Holmes County High School students selected for $500 service challenge opportunity

Holmes County High School students will have an opportunity to earn a $500 award while completing community service through a program involving the Florida Department of Education and Florida Lottery, according to a release from Holmes County High School.

Holmes District Schools and the Holmes County Education Foundation have been selected to participate in the Florida Department of Education and Florida Lottery Student Service Challenge. Twenty-one students from Holmes County High School will be selected to participate in the program.

According to the release, students interested in participating should see Mrs. Valcourt near the cafeteria entrance Tuesday morning. If more than 21 students express interest, participants will be selected through a random drawing from the students who submitted interest.

Students selected for the program will be required to complete at least 20 documented hours of approved, unpaid community service between Sept. 7 and Oct. 5, 2026. Service activities must be completed under adult supervision.

Participants must also submit an essay responding to a Florida Department of Education prompt addressing student leadership and civic responsibility, submit a parent-signed media release form and other required documentation, and meet applicable school, district, foundation and host-site deadlines.

Students who are selected and successfully complete all program requirements may receive a $500 award.

The release notes that submitting an interest form does not guarantee selection or receipt of the award. An alternate list will also be maintained if the number of interested students exceeds the available positions.