Ernest Ward Middle Holds Appreciation Day Celebration
May 17, 2018
Ernest Ward Middle School held an Appreciation Day Celebration Wednesday to thank businesses and groups that have supported the school during the past year.
The school recognized Craig and Bonnie Exner, Barrineau Park Historical Society; Christa Wilson, Un-Dents PDR; Annie Nowak, Poarch Creen Indians; Sabrina Owens, EREC; Haley Revette and Nellie Salter, Navy Federal FCU; Billy Danielson, Smith Tractor; Joey Hetrick, Escambia Farm Bureau; William Reynolds, NorthEscambia.com; and Michelle Taylor and Steven Harrell, Escambia County School District.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Results: Escambia Schools Battle Of The Books
May 16, 2018
Battle of the Books is an annual competition that challenges students to read a set of books designated as Sunshine State Readers for grades 3-8 or Florida Teen Reads for grades 9-12.
Teams are formed at each grade level to compete and see who remembers the most facts, or who can make the best comparisons and connections between the books. Team members have been reading these books all year and they have been quizzing each other and practicing for the battle for months. They must work together and quickly to get all of the questions answered within a 12 minute time limit. This year, 95 teams, comprised of 429 students from K-12 schools in Escambia County, competed in the Battle.
Winnders were:
Third Grade:
- Beulah Elementary School
- Bellview Elementary School
- Oakcrest Elementary School
Fourth Grade:
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School
- Lipscomb Elementary School
- Hellen Caro Elementary School
Fifth Grade:
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School
- Beulah Elementary School
- Ferry Pass & Hellen Caro Elementary schools (tie)
Middle School:
- Brown Barge Middle School (Team A)
- Brown Barge Middle School (Team C)
- Bailey Middle School (Team A)
High School:
- Booker T. Washington High School
- Tate High School (Team A)
- Escambia High School (Team A)
Northview Class Of 2018 Holds Baccalaureate Service (With Gallery)
May 14, 2018
The Northview High School Class of 2018 held their Baccalaureate service Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
The program also included scripture, prayer, music provide by the Northview Senior Class Ensemble, and a message from Rev. Nathan Brown of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church.
Graduation for the Northview High School Class of 2018 will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at the school.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Powered By Tate And PHS, Academic Team Takes State Title
May 14, 2018
In a hard-fought, back and forth, brain-busting battle, the Escambia County Academic All-Star Team walked away from the Commissioner’s Academic Challenge Finals as Division 2 state champions.
In the three-round competition, Team Escambia was behind after the first round, but it was still a close competition. At the end of round 2, there were four teams who were positioned to take the championship, with Okaloosa County in the lead. The third round was when Team Escambia showed their true grit by answering key questions down the stretch and earning 26 or 30 points on the final team worksheet round while minimizing points lost by answering incorrectly. Eventually, the ECSD team, made up of students from Pensacola high and Tate High schools, beat out the teams from Okaloosa and Leon counties to emerge as this year’s champion. In addition, John Dixon of Tate High was named to the all-tournament team for his outstanding performance.
The All-Star Academic Team is composed of the top six high-school “quiz bowl” players in our district along with two alternates. The students compete in rigorous academic competitions that focus on such subject areas as math, science, language arts, social studies, fine arts, and foreign language. Coached by Allan Robinson from Pensacola High School, the members of this year’s Academic All-Star Team are John Dixon, Michael Dixon, and Maggie Brown (Tate High School), and Ally Shah, Philip Mann, Connor Zemeska, and Abby Lyons (Pensacola High School).
The Commissioner’s Academic Challenge, held each April at Walt Disney World, is Florida’s state championship tournament. The CAC features all-star teams from various Florida counties who compete in three divisions based on K-12 full-time enrollment.
Pictured top: Team Escambia (front, L-R) Abby Lyons, Ally Shah, Maggie Brown, Michael Dixon; (back, L-R) Philip Mann, Coach Tristan Harris, Connor Zameska and John Dixon. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The ‘Secret Garden Tour’ Will Include Cantonment Treasures
May 14, 2018
The Pensacola Federation of Garden Clubs annual Secret Gardens of the Emerald Coast Garden Tour will feature six residential gardens, two of which are in Cantonment, and the Escambia County Extension Demonstration Garden, also in Cantonment.
The Secret Gardens Tour Committee selected seven unique and beautiful private residential gardens, selected for their creativity, use of native plants, stunning garden features and interesting horticulture specimens.
One Cantonment garden the beautifully developed Grande Oaks Farms subdivision off Tate Road. This home was built on the natural springs lake, with a backyard that slopes dramatically to a reverse wall to control erosion. A dock provides easy access for fishing. The stunning North Alabama stone staircase with multiple patio landings connects the house and lawn area. The front curb appeal is achieved with an explosion of seasonal color in curved beds, provided by well-established coral drift roses, Purple Pixie dwarf loropetalum, Veronica Sunny Border Blue, varied shades of SunPatiens, and lavender. Placed throughout are several sizes of flat rock formations. A Tamukeyama Japanese Maple and two larger Bloodgood Japanese Maples frame the traditional brick home and are lovely statement specimens.
Another garden is located off Highway 297A in Cantonment with a “greenhouse tour” focusing on a stunning collection of cacti and succulents. The beautifully constructed greenhouse holds a variety of specimens in terra cotta clay pots. Enhance your appreciation of arid climate vegetation in this environment-controlled grower’s paradise.
The tour will also feature the Escambia County Demonstration Gardens on Stefani Road in Cantonment. Attendees can stroll through a total of nine themed garden areas featuring a wide variety of plants and garden types. A wonderful resource for all community residents, the Extension Service trained Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your gardening questions. Grow houses hold the propagation area, and the bog and sensory garden includes educational features for adaptive gardening ideas and gardening inspiration for youth.
The Secred Garden Tour is May 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person which includes a guide booklet with addresses, a map and driving directions to the gardens. Children 12 and under are free. The tour will be held rain or shine.
Tickets are available 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. through Friday at the The Garden Center, 1850 N 9th Ave, Pensacola.
Northview FFA Holds Annual Banquet (With Photo Gallery)
May 14, 2018
The Northview High School FFA held their annual banquet Friday night.
The event included a somber retirement ceremony for four of the chapter’s graduating senior officers as they slowly removed their signature FFA blue jackets for the last time.
The night also included many awards for Northview FFA members and supporters. The Northview High School FFA has been continuously honored as a top chapter in Florida and the nation.
Awards and honors presented included:
Glynn Key Ruritan Scholarship – Cody Kite
Jamie Hall Memorial Scholarship - Cody Kite
Northview FFA Alumni Scholarship — Donnie Dixion, Wesley Hardin, Cole Hassebrock, Cody Kite
Retiring Officers
- Donnie Dixon
- Wesley Hardin
- Cole Hassebrock
- Cody Kite
Honorary Members
- Mitchell Singleton
- Allie Eubanks
- Christa Godwin
- Ed Sizemore
2018-2019 Officer Team
- President: Raeleigh Woodfin
- 1st Vice President: Amber Gilman
- 2nd Vice President: Olivia Porter
- Secretary: Autumn Williams
- Treasurer: Destiny Cleckler
- Reporter: Lacie Carter
- Sentinel: Emily Stabler
- Parliamentarian: Meredith McGhee
- Chaplain: Bryce Korinchak
- Historian: Paige Gibbs
- Photographer: Stewart Woodfin
- Public Relations: Summer Waters
- Chairman of Citizenship: Sarah Sconiers
- Chairman of Membership: Rachel Sanders
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Fourth Graders Visit State Capitol
May 12, 2018
Fourth graders from Byrneville Elementary School visited the Florida State Capitol on Friday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Using Water Wisely In Your Landscape
May 12, 2018
by Ray Bodrey UF/IFAS
It’s a struggle to manage Panhandle landscapes, especially over the late spring-summer months. Small adjustments can mean significant impacts in conserving water.
Some homeowners are not aware that watering plants too much can have as much of an ill effect as not watering enough. Shallow rooted plants, as well as newly set plants can easily become water stressed. Some people lightly water their plants each day. With this practice, one is only watering an inch or less of the topsoil. Most plant roots are deeper than this.
Instead of a light watering every day, soaking the plant a few times a week is best. A soil that has been soaked will retain moisture for several days. This is a very good practice for young plants. In contrast, some people soak their plants to often. This essential drowns the roots by eliminating vital oxygen in the root zone. This can also cause root rot. Signs of overwatering are where leaves turn brown at the tips or edges, as well as leaf drop.
The following are tips from the UF/IFAS Florida-Friendly Landscape Program. These tips will help conserve water and provides best management practices for landscapes.
- Choose the right plant for the right place: Be sure to place plants in your landscape that match conditions with plant needs.
- Water Thoughtfully: Of course, follow water restrictions first and foremost. Water early in the morning and water when plants and turfgrass start to wilt. Refrain from watering in the late afternoon or evening. This is when insects and diseases are most active.
- Perform regular irrigation maintenance: Remember, an irrigation system is only effective if it is maintained regularly. Check for and repair leaks. If using a pop-up heads for turfgrass, point heads away from driveways and sidewalks.
- Calibrate turfgrass irrigation system: Ideal amount of water to apply to turfgrass is ½”- ¾”. A simple test can be done to calibrate. Place a coffee or tuna cans throughout the landscape. Run the irrigation system for 30 minutes. Average the depth of the water containers. Adjust running time to apply the ½”- ¾” rate.
- Use microirrigation in gardens and individual plants: Drip or microspray irrigation systems apply water directly to the root system with limited surface evaporation.
- Make a rain barrel: Rain barrels are an inexpensive way to capture rainwater from your roof. This can translate into a big impact on your water bill as well.
- Mulch plants: Mulch helps keep moisture in the root zone. Two to three inches in depth, for a few feet in diameter will work well for trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables.
- Mow correctly: Mowing your grass at the highest recommended length is key. Be sure to cut no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade each time you mow. Keep mowing blades sharp as dull cuts often cause grass to be prone to disease.
- Be a weather watcher: Wait at least 24 hours after a rainfall event to water. If rain is in the forecast, wait 48 hours until irrigating. Use a rain gauge or install a rain shut-off device to monitor irrigation scheduling.
The Most Popular Baby Names Are…
May 12, 2018
Emma and Liam are America’s most popular baby names for 2017.
This marks the first time Liam has bested the boys, beating Noah for the top spot, and the fourth straight year for Emma. Liam first crawled into the top 10 in 2012 and has been reaching for the highest honor ever since. In other huge baby name news, Michael has been bumped from the top 10 for the first time since World War II, landing at number 12 this year. Emily also fell out of the top 10 for the first time since 1990.
There are several new names in the top 10–Amelia and Evelyn make the list–Amelia for the first time and Evelyn for the first time since 1915. These traditional names show parents are keeping up the trend of naming daughters after grandmothers. Logan and Oliver are new for the boys, both making their first appearance on the list.
Cox Recognizes Student Heroes In Escambia County
May 11, 2018
Over 450 people laughed, cried and were inspired at Cox Communications’ annual Inspirational Student Hero Awards. Cox recognized 51 students from Escambia County who have overcome extreme challenges in life to serve as an inspiration to their teachers, administrators and fellow students.
The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school. During the event, Cox presented the students with an engraved medal and certificates of honor from Cox, Congressman Matt Gaetz and State Senator Doug Broxson.
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This year’s award recipients were:
A.K. Suter Elementary – Aiden Medley
Bellview Elementary – Dominic Gill
Bellview Middle – Tran Nguyen
Beulah Elementary – Cameron Cross
Blue Angels Elementary – Camron Weatherford
Bratt Elementary – Landon Hawthorne
Brentwood Elementary – Colby Beasley
Brown Barge Middle – Isabella McMurray
Byrneville Elementary – Zachary Herndon
Cordova Park Elementary – Srinidhi Rao
Ensley Elementary – Alexis Walker
Ernest Ward Middle – Dajanique Williams
Escambia High – Austan Sexson
Ferry Pass Elementary – Ruby Risenhoover
Ferry Pass Middle – Kaleb Harp
Global Learning Academy – Mariyah Rich
Hellen Caro Elementary – Izzy Pilong
Holm Elementary – Logan Beasley
Jim Allen Elementary – Austin Wise
Jim Bailey Middle – Jasmine Allison
Lincoln Park Primary – Amare Legrant
Lipscomb Elementary – Jeffery Carnley
Longleaf Elementary – Christian Dawson
McArthur Elementary – Tristan Johnson
Molino Park Elementary – Olivia Franks
Montclair Elementary – Nevaeh Jenkins
Myrtle Grove Elementary – Elba Bautista
N.B. Cook Elementary – Kishora Goldsmith
Navy Point Elementary – Frieda Turbeville
Northview High – Sarah Perritt
O.J. Semms Elementary – Caulee White-Wiggins
Oakcrest Elementary – Tristan Raines
PACE Center for Girls – Yana Jenkins
Pensacola Beach Elementary – Jason Cerone
Pensacola High – LiAna Patterson
Pine Forest High – Brittany Williams
Pine Meadow Elementary – O’Rion Evans
Pleasant Grove Elementary – Kayla Gross
Ransom Middle – Da’vina Bettis
Scenic Heights Elementary – Michael Griffin
Day Support at Lakeview – Jessica Jones
Sherwood Elementary – Zacharias Thomas
Tate High – Nina Ventura
Warrington Elementary – Caleb Stanfield
Warrington Middle – Kiana Burgos
Washington High – Taylor Delorme
Weis Elementary – Noah Williams
West Florida High – Joshua Bazinet
West Pensacola Elementary – Moinee Rochelle
Woodham Middle – Dwayne Janigen
Workman Middle – Sol Tripp IV
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.