Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading At The Library (With Molino Photo Gallery)
June 6, 2014
The Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading Program made science and reading exciting for kids of all ages Thursday at both the Century and Molino branch libraries.
Children participated in the Page Turner’s Adventures with a story, magic tricks, and displays of talent.
For a photo gallery from Molino, click here.
Children and teens 6-12 are invited to participate in the West Florida Public Library’s 2014 Fizz, Boom, Read program, which focuses on experimenting with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
The interactive program is a fun way for students to keep their minds sharp throughout the summer months. Join the library for the summer reading game and interactive enrichment programs where there will be prizes for reading books, a chance to take part in science experiments and meet new people.
The program will continue through the summer until August 9.
Century Branch
Weekly on Thursday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Molino Branch
Weekly on Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m.
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Tryon Branch
Weekly on Tuesday, 11 a.m.
- June 10
- June 17
- June 24
Main Library
Weekly on Wednesday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
Southwest Branch – program to be at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater (12301 Gulf Beach Highway)
Weekly on Wednesday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
Pictured: The Summer Reading Program Thursday evening at the Molino Branch Library. NorthEscambia.com photos by Bethany Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Deputies Remind Drivers To Be Careful At Railroad Crossings
June 5, 2014
Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies were out at railroad crossings in the county Wednesday, handing out literature and keychains and reminding drivers to be safe around tracks and trains.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Operation Lifesaver offer the following safety tips:
- Look both ways.
- Don’t get stuck on the track: make sure there is room before you cross.
- If you see a train coming, wait. Don’t try to beat a train.
- Watch for vehicles that must stop at railroad crossings (like buses and trucks).
For more information, visit Operation Lifesaver at oli.org.
Pictured: An Escambia County Sheriff’s deputy handing out safe literature Wednesday morning on East Kingsfield Road near Highway 95A in Gonzalez. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Kent Wins Solon Gandy Memorial Scholarship
June 5, 2014
Hannah Kent was recently presented with the Solon Lee Gandy Memorial Scholarship.
Kent graduated with a 3.68 grade point average and has played varsity softball, volleyball and basketball since middle school. She has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, Beta Club, Student Council Association, the National Society of High School Scholars, honor roll and a 4-year academic all- star. She is a member of the Alco Baptist Church youth group.
The Solon Lee Gandy Memorial Scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of Solon Gandy, a 1990 Flomaton High School graduate. Solon was a member of the 1988 Flomaton High School state baseball championship team and was a four-year member of the Flomaton Hurricane football team.
Upon graduation, Solon attended Pensacola State College where he earned an associates degree in forestry, giving him the background needed to begin his own company, Big Ridge Forestry. His love of nature started early in life with his avid passion for hunting. The scholarship was established to help foster his love of nature and sports in a deserving Flomaton or Jay High senior.
Pictured: Brenda Godwin, mother of Solon Gandy and retired English teacher from Flomaton High, presents Hannah Kent with this year’s scholarship. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Summer Dance Workshop Next Week In Byrneville
June 4, 2014
A Summer Dance Workshop will be offered at the Byrneville Community Center next week, June 9-13.
Classes will be offered as follows:
- 8:30 – 9 am — Pre-ballet (ages 3-4)
- 9:15 – 10:15 am — Ballet I (ages 5-7)
- 10:30 – noon — Ballet II and Jazz (ages 8-10)
- 12:30 – 2 p.m. — Ballet III and Jazz (ages 9-teen)
Proper dancewear and dance shoes are required. The registration deadline is this Friday, June 6. Contact Heather Leonard’s Danceworks by email at hldanceworks@gmail.com or on Facebook.
Pictured: Last month’s Heather Leonard’s Danceworks recital at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading Starts This Week At The Library
June 4, 2014
The Fizz, Boom, Read: Summer Reading Program gets underway this week at local library branches and continues through August 9.
Children and teens 6-12 are invited to participate in the West Florida Public Library’s 2014 Fizz, Boom, Read program, which focuses on experimenting with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics).
The interactive program is a fun way for students to keep their minds sharp throughout the summer months. Join the library for the summer reading game and interactive enrichment programs where there will be prizes for reading books, a chance to take part in science experiments and meet new people.
Century Branch
Weekly on Thursday, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
- June 5
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Molino Branch
Weekly on Thursday, 6 to 7 p.m.
- June 5
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Tryon Branch
Weekly on Tuesday, 11 a.m.
- June 10
- June 17
- June 24
Main Library
Weekly on Wednesday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
Southwest Branch – program to be at Big Lagoon State Park Amphitheater (12301 Gulf Beach Highway)
Weekly on Wednesday, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
- June 11
- June 18
- June 25
Tate High School Class Of 2014 Graduates
June 3, 2014
The Tate High School Class 0f 2014 graduated Monday at the Pensacola Civic Center.
Members of the Tate High School Top Ten Percent were:
- Noah James Heintz - Valedictorian
- Eion Michael Blanchard -Salutatorian
- Britton Shayne Dunn
- Timothy Blake Edgar
- Paul Alan Shelton
- David Graham Gardner
- Ryan Lambert Colburn
- Alyshia Daeshaun Hull
- Elizabeth Mara Blalock
- Brooke Elizabeth Schang
- Justin David Ritchie
- Sarah Ann Birdsong
- Sheilamae Nebria Jensen
- Anna Maria Del Gallo
- Paige McKenzie Ammons
- Jordan James Prince
- Shelby Paige Williams
- Alexa Taryn Atchley
- Sarah Elisabeth Lee
- Kayla Marie Smith
- Emily Meghan Robinson
- Jesse Marion Steele
- Niccole Leanne Auld
- Jon William Walker II
- Gordon Kelliher Pierce
- Matthew Steven Esser
- Kevin Charles Olshaw
- Kelsey Alyse Carter
- Walker James Wilkins
- Will A. Reeves
- Jennifer Haley Krostag
- Sarah Yasir Al-Qahtani
- Charles Taylor Brown
- Katelynn Grace Stillwell
- Bridget Rene’ Dall
- Trinity Ceanora Johnson
- Jack Randal Gonzalez
- Bethaney Rayalan Hall
- Sabrina Leigh Culbertson
- Stephen Owen Pederson
- Haley Faye Malone
Pictured: The Tate High School Class 0f 2014 graduation. Photos by Mardi Boyd for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
A Tale Of Blood And Honor: Graduating Tate Siblings Join The Marines
June 2, 2014
For two graduating Tate High School seniors, it started with bedtime stories – stories of exotic lands with strange foods, cultures and peoples, stories of brave men and women who fought for freedom and protected the innocent, stories that extolled the virtues of honor, sacrifice and bravery.
These were the stories often heard in the Goodwyn home. There were no wizards, elves or knights. Only brave men and women who had taken up service for their country. It was these stories, told by dad Hosea Goodwyn, which first kindled the flame of service in his son, Hosea Goodwyn Jr., and daughter, Alexis Goodwyn.
“Each time he told his stories, they would continuously interest me,” said Alexis Goodwyn.
Their father shared with them his experiences in places like Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Spain and Dubai. Places that are as mystical and mysterious to a young mind as a fantasy world.
“His journeys inspired me to go on my own,” said Hosea Goodwyn Jr.
The question for the young Goodwyns was not if to serve, but in which branch – a decision that would drastically effect how their own stories and journeys would unfold. The young siblings sought professionalism and service to country, but it was the bond they saw among the Marines that solidified their decision to enlist.
“They would help each other out through the worst of situations,” said Hosea Goodwyn Jr., a senior from Tate High School. “Everyone in the Marine Corps is like a brother or sister.”
“The Marines had a tight bond with one another,” added his sister, also a Tate senior, explaining why they chose the Marines.
As the two prepare to start their new journey, their father had one final story to share – a story of honor.
“You have people who stand back and watch, and then you have those who step up to the plate and make a difference in this world,” Hosea Goodwyn said. “Honor, courage and commitment, and the words we repeat while taking the oath are not just words to take lightly. Freedom is not free and it takes brave men and women to ensure we continue to have freedom in this great nation. My father was a police officer, and each of my brothers served in the Army and the Air Forces. We don’t have followers in this family. We have leaders, and they are demonstrating this trait now. I am proud and honored to be their father.”
With their decision made, the only story left to tell is their own, which they will forge with honor, courage and commitment.
Story by Sgt. Jon Holmes, 6th Marine Corps District
Pictured: Alexis Goodwyn and her brother, Hosea Goodwyn Jr., made the decision to serve their country by enlisting in the U.S. Marines. The siblings were inspired by their father’s stories of his own deployments. Now, the two Tate High School graduating seniors are planning on beginning their own story as U.S. Marines. Photos by Sgt. Jon Holmes for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
You Can’t Stop Fighting: Tate Student That Battled Cancer Graduates Today
June 2, 2014
Halee Boyd was among the students graduating from Tate High School Monday morning. A special moment coming a year later than she had hoped. Before her senior year, she began a battle against Alevola Rhabdomyosarcoma , ARMS for short, a rare cancer of the muscles that are attached to the bones. Treatments and complications prevented her graduation last year.
As her class members walked across the stage last year, Halee was in the PICU and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. Her entire graduating class wore gold ribbons in her honor.
“”Better late than never! It took me a little longer than most, but I’m finally here, crossing the finish line. Today, I stand a little bit taller and a whole lot stronger. Get ready to watch me fly!” — was printed on Halee’s graduation invitations.
Over the weekend, Halee’s family and supporter’s painted “Graffiti Bridge” in Pensacola for Halee as a congratulatory surprise.
“If you have something to live for, you can’t stop fighting,” was painted on the bridge.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP Awards $50K In Foundation Grants; Recipients Include Tate High, Jim Allen Elementary
June 2, 2014
International Paper (IP) Pensacola Mill has awarded $50,000 in foundation grants to local community organizations, including projects at Jim Allen Elementary and Tate High School.
“We feel privileged to be able to assist our local non-profits and community organizations in their continued efforts to serve, educate and help the residents and children of Northwest Florida,” said Janice Holmes, communications manager.
Local community organizations and their projects that were awarded IP grants for 2014 are:
- Jim Allen Elementary School, “Eggstraordinary Readers”
- The goal of the Jim Allen Reading Eggs program is to support each child’s learning by offering individual, one-on-one lessons that allow children to progress at their own rate. This program fosters a love of reading at a young age so students will continue to read and to be successful throughout life. The Reading Eggs program is a powerful educational program that is based on the most up-to-date research on how children learn to read. The program is interactive and it includes activities and reward games to keep children motivated and interested in learning to read.
- J.M. Tate High School “Focus on Biology”
- The Tate High School grant helps to fund lab microscopes that run on rechargeable batteries. Students will be able to visualize micro and macroscopic organisms and objects, demonstrate proper use and procedures and learn how to properly label and illustrate organisms.
- Autism Pensacola “Kids for Camp Summer Learning Lab”
- Ballet Pensacola, ”Discover Dance”
- Community Action Program, “Leap for Literacy”
- Council on Aging of NWFL, “Little Readers”
- Escambia County Board of Education, “Smart Links Recycling Program”
- Escambia County Public Schools Foundation for Excellence, “Literacy Classroom Partnership with IP”
- Every Child a Reader in Escambia, “Project Ready 2014”
- Greater First Baptist Church, “Community Literacy Mentoring and Tutoring Program”
- Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center “Conservation Center”
- Partnership for Community Programs “Bay Day 2014” and “Stormwater Education and Inlet Marking Program
- Pathways for Change; “Pathways to Success”
- Pensacola Habitat for Humanity “Improving Access to Books”
- Pensacola Opera “From Words to Music”
- Pensacola State College Foundation, Inc., “PSC Summer Environment Camp”
- Perdido Bay Tribe, Southeastern Lower Muscogee Creek Indians, “Longleaf Pine Repopulation”
- Perdido Bay United Methodist Church, “Global Learning Academy Reading Volunteer” and “Nature Trail”
- S.S. Dixon “Read and Succeed in Science and Social Studies”
- United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida “Journey to Literacy”
- UWF Foundation, “Best Robotics Hub” and “Explore Summer Camps”
Grants are awarded by the IP Foundation in Memphis, Tenn., which focuses on environmental education, literacy, employee involvement and critical community needs. A portion of those funds were used to purchase National Geographic Explorer magazine subscriptions for classes in Escambia and Santa Rosa Schools.
Mrs. Rhoda Greenwell, teacher at Jim Allen Elementary School for more than 40 years, reads Charlie the Caterpillar to the students before releasing butterflies. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Robot Sets Speed Record For Running Robots
June 2, 2014
A new land-speed record for legged robots was achieved recently by a robot that calls Escambia County home.
The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition HexRunner robot reached an estimated 30-33 mph on an open course, without any support tethers.
The record-setting run was filmed by the Discovery Channel, which is expected to broadcast it later this summer.
“More significant than the top speed is showing that you can make a running robot that doesn’t need a lot of feedback from sensors, and you don’t need a lot of actuation,” said IHMC Senior Research Scientist Jerry Pratt, team leader of the HexRunner project.
HexRunner is a running robot with six spring-loaded legs revolving around a central hub, with three legs on each side of the hub. At the tip of the top leg it stands six feet high. Dr. Pratt said the speed was measured with a chase car and through analysis of high-speed motion video shot from the side.
“The speedometer on the chase car hit 33 while the robot was still running away from it,” he said. The 30 mph documented speed is a conservative figure based on motion analysis from video taken during the test. “We might be able to hit 45 mph with small modifications if we have a good run on a long enough course.”
The HexRunner is the “parent” of the OutRunner robot, a two-foot version based on technology licensed from IHMC to Robotics Unlimited, headed by Research Scientist Sebastien Cotton, who worked on the HexRunner team.
The ultimate goal, Dr. Pratt said, is to figure out how animals run in nature, an understanding that could produce breakthroughs in robotics.
“The high-level question is how can animals run with stability at high speeds?” he said. “And how can we make a robot to achieve the same feats?”
IHMC Research Scientist Chris Schmidt-Wetekam said one of the next goals of the FastRunner project is to develop a fully segmented leg that more closely mimics biology.
“We’re working toward more complicated robots,” Dr. Schmidt-Wetekam said. “Things look really promising in simulation, but it’s a lot more complicated in actuality, so we went back to basics. HexRunner checks off an important box on our checklist, and validates our simulation. OK, we can do this.”
