Three Okaloosa County students have been selected as finalists in the 2024 Florida Space Art Contest, a statewide competition that drew nearly 2,600 submissions.
- Sisters Vanessa and Isabella Wesbur, along with Jason Ritnour, were among 12 finalists chosen in the contest announced by Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez on Oct. 25.
“We’re very proud of these students and for a worthy cause,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said during Monday’s school board workshop. “Now three from Okaloosa out of the 6,600 participants [over the years], that’s pretty special in my mind.”
Vanessa Wesbur, a first-grade student at Wright Elementary School, and Jason Ritnour, a first-grade student at Kenwood Elementary School, were selected in the K-2 category. Isabella Wesbur, a third-grade student at Northwest Florida Ballet Academie, was chosen in the 3-5 category.
- The contest challenged students to create original, two-dimensional artwork based on this year’s theme: “Suit Up! Florida’s Space Suit of the Future.” As finalists, the three students will receive two tickets each to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
The competition’s connection to Okaloosa County began in April when Nuñez visited Plew Elementary in Niceville to launch the contest. During her visit, she was joined by Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida, Superintendent Chambers, and Principal Tammy Matz.
Two grand prize winners from other Florida counties will have their artwork launched into space on an upcoming SpaceX mission.
“Congratulations to the two grand prize winners,” said Lieutenant Governor Nuñez. “I look forward to recognizing their talent, creativity, and imagination in the near future.”
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