Tate High Students Place In Regional HOSA Competition
February 22, 2025
Tate High School Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) students competed at regionals and had numerous first place winners and qualifiers for the state competition in April.
They were:
Kaylyn Weiss: First Place – Behavioral Health
Dalila Whalen: Second Place – Behavioral Health
Jax Hardnack: First Place – Clinical Nursing
Aiden Ledbetter and Bode Smith – Third Place – Forensic Science
Alysen Garske – Second Place – Medical Law and Ethics
Lily Treick – First Place (third year in a row) – Nursing Assisting
Emma Nigam – First Place – Occupational Therapy
Caelynne Walter – First Place – Research Poster
Talia Smith – First Place – Vet Science
Ernest Ward Middle School Horse Judging Team Places 10th In The State
February 21, 2025
The Ernest Ward Middle School FFA horse judging team recently placed 10th overall in the state during a competition in Tampa.
Individual team members placed as follows in the state:
- Harleigh Grace Parsons – 25th
- Neveah Tidd – 32nd
- Noah Luker – 72nd
- Emma Hassebrock – 90th
Team members are Noah Luker, Harleigh Grace Parsons, Emma Hassebrock, Neveah Tidd, and Brylynn McGhee.
On the preliminary test and state qualifier in December, the team placed first in the state with Emma Hassebrock placing second in Florida with her individual score.
Autumn Williams and Olivia Meacham have coached the Ernest Ward Middle School FFA horse judging team for two years.
Pictured are Olivia Meacham (coach), Harleigh Grace Parsons, Neveah Tidd, Brylynn McGhee, Emma Hassebrock, Noah Luker, and Autumn Williams (coach). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Celebrates National FFA Week With Appreciation Breakfast
February 20, 2025
It’s National FFA week, and the Northview High School FFA celebrated with an appreciation breakfast Wednesday morning.
FFA officers and members prepared a homestyle breakfast for teachers, staff and invited guests that support the FFA program. Northview’s FFA program has been recognized as one of the top chapters in both the state and the nation
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Names Students Of The Month
February 20, 2025
Tate High School recently named their January Students of the Month. They are January- Levi Reed and Ellen Rigby. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Principal’s Secretary Jackie Barth Named District Employee Of The Month
February 19, 2025
Tate High School principal’s secretary Jackie Barth was recognized by the Escambia County School Board Tuesday night as the Stellar Employee for the month of February 2025.
“She consistently demonstrates the qualities of an exemplary employee, making her an essential member of the Tate High School community. Ms. Barth is widely recognized for her kindness, patience, and steadfast professionalism. She engages with students, staff, and parents with a friendly demeanor and authentic warmth. Regardless of the day’s demands, she remains calm and composed, ensuring that every task is completed efficiently and effectively,” Superintendent Keith Leonard said, reading a district proclamation.
“Her remarkable ability to manage multiple responsibilities is commendable. She frequently exceeds her role by supporting various areas of the office, whether it involves stepping in for the front office during the absence of the School Secretary or providing assistance in the finance office when a School Finance Specialist is unavailable. Ms. Barth takes ownership of her responsibilities and exhibits exceptional initiative, always ready to assist wherever needed.
“Her dedication, adaptability, and attention to detail contribute significantly to the smooth operation of the office. She fosters an environment where everyone feels supported, and her contributions are greatly appreciated.
“Jackie Barth is stellar because of her excellent work ethic and dedication to the staff and students throughout the Escambia County Public Schools. She contributes to the healthy culture that supports high performing teachers, leaders and staff. It is for these reasons, and so many others, that she has been selected as our stellar employee of the month,” Leonard concluded.
“Giving back to the community is very important to me,” Barth said. “At Tate, we are a strong family.”
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Seven Students Attend EREC 2025 Tallahassee Youth Tour
February 18, 2025
Seven area high school students took part in the recent Escambia River Electric Cooperative 2025 Youth Tour in Tallahassee.
During their two days in Tallahassee, the students had an up close and personal look at state government in action, including live debates in the Senate and House.
The students were:
- Olivia Doyle, Northview High School
- Kaylee Oswald, Northview High School
- Major Rowell, Jay High School
- Brea Lyle, Jay High School
- Jayme George, Central School
- Aurora Godwin, Central School
- Gabriella Magdaleno, Central School
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Presents Special Presidents’ Day Program (With Gallery)
February 17, 2025
Second grade students at Bratt Elementary School presented an educational and entertaining Presidents’ Day program last week.There were several presidents and special guests from American history in the program.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Ag, FFA Students Create 200 Valentine’s Arrangements For Nursing Home Residents
February 16, 2025
The agricultural students and FFA members at Beulah Middle School made Valentine’s Day a little happier for residents of two different nursing homes.
They created 200 floral arrangements to share with the nursing home residents Not only did they learn to share love, but they also learned about the floriculture industry, according to organizers.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Names Students Of The Month
February 12, 2025
Ernest Ward Middle School named their December students and employee of the month.
They are:
- 6th Grade: Haley Miller
- 7th Grade: Dillan Seamans
- 8th Grade: Bailey Yuhasz
- Employee of the Month: Amanda Bailey
Pictured (L-R) Amanda Bailey, Haley Miller, Dillan Seamans, Bailey Yuhasz., and Principal Tyvanna Boulanger.
Emergency Dispatcher Gerry Steege Named Escambia Employee Of The Month
February 9, 2025
Gerry Steege, emergency communications dispatcher in the Escambia County Emergency Communications Division has been named the county’s February 2025 Employee of the Month.
“Thank you for recognizing my hard work,” said Steege. “I’m honored to be chosen as Employee of the Month. I’m so glad to be part of Emergency Communications. I appreciate the recognition and will continue to push for excellence. It’s motivating to see my contributions valued. Thank you so much again.”
As an emergency communications dispatcher, Steege dispatches fire and EMS units while maintaining constant communication with responders, processing 9-1-1 calls, and providing lifesaving pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions.
Steege has served as a dedicated volunteer firefighter with the Walnut Hill Fire Department. Due to his service and extensive knowledge of Walnut Hill and the surrounding communities, Steege was able to provide vital information to Escambia County Fire Rescue and Escambia County EMS during the recent snowstorm that helped fire rescue and EMS units navigate hazardous roadways.
“Throughout the heavy snowstorm that blanketed Escambia County, Gerry’s knowledge of the North Escambia communities and its roadways proved critical as EMS and fire crews responded to emergency calls,” said Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore. “His years of service as a firefighter in Walnut Hill extended to his role as a first responder in Emergency Communications as a dispatcher. We are grateful for his steadfastness to the citizens of Escambia County.”
Outside of his normal dispatch and volunteer firefighting duties, Steege has taken on additional equipment replacement projects, including his research, procurement, and installation of the necessary replacement parts for outdated Emergency Communications consoles resulting in significant cost savings for Escambia County taxpayers.
“Gerry’s dedication and extra effort in researching and installing replacement parts for Emergency Communications consoles not only saved Escambia County money but also highlighted his value as a team member who goes above and beyond,” said Emergency Communications Chief Andrew Hamilton. “We are proud to recognize one of our own who contributes so much behind the scenes.”
Pictured top: Gerry Steege with his family, alongside Public Safety Director Eric Gilmore (second from left) and Communications Deputy Chief Mark Carter (left). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.