Cox Communications recently hosted the annual Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards in Okaloosa County. This year, 37 students were celebrated for overcoming extreme hardships in their lives, while maintaining a positive attitude. The Heroes were announced at a ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.
The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school to honor their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome the loss of a family member, medical issue, difficult family situation, or other hardship, they did so with optimism while continuing to encourage and inspire those around them.
“It’s always an honor for us at Cox to applaud these students and celebrate what an inspiration they are to their peers and school staff,” said Cox Gulf Coast market vice president David Deliman. “They’ve overcome so many hardships in their young lives and still maintain a positive attitude. They’re true heroes and deserve their time in the spotlight.
Okaloosa County School District Superintendent of Schools Marcus Chambers expressed his gratitude to Cox Communications for hosting the event every year.
"It is heartwarming to listen to the students' stories and how they serve as a reminder of the purpose of educators. It's always inspiring to witness the impact that education has on young minds, and such events provide a platform for students to share their journey towards success," stated Superintendent Marcus Chambers.
During the event, Cox presented the students with a personalized engraved medallion and a certificate of honor. The students also received certificates of accomplishment from United States Senator Rick Scott, United States Representative Matt Gaetz, Florida State Senator Doug Broxson and Florida State Representatives Michelle Salzman, Dr. Joel Rudman and Patt Maney.
In addition, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation at their meeting on May 7, proclaiming May 2024 as Cox Inspirational Student Hero Month in Okaloosa County.
Okaloosa County’s Cox Inspirational Student Heroes for 2024 are:
Aubree Bourgeois - Richbourg School
Brian Caceres - Choctawhatchee High School
Brien Carter - Davidson Middle School
Bryan Grice - Bob Sikes Elementary School
Caleb Henderson - Laurel Hill School
Calvin Wilks, III - Baker School
Daniela Montero Flores - Longwood Elementary School
Deshawn Simmons - Bruner Middle School
Dominic Loomis - Walker Elementary School
Elva Alfrey - Southside Primary School
Erick Sanchez - Elliott Point Elementary School
Erik Scott - Fort Walton Beach High School
Ethan Ibi - Crestview High School
Ezekiel "Zeke" Kerns - Destin Middle School
Isabel Johnson - Antioch Elementary School
Jace McDonald - Kenwood Elementary School
Ja'lyric McCaskill - Shoal River Middle School
Ja'Mariah Knox - Florosa Elementary School
Jameson Ledford - Edge Elementary School
Johann Lee Mosley - Lewis School
Jordan Johnson - Eglin Elementary School
Jorey Hamilton - Pryor Middle School
Judah Pierce - Okaloosa STEMM Academy
Kamryn Maiden - Riverside Elementary School
Lake Montoya - Northwood Elementary School
Lane Mitchell - Edwins Elementary School
Layne Willis - Mary Esther Elementary School
Levi Godwin - Wright Elementary School
Marcos Lee - Meigs Middle School
Naomi Gam - Shalimar Elementary School
Nathaniel Taylor - Plew Elementary School
Noah Leonard - Ruckel Middle School
Patty Raybon - Northwest Florida Ballet Academie
Raymond Honrada - Silver Sands School
Samuel “S.J.” Trube - Niceville High School
Sophia Ledford - Edge Elementary School
Taylon Lahay - Bluewater Elementary School
The Cox Inspirational Student Hero Awards program began 31 years ago in New Orleans, Louisiana. The program has expanded to other Cox markets across the southeast. To date, Cox has recognized nearly 5,000 students from Lafayette, Louisiana, to Gainesville, Florida.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we operate fiber-powered networks in more than 30 states, providing connections and advanced managed IT and cloud services for nearly seven million homes and businesses nationwide. We're dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.