I
n February, Dr. and Mrs. Nitin Bawa hosted a successful first-ever Destin
High School (DHS) Fundraiser with auction items raising over $19,000.
Along with proceeds from many Destin businesses and residents, the
project raised over $97,000, to complete Phase 1, funding the charter
application, which is now in the hands of the Okaloosa County School District
for approval.
Due to this success of the fundraiser the Destin High School Executive Board
invited all of the people who supported their vision and mission for a Destin
High School to the Hyatt Place in Grand Boulevard Sandestin for coffee &
refreshments on March 28. The event served as an appreciation breakfast and a
town hall style meeting to update donors and supporters on the current status
of the charter application, answer questions the attendees had and take a group
photo.
Upon approval of the charter, the project has a financial goal of $490,000 to
complete all steps necessary to open for the 2020 school year.
Some highlights since of Phase 1 include:
• The community has donated over $97,000.
• Statement of ability to finance and develop source of funds for Destin
High School was received from HIGHMARK, who toured potential site
locations for the new school.
• Once the charter is approved the HIGHMARK firm will serve as
negotiator, facility developer and financier for the school facility.
• First National Bank offered DHS additional support through a $200,000
loan.
• The board is hoping the community will volunteer for the many DHS
committees that are needed.
• High school age students looking for service hours are needed to help with
office-type work, including stuffing envelopes, applying postage, etc.
photos & story by
Zhalman Harris
VIP Destin at Hyatt Place in Grand Boulevard
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DHS
32 | VIPDestinMagazine.com
Kathryn Rockwell & Daniel Frankfurt
Leigh Moore, Myra Williams, Keith Howard & Lynn Wesson
Sarah Stone & Lauren Martin
Megan Suggs & Angie Salazar
Lori Leath Smith & Ashly Vannoy
32 Event_DHSDonor_May19.indd 1
4/25/19 9:51 AM