatchee High School. The Mayor and City Council of Fort Walton 
Beach have declared Friday, September 21, 2012, as Choctawhatchee High 
School Day. My wife Vicki and I join the entire Northwest Florida 
community in congratulating Choctawhatchee High School on their 60th 
anniversary and wishing them continued success.

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