Photo Gallery: Northview Band And Dance Team; West Florida Band
November 12, 2011
For a photo gallery of the Northview and West Florida High School bands from Friday night, along with the Northview dance team, click here.
Pictured top: The Northview High School band. Pictured inset: The West Florida High School band. Pictured below: The Northview dance team. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Perdido School Honors Veterans
November 12, 2011
Over 100 veterans and family members attended the annual Salute to Veterans at Perdido Elementary/Middle School.
Submitted by Perdido Elementary/Middle School
The annual event began with veterans and their guests being greeted at their cars and assisted by the members of Perdido’s football team. Once they reached the front of the gym, Pre-K and Kindergarten students welcomed them with cheers, flags, pom-poms and pin-wheels. Members of Alabama’s Patriot Guard stood at attention as all of the guests entered.
Inside, the Escambia County High School NJROTC posted the colors. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Perdido Cub Scouts; Mason Smith, JT Clay and Christopher Johnson. This was followed by the playing of the “Star Spangled Banner by the Perdido Band, under the direction of Ms. Melanie Brannon. The band also performed “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful”. Special guests; Alabama Representatives, Alan Baker and Harry Shiver, Dr. Barry Booth – South Alabama Honor Flight Director, members of the Atmore VFW, and American Legion, members of the Alabama Patriot Guard, and Major Arthur Byrne, representing the Baldwin County Sheriffs Department and were recognized by Principal, Craig Smith, The Perdido Chorus, under the direction of Mrs. Dell Edwards sang, “Blue, Red and White,” and “Alabama”.
Perdido Middle School students have participated in the annual Patriots Pen Essay Contest for the past six years, and the top three students shared theirs. Those students were: Evan Williams, Ashley Presley and Tori Clark. Their essays have been submitted to the Atmore VFA, where they will compete against other middle school students throughout the area.
Guest speaker, retired Major Gaston Jones, challenged and inspired students, teachers and Veterans alike, as he shared of his experiences from: growing up in a military family, to playing football at Marion Military Institute. He then pursued a full-time military career until his retirement as a Chaplin in the United States Air Force. He is currently the Commander of the AFJROTC at Baldwin County School.
A special presentation was made to the family of Lance Cpl Bruce Ferrell, Jr. USMC. Representative Baker spoke of the dedication and sacrifice made by the former Perdido student, who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States, on August 10, 2009, with his life. He then presented the family with the Alabama State Flag and the United States Flag which was flown over the Capital in memory of Lance Cpl Ferrell.
Closing remarks were given by Assistant Principal Ms. Karen Dyess and were followed by the playing of “Taps” by Perdido students Corbin Hill and Wesley Rabren.
Everyone then enjoyed a reception held in honor of those men and women who faithfully served the United States, our veterans.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Northview Honors Veterans
November 11, 2011
Northview High School held their annual Veterans Day Program Thursday morning.
“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” are due to veterans, guest speaker Capt. Frank Smith, USN (Ret.) told the students. “That’s the freedom, the one precious asset that we have.”
The Byrneville Elementary and Northview High School choirs and the Northview NJROTC also took part in the program.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured top: A flag ceremony during the annual Veterans Day Program Thursday morning at Northview High School. Pictured inset: Lloyd Albritton was one of many veterans honored during the program. Pictured below: A combined Byrneville Elementury and Northview High chorus performance. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Photos: Camp Fire USA Kids Join Century Care In Veterans Day Program
November 11, 2011
Covenant Hospice held a special Veterans Recognition Ceremony Thursday morning at Century Care Center. Veterans were honored for their service and presented with a pin and certificate .
Children from the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center also took part in the ceremony to recognize veterans. The children made a large “Happy Veterans Day” banner and individual cards for the veterans.
Pictured above and below: A special Veterans Recognition Ceremony Thursday morning at Century Care Center with children from the Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center. Submitted photos by Pam Townson for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Bratt Elementary Holds Fall Festival
November 11, 2011
The annual Fall Festival was held Thursday afternoon at Bratt Elementary School, featuring games, food and fun for the children.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Picture above: Children take part in games during the annual Fall Festival at Bratt Elementary School Thursday afternoon. Pictured below: Poarch Creek Indian dancers perform. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Inventor Shipping Bracelets To Elementary Students To Replace Racy Image Prizes
November 10, 2011
Stuart Anders, the inventor of the “Slap Wraps” bracelet, has shipped more than 200 of his original bracelets to Jay Elementary School to replace the unexpected tasteless version students received recently as a prize in a school fund raising drive.
When students received the slap bracelets last month, some discovered that racy images (pictured below) were hidden beneath the fabric. The bracelets, which were not produced or licensed by Anders or his company, were made out of recycled tape measure materials, and at least four of them depicted women in various poses and stages of dress.
Anders heard about the situation in Jay when the story hit NorthEscambia.com and other media last month and immediately thought to send replacements to the school of his original products.
”As the original inventor of the Slap Wraps toy and as a former school teacher, I felt compelled to step in and make right the situation,” Anders said.
Anders was able to get his message to Jay Elementary Principal Danny Carnley who was thrilled by the offer. “I never expected a call like this from the inventor of the toys,” said Carnley. “It’s so nice that he wants to do this for our students.”
“I’m thrilled they are still popular, but very disappointed that the kids at Jay Elementary received such a poor example of this toy. It’s just one of the many knock-off products that are available for sale.” Anders said he has had issues related to companies producing low quality knock-offs of his product since they originated. “It’s a shame when that happens, which is why I want to send the original Slap Wraps to these students to give them the reward they earned – in a form they can wear proudly.”
About 200 hundred of Anders’ bracelets are expected to arrive today at Jay Elementary for distribution to the students.
With each bracelet, Anders is enclosing a note to the parents and students explaining how he created the product and encouraging students to find their own passion when it comes to the work they will do.
“I’ve been so lucky,” he said. “I’ve been able to make a great life doing work I thoroughly enjoy. I hadn’t planned on being an inventor. It just happened when I followed my instincts and my heart. I wish the same for all of these students.”
The original Slap Wraps are produced about 500 miles from Jay in Titusville, Florida. The only bracelet currently in production at the present time is a NCAA licensed Bucky Badger Slap Wraps.
“I’m happy to send a little piece of Wisconsin to the students in Florida,” said Anders, who currently lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. “They are made in Florida and represent Wisconsin – it’s a cool connection.”
Anders, who received his education degree im 1983, said he is particularly pleased to do something positive for students because his original plan had been to be a teacher.
“I always like doing something special for schools and students,” said Anders. “Sharing my story with students and inspiring them to follow their dreams is passion of mine and this is a perfect way to do that.”
Pictured top: The inventor of the “Slap Wraps” bracelet is sending about 200 of these bracelets to Jay Elementary School. Pictured inset: These bracelets with racy images were unknowingly distributed to Jay Elementary students last month. The product inventor called them unauthorized “knock-offs” of his original product. NorthEscambia.com and courtesy images, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle Thanks Veterans, Honors Memory Of LCpl. Travis Nelson
November 10, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School paused to honor veterans from across the area Wednesday in a very big way, while remembering LCpl. Travis Nelson who was killed in action in August in Afghanistan. Nelson attended middle school at Ernest Ward.
The school honored Nelson with a special video and presented flowers to his parents, Scott and Beckie Nelson, who are both veterans.
It was not the first time Ernest Ward students honored Nelson’s memory. When his remains were transported in a motorcade from Pensacola NAS to Atmore, hundreds of Ernest Ward students dressed in red, white and blue lined Highway 97 and waved American flags. As Nelson’s remains passed his middle school alma mater, the students stood in total silence, hands over their hearts.
“I applaud you Ernest Ward,” guest speaker Malcolm Thomas, Escambia County School superintendent said, ” for what you did that day, the most proud moment I’ve had since I’ve been superintendent.
“As long as there are young people that understand what you understand,” Thomas told the EWMS student body, “I believe that the future and hope of our country is great. You paid the best tribute you could pay that day, by pausing and sacrificing for a fallen hero — someone that was once one of your own.
“He knew that freedom would not be free; he would stand in the gap and fight the fight so we could grow up and enjoy all the freedoms we enjoy in this country.”
The students also took part in a unique “Thank You” video — presenting the words “Thank You” spelled out in various ways across the campus. The video ended with hundreds of Ernest Ward students spelling “Thank You!” on the school’s football field.
For a photo gallery from the event, click here.
For the LCpl. Travis Nelson video, click here.
For a portion of Malcolm Thomas’s address, click here.
Pictured top: Flowers are presented to Scott and Beckie Nelson, parents of fallen Marine LCpl. Travis Nelson, during a Veterans Day program Wednesday morning at Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured inset: Veteran Mike Hanks salutes the American flag during the program. Pictured below: Hundreds of Ernest Ward students spell out a “Thank You!” to veterans on the school’s football field. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
McDonald Named Molino Park Elementary Teacher Of Year
November 8, 2011
Twinette McDonald has been named Teacher of the Year at Molino Park Elementary School. She is the school’s music educator.
Pictured: Teacher of Year Twinette McDonald leads students recently at Molino Park Elementary School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Park To Be Renamed Tuesday For Fallen Marine Lcpl. Travis Nelson
November 7, 2011
The Bratt Community Park will be renamed Tuesday in honor of LCpl. Travis M. Nelson, the local Marine killed in action in Afghanistan on August 18.
An official dedication for the “LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park” and a monument in his honor will be held on Tuesday, November 8 at 2 p.m. at the park on West Highway 4, just west of Northview High School.
The Nelson family requested the county’s permission to place a monument at the park on Highway 4 near Northview High School, just two doors down from where Travis Nelson grew up. The Escambia County Commission later voted to rename the park in the Marine’s honor.
Nelson was the first soldier killed in action from the Walnut Hill or Bratt area since 1969.
Pictured top: Work continues on a memorial in honor of LCpl Travis M. Nelson at the Bratt Community Park, which will be renamed Tuesday in Nelson’s honor. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill Fire Honors Firemen, Community Members During Fish Fry
November 6, 2011
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department honored members of the community and the department during their 42nd annual fish fry Saturday.
District Chief Chris Brown said the Walnut Hill Station had responded to 357 calls during the past year in their 200 square mile district with 16 active members.
Chester Jantz received the department’s community service award for hosting the annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo at his catfish pond on South Highway 99. The fishing rodeo is provided to the disabled for free as a project of the Pensacola Fiesta of Five Flags organization. [Click here for a May story about this year's fishing rodeo.]
Jeffrey Huber was recognized as firefighter of the year, an award chosen by his peers. Kevin Mininger was named officer of the year. Arthur Levins was also recognized for 30 years of service to the department on Saturday, his 50th birthday, with a gift, cake and a letter from Gov. Rick Scott.
The department also recognized Robbie Whitfield for providing over 7,200 training hours for station members.
A blood drive during the fish fry collected 25 units of blood, according to Sarah Noel of Northwest Florida Blood Services. She said 110 units of blood were collected during drives at the Walnut Hill fire department during the year, up from last year. The next blood drive at the Walnut Hill Fire Station will be 8 a.m. until noon on January 12.
For more photos, click to enlarge.
Pictured top: Kevin Mininger (left) was honored as officer of the year Saturday by the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department. Pictured inset and below: Hundreds enjoyed the department’s annual fish fry. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
