By AMBER PATINO
Local first responders gathered this morning to give Bonifay K‑8 fourth‑grader Peyton James McAdams a special send‑off as he travels to Orlando to compete in the Special Olympics Florida State Games.
Units from the Bonifay Police Department, Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, and Bonifay Fire‑Rescue escorted Peyton and his family out of town, wishing him well as he prepares to compete in the Basketball Individual Skills division.
To Bonifay Police Chief Johhny Whitaker, who also coaches youth football, Peyton is a familiar face to the department and a valued part of the local football program. The department described him as a source of energy and positivity on and off the field.
Peyton is in his second year with the Special Olympics program in Holmes County and is believed to be the first local athlete in roughly 20 years to advance to the state level. He will compete this weekend with the goal of earning gold and qualifying for nationals.
Staff Report 
GARETT VALCOURT 