Flomaton Native Serving With Helicopter Squadron Blue Hawks
February 16, 2020
As a member of the newest Maritime Strike Squadron helicopter squadron, Airman Apprentice Jack Coppenger is continuing a tradition while also creating a new legacy. Coppenger is an aviation machinist’s mate who is responsible for helicopter mechanic work and making sure everything is maintained and ready to go for the pilots serving with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78 which supports the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson.
“My favorite part about my job is learning mechanic work,” said Coppenger. “I have always been interested in that for my future career.”
Coppenger is a 2016 Flomaton High School graduate and native of Flomaton, Alabama.
According to Coppenger, joining the Navy is a fresh start for him after he moved out of Flomaton.
According to Navy officials, maintaining maritime superiority is a vital part of a Navy that is present today and prepared for tomorrow. The impact affects Americans and their interests around the world, as more than 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water and 90 percent of all trade travels by sea.
Helicopters are equipped with the ability to conduct replenishments at sea, search and rescue missions and support operations. Sailors assigned to HSM-78 participate in these operations, along with anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface weapons systems missions.
The helicopter squadron’s mascot is a blue hawk, which is symbolic of the dominance, versatility and lethality Seahawk helicopters have in combat.
The foundation of the Navy the nation needs includes a focus on warfighting, warfighters and the future of the fighting force.
“I am confident that we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Adm. Mike Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations. “We will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
HSM-78 sailors play a critical role in supporting the Navy’s aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers and carrier strike groups remain the centerpiece of our nation’s security strategy, supporting and protecting America’s national interests around the world. Carrier strike groups operate across the entire spectrum of military operations, according to Navy officials.
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Coppenger is most proud of earning Blue Hawk of the Month in November 2019.
“They pick one person in the squadron who performs the best and that is what I did in November, so I earned that award,” said Coppenger.
For Coppenger, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Coppenger hopes to continue.
“My grandfather was in the Army and Coast Guard,” said Coppenger. “It makes me proud to be able to carry it along in the family.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Coppenger, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“Serving in the Navy makes me very proud to do what I do and allows me to learn how to be a good mechanic,” said Coppenger.
A Very Special Mardi Gras Parade (With Photo Gallery)
February 15, 2020
A very special Mardi Gras parade was held Friday morning for the special needs students of Escambia Westgate School.
With plenty of beads, Moon Pies, stuffed animals and smiles, the parade rolled through the school parking lot for students that might not otherwise be able to attend a regular Mardi Gras parade.
Grand marshal of the parade was Escambia Westgate teacher Rhonda Martin (pictured below). She was one of the founders of the parade 27-years ago, and Friday was her last parade as a teacher because she is retiring.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Jim Allen Elementary Holds Valentine’s Day Heart Run
February 15, 2020
Jim Allen Elementary School held their annual Heart Run on Valentine’s Day Friday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘You Came To Help My Dad’ – Valentine’s For Local Heroes At The Library
February 14, 2020
“You came to help my dad,” one child said after handing a hand-colored page to a fireman Thursday night at the Century Branch Library.
Children colored and made giant Valentine’s cards for local heroes from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Escambia Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS during the program.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
UWF Holds First-Ever Mardi Gras Parade
February 14, 2020
The University of West Florida host its first-ever Mardi Gras Parade Thursday.
The festivities kicked off with a parade pre-party before 26 parade units, including the national championship Argo football team, wound their way around the campus.
Organizer said the parade was a success, and it will become an annual UWF tradition.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
February 13, 2020
Jim Allen Elementary School has named Students of the Month for January. They are Cali Mossing (pictured left) and Cooper Adams. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Facing A Navy Captain: Northview NJROTC Cadets Undergo Inspection (With Gallery)
February 13, 2020
Northview High School’s NJROTC Annual Inspection was held Tuesday at the school, with cadets undergoing face to face scrutiny with Navy captain.
The inspection was conducted by Captain Bryant Hepstall, Executive Officer, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) located at NAS Pensacola. One by one, Captain Hepstall went face to face with each cadet, asking them questions about their NJROTC experience and conducting a complete inspection of their uniform.
For a photo gallery, click here.
The day’s events began with the personnel inspection, drill demonstration and a pass-in-review in the school gym. The captain also conducted a financial record review, briefings, administrative inspections, supply inspections and more.
Several cadets were promoted and received awards:
PROMOTIONS
To Chief Petty Officer:
Cadet John Bashore
Cadet Ethan Kilburn
Cadet Dallon Rackard
Cadet Skylar Wise
To Petty Officer Third Class:
Cadet Drake Driskell
Cadet Dejanique Lowery
To Seaman:
Cadet Erich Amerson
Cadet Ryan Andrews
Cadet Ruth Mobley
Cadet Anthoni Weaver
To Seaman Apprentice:
Cadet Noah Fussner
EXEMPLARY APPEARANCE AWARDS
Cadet Keaton Brown
Cadet John Bashore
Cadet Kohle Harigel
Cadet Ryan Andrews
Cadet Drake Driskell
Cadet Erich Amerson
NS1 KNOCKOUT DRILL WINNERS
1st Place-Cadet Noah Fussner
2nd Place- Cadet Drake Driskell
3rd Place-Cadet Dakota Giddeon
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High School Names Students Of The Month
February 11, 2020
Northview High School has named Students of the Month for January. They are Jason Gurganus (left) and Chunqi Yang. They pictured with Principal Mike Sherrill. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Names Students Of The Month
February 7, 2020
Bratt Elementary School has named Students of the Month for January. They are:
Pre-K
Trey Knighten
Ridge Odom
Kindergarten
Annalynn Hadley
Breanna Greenwell
Emma Brewer
Ruth Bryan
Caleb Madison
First Grade
Luke Craft
Sanora Martin
Joshua Brewer
Shirley Yang
Second Grade
Shalyn Summerall
Houston Smith
Rylan Johnson
Third Grade
Ava McCann
Noah Luker
Landon Barlow
Dillon Wiggins
Kintley Flowers
Fourth Grade
Hunter Parker
Owen Hobein
Ja’keriyah Jacobs
Brooklynn Reynolds
Fifth Grade
Logan Morris
Avery Stuckey
Lori Hall
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Three North Escambia Teachers Selected As Who’s Who Top Educators Of America
February 6, 2020
Three North Escambia teachers were among just 26 educators in the state of Florida selected for inclusion into the Top Educators of America 2020 by The Who’s Who Directories.
They are Candice Blackburn from Molino Park Elementary School, Savanna Jernigan from Jim Allen Elementary School, and Erica Minchew from Kingsfield Elementary School.
All selected educators that appear in the Top Educators of America have been included by a nomination process only. Upon receipt of a nomination, editors assess the educator’s impact within the educational community. This includes a review of years of service, educational background, remarks by the nominator and an interview with the nominee.
Pictured top: (L-R) Candice Blackburn from Molino Park Elementary School, Savanna Jernigan from Jim Allen Elementary School, and Erica Minchew from Kingsfield Elementary School.