Balloons Over Broadway: North Escambia Students Learn True Story Of Macy’s Parade Balloons
November 27, 2025
Thanksgiving means the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Last week, students at several North Escambia elementary schools held parades of their own after reading the book “Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade” by Melissa Sweet. The book brings to life the inspirational story of the puppeteer who invented the giant balloons in the parade. The book tells the story of Tony Sarg, a self-taught immigrant with a fascinating imagination.
The collage illustrations coupled with Sweet’s storytelling portray Sarg’s joy in his childhood inventions and his ingenious balloon creations that still bring delight to viewers around the country.
For photos from Byrneville, McArthur and Lipscomb elementary schools, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Pine Meadow Elementary Turkey Trot Raises Funds For Outdoor Play Improvements
November 26, 2025
Pine Meadow Elementary students took part in Turkey Trot 2025 over two days last week.
The event raised money for upgrades to the school’s outdoor play area – with a goal of $15,000 to resurface the basketball courts, replace the sun sails over the playground and purchase a 9-square-in-the-air frame for the older students.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lipscomb Second Grade Students Create Thanksgiving Cookbook
November 25, 2025
Lipscomb Elementary School second grade students in Betsy’s Eggart’s class worked together to create an extra special Thanksgiving Cookbook.
They gifted copies of the cookbook to Principal Kristen Danley, Assistant Principal Kanisha White and Curriculum Coordinator Holly Griffin.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate FFA And Student Volunteers Package Over 63,000 Meals For The Community
November 24, 2025
On Friday, Tate High School’s FFA, along with other clubs, organizations, athletic teams, and volunteers, joined together to package 63,808 meals for the community through Meals of Hope
“Food insecurity is real within Escambia County,” said Melissa Gibbs, agricultural educator and FFA advisor. “It’s important to FFA and other local organizations to partner together and help fight food insecurity for many within the Pensacola region. This gives our students hands-on experience while encouraging them to work together to meet the needs of our community.”
They exceeded their goal of feeding 60,000 with the Meals of Hope project by packaging these meals in under three hours.
All packaged meals will be distributed to families throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Top-tier sponsors include the Escambia County Florida Farm Bureau, Big John’s Heating and Air, Richard and Marie Gibbs, Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, and Tate FFA Alumni.
Thank you to our sponsors and student body for coming together to support our local community,” said Principal Laura Touchstone. “It’s gratifying to see our students giving back, helping to fight hunger, and supporting local families in need. Tate FFA continues to focus on growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Together, with Tate FFA, we’re strengthening the heart of our community and growing a legacy.”
Volunteers included current students from Tate FFA, Tate Softball, Tate Baseball, Tate Student Council, Tate Yearbook, Tate FFA Alumni, and Ransom Middle School FFA/Ag programs. Special guests were Isabelle Jenkins, Florida FFA state secretary, and Steve Harrell, Escambia County Public Schools’ director of workforce education.
Meals of Hope is a nonprofit organization that is committed to bringing people together to fight the hunger epidemic.
Photos by Tate High Yearbook for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students, Employee Of The Month
November 22, 2025
Ernest Ward Middle School named their employee and student of the month for October. Pictured (L-R) with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger are students Miguel Espinoza, eighth grade; Dillan Stuart, seventh grade; Addisyn Steege, sixth grade; and Robin McCall, PE coach. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Eagle Scout Project Drains Flooding, Brings Relief To Panhandle Equine Rescue
November 20, 2025
Panhandle Equine Rescue (PER) in Cantonment is breathing a sigh of relief following the successful completion of a much-needed drainage project spearheaded by a local Boy Scout.
Thomas Beck, with Boy Scout Troop 632, chose PER as the beneficiary of his Eagle Scout Service Project, installing a French drain for the main barn to combat chronic flooding issues caused by heavy downpours. The project, completed during a very productive day at the facility, is expected to significantly improve conditions for the horses and volunteers.
Beck selected the non-profit PER for his project because he felt their mission was worthy of the effort.
The new French drain system will divert water away from the barn, a critical improvement that addresses a long-standing challenge and ensures a drier, safer environment for the rescued horses.
Boy Scout Troop 632 meets at Windy Hill Baptist Church in Beulah.
Pictured: Thomas Beck’s Eagle Scout Service Project was the installation of a french drain around the barn at Panhandle Equine Rescue in Cantonment. Beck is pictured above, far right in the top row. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘Slightly Smarter Than A Toaster’ — Beulah Academy Of Science Robotics Team Competes
November 18, 2025
The Beulah Academy of Science Robotics Team, led by Mrs. Bruening, completed a successful eight-week journey, culminating in their participation in the BEST Robotics Competition 2025 Game Day on Saturday at Troy State University in Troy, Alabama.
The Bobcats, competing as Team 2296, “Slightly Smarter than a Toaster”, showed exceptional resilience and teamwork throughout the day. Despite finishing 11th out of 13 teams in the regular rounds, the team secured a surprise spot in the Wildcard Round.
The advancement was due to the strength of the team’s presentation, as their Engineering Notebook scored in the top four of all entries. This unexpected wildcard berth marked an amazing achievement for the team’s inaugural year.
While they did not advance to the semi-finals, the students were celebrated for their tenacity and their impressive Expo Booth, built by Wesley and Allison Moore and featuring a logo designed by Lucas Stammer. The team demonstrated great problem-solving skills, perseverance, and passion in their first competitive season.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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Operation Christmas Child Collections This Week At Highland Baptist, First Baptist Bratt
November 17, 2025
Highland Baptist Church in Molino and the First Baptist Church of Bratt are Operation Christmas Child collection sites again this year.
Children in need are being blessed this Christmas season through the Samaritan’s Purse project, Operation Christmas Child. Individuals, families and groups have the opportunity to pack a shoebox gift filled with fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items and drop them off now during National Collection Week through Monday, November 25.
Operation Christmas Child has been collecting and delivering shoebox gifts to children worldwide for more than three decades. In 2024, Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoeboxes to reach another 12 million children. The project of Samaritan’s Purse partners with local churches across the globe to deliver these tangible expressions of God’s love to children in need. Find a step-by-step guide on the How to Pack a Shoebox webpage.
Churches can drop off their OCC boxes during the times below for them to be packed for processing.
4570 Highway 4, Century, near Northview High School in Bratt
- Monday, Nov. 17 – 10 a.m. – noon
- Tuesday, Nov. 18 – 10 a.m. – noon
- Wednesday, Nov. 19 – 10 a.m. – noon
- Thursday, Nov. 20 – 10 a.m. – noon
- Friday, Nov. 21 – 10 a.m. – noon
- Saturday, Nov. 22 – 10 a.m. – noon
- Sunday, Nov. 23 – 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 24 – 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Highland Baptist Church
6240 Highway 95A, Molino
- Monday, Nov. 17 – 10 a.m. – noon
- Tuesday, Nov. 18 – 10 a.m. – noon
- Wednesday, Nov. 19 – 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Nov. 20 – 10 a.m. – noon
- Friday, Nov. 21 – 10 a.m. – noon
- Saturday, Nov. 22 – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 23 – 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 24 – 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview High Names Students Of The Month
November 17, 2025
Northview High School recently named its October Students of the Month. Pictured with Principal Michael Sherrill, they are Michael Griffis and Trinity Bryan. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bonus Photo Gallery: Tate Cheerleaders, Fans And More
November 17, 2025
The Tate Aggies beat First Coast 35-14 Thursday night to advance to the regional finals of Florida Invitational Tournament (FIT).
For a bonus gallery with cheerleaders, AJROTC, fans and more, click here.
For a game story and action photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
