BPA Students Advance to State; Sermons Honored with Distinguished Teacher Award
Breakfast Point Academy 8th Graders Shine at District History Fair
PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Breakfast Point Academy’s 8th grade students represented their school and Bay District Schools with distinction at the District History Fair held at Gulf Coast State College today, earning multiple top placements and advancing to the State History Fair in Tallahassee in May.
Competing against students from across the district, BPA students showcased months of research, analysis, and preparation through projects that demonstrated not only historical understanding but also strong presentation skills. Multiple students earned district honors and will now move on to represent both BPA and Bay District Schools at the state level.
School leaders praised all participants for their commitment and professionalism throughout the competition process.
“These students demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication, critical thinking, and communication skills throughout the entire process — from initial research to final presentation,” said Principal Deniece Moss. “They invested countless hours refining their projects, analyzing historical significance, and preparing to confidently share their learning. The poise and professionalism they displayed at the District History Fair are a direct reflection of their hard work and the strong academic culture we strive to build at Breakfast Point Academy. They truly represented our school with pride.”
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of longtime educator Mrs. Christine Sermons, who was named the first-ever recipient of the Christine Sermons Distinguished Teacher Award. The honor recognizes her sustained excellence and lasting contributions to history education at Breakfast Point Academy and within Bay District Schools.
Mrs. Sermons has a longstanding record of guiding students to success at the district, state, and even national levels. Beyond competition results, colleagues credit her with ensuring every 8th grade student develops essential research, analytical, and presentation skills that prepare them for high school and future academic pursuits.
Bryan Long, Assistant Principal at Breakfast Point Academy, shared both a professional and personal perspective on Mrs. Sermons’ impact.
“I have seen firsthand the incredible impact Mrs. Sermons has on students,” Long said. “My own daughter was a Stingray who advanced to the State History Fair under Mrs. Sermons’ guidance, and she is now thriving as a junior at Arnold High School. The foundation of research skills, confidence, and academic discipline she developed in Mrs. Sermons’ class continues to benefit her today. It is truly a privilege to work alongside Mrs. Sermons and witness the positive impact she has made on the Stingrays of BPA over the past three years.”
Principal Deniece Moss also expressed appreciation for the collaborative effort behind the scenes. “We are grateful for the support of Mr. Pocernich and Mrs. Daniel, whose encouragement and guidance helped ensure our students were well-prepared and confident. Their teamwork and commitment to our Stingrays make a meaningful difference.”
With the state competition ahead in May, BPA’s advancing students now look forward to representing their school and district on an even larger stage — continuing a proud tradition of excellence in history education.
