It Literally Takes Your Heart And Breaks It – Local Students Describe Their Visit To 9/11 Memorial
September 11, 2013
It literally takes your heart and breaks it.
That’s how Northview High School senior Anna Fischer described her visit to the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. Fischer was among nine Northview High School Yearbook staff members that visited New York City in March.
The students were just 3-5 years old when the Twin Towers fell; some of them have but faint memories of the actual day. Their memories are instead shaped by what history, television and the internet has showed them over and over. The planes, the crashes. The collapses, the unimaginable aftermath.
Tuesday, one day before 9/11 and six months after their visit to the 9/11 Memorial, we asked the Northview yearbook students to describe what they felt as they stood at Ground Zero. Below are their stories, in their own words, and their photographs.
Dalton Daniel — First going to the memorial, I thought, “This is going to be so awesome!”, which is exactly how I felt about the whole trip. But as soon as I saw the small park, the north and south pools and the new construction of the World Trade Center, I was overwhelmed with amazement. Seeing the names around the pools gave me a melancholy but inspirational feeling. Needless to say, the view of the 9/11 Memorial was perfect and was one of the greatest sights I’ve ever experienced.
Anna Fischer – Standing in the place of where the two twin towers stood was a phenomenal feeling, but it was also very emotional. Walking up to the site, everything was quiet. Friends and family members of those in the accident standing by the pools, looking for their loved one’s name. Walking through the site, its like I could see the whole incident of 9/11 reenacted in my mind. It literally takes your heart and breaks it. It was such a marvelous and emotional experience, and I’d love to be able to go back.
Tamara Green — During our trip to New York, I was able to experience the 9/11 Memorial. It was very touching scenery and definitely one that I will never forget. Seeing the names of the victims that passed away during this tragedy is really what touched me the most. It was an emotional site to visit, but I am grateful that we all had a chance to honor the victims.
Justin King– Visiting the 9/11 Memorial was a sobering experience. I felt grief for the families who lost loved ones. It was an experience I would be happy to have again.
Kamryn Brock — While at the 9/11 Memorial I realized to never take what you have for granted because you never know what the next day will bring. I felt a lot of grief for those who lost someone during this tragedy. It was an amazing feeling when we all gathered together to say a prayer.
Bethany Reynolds — Visiting the 9/11 Memorial submersed me in emotions; it was so unreal. Only being three when the attack occurred, I remember very little. Being at the location where so many innocent lives were lost was truly saddening. The emotions I felt are almost indescribable because being there in person just tugs at your feelings in so many directions. The memorial was a quiet place where those who lost their lives are remembered and where I prayed for those still mourning over their lost loved ones. Seeing all of the names of lives lost allowed me to realize how thankful I really am for my freedom.
Julia Thorpe – Being able to visit the 9/11 memorial in New York City was surreal and humbling. In the first grade, I did not understand the impact of a terrorist attack or the collective heartache it gave our nation. For the average citizen, the passing of 9/11 each year is a day of remembrance, but for the families of those victims, each and every day is a struggle full of deep sorrow because they lost a loved one for no other reason than pure hate. Seeing the names on the memorial reminded me that those people were innocent Americans living their lives, and getting caught up in an unimaginable nightmare. Despite the sadness that the memorial brought, it also deepened my immeasurable gratitude for being able to live in this country, where the nation came together for such a tragedy and where our military defends our freedoms.
Zach Johnson — At the 9/11 Monument, I felt a lot of different emotions. From sadness, caused by the loss of so many individuals, to the thankfulness for the brave first responders, various emotions moved in me. It was clear that the monument was a sacred spot, a spot that honored everyone affected by the tragedy that occurred. I was moved at the way it affected not only me, but everyone else at the monument.
Maranda Moye – Visiting the 911 memorial was something that really made an impact on the way I think about things. Seeing the actual place where so many people were killed was almost surreal. I felt true reverence for the lives that were lost that day. I think what really shook me up was seeing a mother’s name on the memorial followed by, “her unborn child”. It makes you stop and think how fragile life truly is.
The students are pictured at the bottom of the page, scroll down.
9/11 Memorial photos by Anna Fischer, Justin King and Bethany Reynolds for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Above: Memorial to the first responders that perished at the World Trade Center site.
Above: St. Paul’s Chapel, constructed in 1766. It is the oldest public building in continuous use in Manhattan. It hosted George Washington on his Inauguration Day and survived the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Pictured above, at the 9/11 Memorial last March, are Northview High Yearbook staff members Julia Thorpe, Kamryn Brock, sponsor Alison Robinson, Anna Fischer, Maranda Moye, Bethany Reynolds, Zach Johnson, Tamara Green, Zach Johnson and Justin King. Not pictured is Megan Carroll. Julia Thorpe, Maranda Moye and Dalton Daniel have since graduated from Northview.
Jay Royals Name Homecoming Court
September 11, 2013
The Jay High School Homecoming Court has been named. Members are (top, L-R) Paige Smith, junior; Kayla Flowers, senior; Kaitlyn Aguirre, senior; Ashlynn Geck, senior, Sydney Lowery, senior; Danielle Harrington, sophomore; and Georgia Agrait, freshman. Below are senior court members Kayla Flowers, Kaitlyn Aguirre, Ashlynn Geck and Sydney Lowery. The Jay High School Homecoming Queen will be named on Thursday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Students Learn Fire Safety
September 11, 2013
A group of home-school students, ages 3-8, visited the Cantonment Fire Station Tuesday.
In addition to a lesson on home fire safety, the children received some hands-on time with some of the tools firefighters use every day. From getting the chance to sit in a fire truck, to using a real fire hose to spray water at traffic cones, the students were all smiles.
The visit ended with a visit from Sparky the fire dog who provided gifts.
Submitted by Tom Shwarz
Pictured: Home-schooled students paid a visit to the Cantonment Fire Station Tuesday. NorthEscambia.com photos by Kristi Smith, click to enlarge.
Apple Unveils Two New iPhones
September 11, 2013
Technology giant Apple has unveiled two new iPhones, its latest effort to win a bigger share of the highly competitive worldwide market for smartphones.
The company said Tuesday one of the models – the iPhone 5C – would be offered in a choice of five colors – green, blue, yellow, pink and white. It would sell for as little as $99 for users agreeing to a two-year wireless contract.
Apple is hoping the phone will boost sales in China and other countries where customers do not have as much disposable income as in the U.S. and Europe.
The company called the other new model – the upscale iPhone 5S – “the most forward-looking phone we have ever created,” with increased computing power that is about 40 times faster than when the first iPhone was introduced in 2007. The company said the 5S would have increased battery life that permits about 10 hours of talk time, and would cost between $199 and $399, depending on the amount of memory in the phone.
Google’s Android devices now dominate the smartphone marketplace, with about three-quarters of all handsets. Some analysts are predicting that Apple could marginally increase its share to about 18 percent this year.
Pictured top: The newly announced iPhone5s. Courtesy image for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Soldiers Deployed In Afghanistan Receive Anthrax Vaccine
September 9, 2013
National Guard soldiers of the 226th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from Mobile, Ala., received an anthrax vaccination last week.
Many of the soldiers displayed their fear of needles and shots, while others questioned why they had to receive another anthrax vaccination.
According to the Army Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program Plan (AVIP), “the mandatory scope of the AVIP shall encompass all personnel assigned to or deployed for more than 15 days in Higher Threat Areas (HTAs) defined in paragraph 3.a.(2) whose performance is essential for certain mission critical capabilities.”
In December of 2008, the Federal Drug Administration approved a five dose vaccination series in lieu of six. The injection will no longer be administered under the skin. The vaccination is now received in the upper deltoid region of the arm. Anthrax boosters are give, to soldiers who have completed the five series vaccination annually to maintain immunity.
All military service members, civilians, and DoD employees deploying to high risk areas are inoculated for the threat of anthrax.
“Anthrax is a disease of military importance. It can be weaponized and used with devastating effects. It is important for American soldiers to maintain a current valid anthrax immunization status,” says Col. John McGuinness, Task Force Tarpon Surgeon, 226th MEB.
Pictured top: U.S. Army National Guardsman 1st Lt. Alexander Williams from Birmingham laughingly attempts to talk his way out of an anthrax shot from Staff Sgt. Kevin Bishop from Atmore at Kabul Base Cluster in Afghanistan. “But I don’t like getting shots,” said Williams. Bishop assured Williams everything would be fine as he administered the vaccine. U.S. Army photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Chavers, Ramsey To Wed
September 8, 2013
Mr. and Mrs. Will Chavers of Flomaton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Misty Nicole Chavers, to J. D. Ramsey, son of Jim Ramsey of Heber Springs, Arkansas.
The bride to be is a 2001 graduate of Flomaton High School and a 2003 graduate of Jefferson Davis Community College. She also attended Auburn University. Misty is a graduate of International Gospel Outreach of Semmes, Alabama.
The prospective groom is a 1996 graduate of Heber Springs High School. He is the CEO of Kingdom Call Ministries, Inc. and travels nationally holding crusades as a Christian evangelist.
The wedding will be September 14 in Mobile. Wedding gifts can be sent to PO Box 891 in Wilmer, Alabama.
Splash Party Benefits Molino Park Elementary Technology Replacement
September 8, 2013
A “Back To School Splash Party” was held Saturday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino to benefit students at Molino Park Elementary School.
There were water slides, water balloon games, fun on a new playground and a cookout. The event was free, but attendees were invited to make a monetary donation for technology replacement at Molino Park Elementary School.
After reading an earlier NorthEscambia.com story about the event, Todd of Jumpers Unlimited donated the use of water slides, moonwalk and a cotton candy machine for Saturday’s event.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Fresh Food Becoming More Popular; Farmers’ Markets This Saturday
September 6, 2013
Floridians are buying more food grown locally or regionally and retail sales are higher here than in other states, according to a University of Florida study.
It showed local food represents about 20 percent of all Florida food purchased for at-home consumption, except restaurant take-out food, said Alan Hodges, an Extension scientist with UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
In addition to local farmers and roadside stands, farmers’ markets are a good source for local food. For information on two local markets this weekend, see the box to the left.
The study was based on a statewide consumer survey. Prior estimates from other states had local food accounting for about 5 percent of all food sales, he said.
“We are doing relatively better in Florida, in moving toward food self-sufficiency,” Hodges said. “I can only attribute that to the favorable year-round growing conditions we have for fruits and vegetables.”
Hodges’ study is part of a larger project that involves consumer preferences about local food, said Tracy Irani, a UF professor of agricultural education and communication and development director for the Center for Public Issues Education, or the PIE Center.
Irani and graduate assistant Joy Goodwin headed the portion of the project that examined consumer preferences. Irani said data suggest local food sales might be up because consumers are paying closer attention to the things they eat, due to nutrition and health coverage in the media.
Increased awareness results in increased sales, she said. However, consumer participants said their purchase of local food would be likely to increase with increased advertising and marketing of local foods.
“Consumers perceive that there are health, quality and economic benefits to locally grown,” Goodwin said. “That will continue to motivate purchase behavior, all other things being equal.”
Projections based on the statewide consumer survey indicate that local food sales in Florida totaled $8.3 billion in a one-year period. An estimated $6.1 billion was spent at grocery stores but only $320 million in restaurants, Hodges said.
“Restaurants have huge potential there to buy locally produced meats, vegetables and other items,” Hodges said. “My suggestion is, if you want to see more local food on the menu at your favorite dining spot, ask for it.”
Some highlights of the results:
- Two-thirds of respondents said someone in the household bought local food at least once in the previous year.
- Among all Florida households, 62 percent bought local foods at farmers’ markets, 53 percent from retail supermarkets, 28 percent from restaurants, and 5 percent from community-supported agriculture or other direct transactions.
- The average spent on local food was $1,114 per household. That number was higher in Central and North Central Florida, compared with South Florida or the Panhandle.
- Almost three-fourths of the total estimated revenue — $6.1 billion –- was spent on local food at retail grocery stores. Consumers also spent $1.8 billion at farmers’ markets, roadside stands and U-pick farms. Restaurants and other food-service establishments accounted for $320 million, and other prearranged farm-to-consumer sales totaled $103 million.
Because there is no accepted definition of what constitutes “local” food, Hodges’ survey allowed respondents to define the term – and most often defined it as food produced within 100 miles of the consumer, he said.
Pictured top: Local produce available recently at the Market at St. Monica’s in Cantonment. The market is open the first and third Saturday of each month through October. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Solari Wins District Youth Farm Bureau Speech Contest, Headed To State
September 5, 2013
Northview High School senior Courtney Solari won the 2013 District Youth Farm Bureau Speech Contest Wednesday afternoon in Bonifay.
She now advances to the state competition in Ponte Vedra Beach near Jacksonville next month. Solari was named the Escambia County Farm Bureau winner in late August.
Students between 14-18 years old were invited to take part in the contest, delivering a speech about five minutes long on the topic ““Over the past 500 years, how has technology influenced Florida agriculture?”
“Changes in…technology here in Florida have been occurring since the first European settlers introduced Native Americans to new practices and livestock. The Native Americans quickly adapted to these practices, and Florida agriculture has been changing ever since,” Solari said in her speech.
“Technology has helped increase production of many crops, while also diminishing the production of others. These advancements in agriculture are all in an effort for Florida farmers to produce more food while utilizing less land and protecting the environment. No matter how many changes occur though, one thing will remain consistent. Florida agriculture will continue to grow and thrive throughout the future as it has for the last 500 years,” she said.
The 2013 Escambia County Youth Farm Bureau Speech contest was sponsored by the Escambia County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, in collaboration with Escambia County Extension, EscaRosa Young Farmers and Ranchers and the Escambia County Women’s Committee.
Pictured: Courtney Solari delivers her Farm Bureau speech Wednesday afternoon in Bonifay. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Fun, Healthy Lunchbox Ideas
September 4, 2013
The daily routine of packing foods for lunchtime may seem boring, but the food inside those lunchboxes doesn’t have to be. Consider your students’ personality when planning school lunches.
Whether the cafeteria-bound container features Hello Kitty or Justin Bieber, the foods inside should be customized to fit age, activity level and personal style. So how do you get beyond the usual carrots and celery sticks? Noted nutrition expert, award winning food journalist and television personality, Carolyn O’Neil, MS RD LD, advises parents to think about the personality of each child when assembling lunch.
Fix finger foods for young eaters
Overwhelmed little students may do best with tiny bites of finger foods. So, if you have a shy first grader, send them with string cheese sticks, whole grain crackers, baby carrots and cut-up fruit.
Cucumber wheels, red or orange bell pepper strips, and sugar snap peas are also colorful and nutritious finger foods. Add low-fat ranch dressing or individual packs of fiber- and protein-rich hummus for dipping. The oil in these dips actually helps kids absorb more of the veggie’s fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin A.
Up the nutrition for those not focused on lunch
What about the teens and tweens focused on anything but the lunch at lunchtime? Older kids focused on friends might prefer a sandwich and a bunch of grapes.
“That table of girls checking out the new guy don’t want to be seen wolfing down large portions,” O’Neil said. “A dainty sandwich cut into quarters or half of a whole-wheat pita sandwich might be a better fit. Choose lean proteins such as sliced turkey, roast beef or deli ham to maximize nutrition and minimize calories. For something sweet, they may prefer to dip grapes, strawberries or pineapple chunks in protein-packed Greek yogurt.”
Pack plenty of food for hungry athletes
Hungry athletes need larger servings of healthy foods for lunch, such as an extra slice of turkey on a sandwich and whole grain tortilla chips with an individual pack of salsa. These energy-burning kids may also need two cartons of cold milk for hydration and nutrition.
For after school, pack a snack to keep your sports star energized. They can refuel before sports practice with fresh fruit or the extra protein in a granola bar with peanuts or other nuts.
No matter what’s on the menu for your students, follow the USDA MyPlate nutrition icon. This visual for good nutrition indicates half of a healthy plate be filled with fruit and vegetables, with the two other quarters occupied by a lean protein and a whole grain starch. To complete the meal, add a cup of fat free or low fat milk.
Photo courtesy Getty Images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.