Choctawhatchee High School - Tomahawk Yearbook (Fort Walton Beach, FL)

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The Place To Be Ft. Walton Beach is a vacation center for many tourists who love the southern area. Many of these tourists were college students from Alabama, Louisiana, Mis- sissippi, and various parts of Florida. The main attraction was the beautiful, crystal clear water near the beaches for miles down the western side of Florida's coastline. The average temperature was 80° a year, so it is obvious that there were many beach days for both the tourists and the local to enjoy. The most popular spots were near the Ramada Inn, at Way- side Park, and near the Carousel. Walk- ing down the beach, and even just sun- bathing, people were sure to see their friends and classmates, cute tourist guys or girls, and family groups basking in the bright sunlight. A favorite beach pastime was surfing. Many times, teen- agers were seen waiting under piers, watching for good waves on which to test their balance, skill, and coordina- tion. Another favorite was sailing. The wind carried these boats through the sparkling water. People love to watch these beautiful, brightly colored canvas sails glide by. Another major attraction was Eglin Air Force Base. It is the largest Air Force base in the United States and is also the lar- gest employer in Ft. Walton. The Santa Rosa Mall was the hangout for many teens. On Friday and Saturday nights, they seemed to fill up the shop- ping center. There was always some- thing to do. For example, there are four cinemas, a record store, many clothes stores, fast food restaurants, and video game rooms. Three special areas of interest to tourists and locals alike were the Gulfarium, the Indian Temple Mount Museum, and the Camp Walton Schoolhouse. They were all intriguing to walk through and look at. Also, the Temple Mound and School- house contain a bit of Ft. Walton's histo- ry — Suzy Solomon 16 COMMUNITY

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Delegation Sees The Mountains 1. The fire of friendship puts warmth into everyone's heart. 2. Courtney Roberts, Lis Eatman, and Margaret McBryde, decide to take a break from the fun and sun of Blue Ridge. 3. Nancy Penny and friends show the love energized by the Blue Ridge Assembly. 4. The whole Blue Ridge bunch gets all dressed up for a final photo. 5. For over sev- enty-five years, high school students have looked forward to attending the Blue Ridge Assembly. 6. Kevin Stauffer, Paul Langston, Michelle Hartley, and Todd Turner all show off their finer attire. 7. Kristi Matthews dem- onstrates he singing talent at the Blue Ridge Assembly. 8. This scene depicts the beauty, pleasantness, and serenity of Blue Ridge. Is it any wonder that hundreds of high school stu- dents make sure that some fun time at Blue Ridge is included in their plans? BLUE RIDGE 15

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Hot Spots Around The Community Sharks Sec Lions Porpoise Seals Scuba Divers Otters Pe quins Fi h OPEN am LAST SHOW «i ' S'AV’S 8 | 1. The beach is a great way to unwind after a hard week of school. 2. The Indian Temple Mound Museum is a favorite attraction of tourists in our area. 3. Eglin Air Force Base is the largest base in the United States, in addi- tion to being the largest single employer in the area. 4. Fort Walton is the home of Choc- taw, the most spirited high school in the na- tion. 5. Okaloosa — Walton Junior College and the University of West Florida have con- solidated to provide our area with the Univer- sity of West Florida — OWJC Center. 6. The Gulfarium, an exciting place to visit, enter- tains and educates visitors by showing them the wonders of the deep. 7. The Fort Walton Schoolhouse is a good example of the oldie- but-goodie days and ways of teaching. 8. The Santa Rosa Mall offers an excellent selec- tion of the finest products Fort Walton has to offer. COMMUNITY 17