Video: That Rare Cloud That Had Us All Talking
May 18, 2009
Back on April 29, a rare cloud formation moved across North Escambia and South Alabama capturing the attention of many North Escambia residents. And now a series of photos from an area resident is giving us the opportunity to see the cloud in motion.
Forecasters at the NWS did not know exactly what to call the cloud formation, settling on calling it just an “arc cloud”. They say the cloud would have been formed by a rapid surge of warm moist air.
Matt Brook took a series of photos on Nokomis Road just off Highway 97 and put them together into a video. Click the video below to watch.
Reviewing high resolution visable satellite data, the weather service tells us that the cloud actually stretched from near Gulf Shores to Butler County, Alabama, for a brief period.
Pictured above: Walt Butler took this photo on Greenland Road in Davisville. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Communities Come Together To Honor Veterans, Military
May 17, 2009
Area residents turned out in Atmore Saturday morning to honor those that have and are currently serving in the military during a combined Armed Forces Day/Memorial Day parade and ceremony in Atmore.
Led by the Northview High School NJROTC and the Northview Tribal Beat marching band, the parade began the day’s events that ended with a ceremony at the Atmore City Hall.
“We are gathered here today while our nation is at war,” Atmore VFW Commander Lavon Martin said. “May God bless them for that service.”
Parade participants included the Northview band and NJROTC, the Escambia County High School NJROTC, the Pensacola High School Air Force JROTC, a unit from the Naval Aviation Technical Training Command, area fire departments, the VFW, and the American Legion.
Click here for a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the parade and ceremony.
Several NJROTC members from NHS and ECHS were honored after the parade. Click here for that story.
Pictured top: The Northview High School NJROTC leads the Atmore Armed Forces Day/Memorial Day parade Saturday morning. Pictured inset: Atmore Councilman John Garrard listens to a ceremony that followed the parade. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
NHS Tribal Beat Band Holds ‘Fun’ Awards Banquet
May 17, 2009
The Northview High School Tribal Beat Marching Band held its second annual NHS Band Banquet Saturday with an emphasis on fun.
The band’s second annual award, the Right Shoe Award, was presented to Justin Purvis (left), the person most improved in marching. Numerous other awards and gifts were presented to students, parents, volunteers and band boosters during the banquet at the Walnut Hill Community Center.
More “serious” band awards will be presented during award ceremonies at school during the next two weeks. But Saturday’s awards were all about fun, including such categories as “Most Like a Cartoon Character”, “Needs to Shave the Most” and “Biggest Flirt”.
Click here for a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the banquet.
The students voted the following award winners:
- Most Talented: Jake Carlson
- Cutest: Justin Purvis & Caitlyn Brown
- Shyest: Chelsea Parham
- Friendliest: Melissa Moretz and Lanie Eubanks
- Needs to Shave the Most: Jake Carlson, Seth Turner, Hayley Simpson
- Funniest: Wayne Marshall, Justin Purvis
- Most Like a Cartoon Character: Devon Dries
- Most Likely to have a Musical Career: Jake Carlson, Briana Halteman
- Most Likely Not to Show Up: David Ford, Danny Strobaegh
- Doesn’t Know Left Foot From Right Foot When Marching: Joseph Davis
- Mocks Mr. Tucker The Most: Justin Purvis
- Best Baton Twirler: Hayley Simpson
- Best Flag Twirler: Allison Spence
- Biggest Flirt: Allison Spence
- Spit Valve Fills the Quickest: Devon Dries
- Most Likely to Break Their Instrument: Lanie Eubanks
- Most Improved: Chelsea Parham
- Best at Marching: Briana Halteman
- Most Photogenic: Allie Bryan, Caitlyn Brown
- Best FSU Hair: Kolbi Cobb, Elizabeth Wright
- Most Spirit: Elizabeth Wright
- Most Fasionable: Wayne Marshall, Allie Bryan
- Most Unique Style: Wayne Marshall, David Ford
- Mr. Tucker’s Favorite: Colton Sims, Briana Halteman
- Mr. Wright’s Favorite: Elizabeth Wright
- Most Dependable: Briana Halteman, Lanie Eubanks
- Best Attitude: Melissa Moretz
- Forgot Their Black Socks Most: Devon Dries
- Made Most Pit Stops For: Devon Dries
- Best All Around: Briana Halteman
- Best Color Guard Choreographer: Allison Spence
- Daisy Dukes Award: Kolbi Cobb
- Most Theatrical Majorette: Hayley Simpson
- Prettiest and Cutest Smile: Caitlyn Brown, Lanie Eubanks
- Who Should be 2009-2010 Drum Major: Elizabeth Wright, Melissa Moretz, Colton Sims
- Who Should be 2009-2010 Assistant Drum Major: Elizabeth Wright, Melissa Moretz
- Seniors Who Will Be Missed the Most: Briana Halteman, Jake Carlson
Pictured above: NHS Tribal Beat members pose with some of their prizes. Pictured below: Seniors (L-R) Jake Carlson, Lanie Eubanks and Briana Halteman. Northescambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Job Well Done: Northview Holds ESE Award Program
May 16, 2009
Northview High School held a special ESE awards ceremony Friday afternoon, honoring dozens of students for their hard work and accomplishments during the school year.
Click here for a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event.
Students honored included:
- Liberal Arts:
- Math Highest GPA — Dillon Vanderman
- Math Most Improved — James Shook
- Math Exceptional Student — Joseph Woods
- Environmental Science
- Highest Academic Award — Ariel Morris
- Social Studies
- Most Improved Student — Daniel Paul Williams
- Best Scholar — Chelsea Luckie
- Most Consistent Scholar — Quinton Pittman
- Most Congenial Scholar — Bessy Hollingsworth
- Most Respectful — Marquita Allen
- NJROTC
- Most Improved Student — Daniel Paul Williams
- Algebra 1-B
- Most Improved Students — Gary Shook and Tammie Brown
- English 9-12
- Highest GPA — Marquita Allen and Daniel Paul Williams
- One-Day Free Pass — Josh Watson
- Most Diligent — Keith Cota
- Math 9-12
- Best help — Cody Chance
- Highest GPA — Clarence Brown
- Most Improved — Aremando Elliott
- Reading
- 9th Grade — Shane Bonner and Austin Rolin
- 10th Grade — Tammie Brown
- 1st/2nd Period Most Improved — Andrew Giveans
- 3rd/4th Reading Best Work Ethic — Talisa Jackson
- 5th Period Most Improved — Precious Marshall
- 5th Period Most Improved Behavior — Lonnie Gardner
- OJT
- Most Outstanding OJT Student — Lisa Kuiper
- Most Outstanding OJT Student — Damon Williams
- Most Outstanding OJT — Willie Davis
- Most Outgoing — Andrew Giveans
- Best All Round Male OJT Student — Cody Chance
- Best All Round Female OJT Student — Raven Moore
- Most Successful OJT Student — John Handrop
- Most Successful OJT Student — Fred Smith
- Science
- Outstanding Students — Josh Watson and Quinton Pittman
Day Honors Officers Killed On Duty; One Sheriff Died In North Escambia
May 15, 2009
Over 25 law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty in Escambia County, including a sheriff shot to death in North Escambia.
Today is National Peace Officers Memorial Day, a day set aside to honor law officers killed in the line of duty. Members of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department and the Fraternal Order of Police gathered outside the department’s headquarters in Pensacola yesterday to honor the fallen officers.
Since 1923, 11 Escambia County deputies have died in the line of duty. Another 13 Pensacola Police Department Officers have been killed since 1889 and one constable was killed on duty in 1955.
An Escambia County, Alabama, sheriff was shot and killed in North Escambia near Bluff Springs on July 3, 1895.
Escambia County (Ala.) Sheriff E.S. McMillan was shot and killed as he and a posse searched for the notorious train robber nicknamed “Railroad Bill.” In 1893, Railroad Bill had shot and wounded a deputy sheriff who confronted him at a Bluff Springs home about not paying taxes on his weapon. He then fled and spent the next two years illegally riding Alabama freighters, robbing trains, and engaging in gun fights with lawmen.
In July of 1895, Sheriff McMillan received a tip that Railroad Bill was hiding out in Bluff Springs, Florida, and went with a posse to arrest him. As Sheriff McMillan walked along the railroad tracks, the suspect, who was hiding behind a tree, opened fire with a Winchester rifle. Sheriff McMillan was struck and succumbed to his wounds a short time later. Railroad Bill was later gunned down by a host of law enforcement officers.
McMillan is the only officer from Escambia County, Alabama, to ever die in the line of duty.
NHS Holds Spring Performing Arts Concert
May 15, 2009
From The Who to George Strait to Miley Cyrus, the Northview Performing Arts Spring Concert featured music from a variety of artists Thursday night. Performers included members of the chorus, guitar ensemble and jazz combo from Northview High School.
For a photo gallery from the concert, click here.
Pictured above and below: The Northview Performing Arts Spring Concert Thursday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
EWMS Drama Club Presents First Major Production
May 15, 2009
The Ernest Ward Middle School Drama Club presents the play “The Picture That Was Turned to the Wall” Thursday evening.
North Escambia firefighters were invited to attend the play for free after responding to a lightning strike at the school earlier in the day.
For a photo gallery from Wednesday’s dress rehearsal for the play, click here.
Cast members in the Ernest Ward Middle School Drama Club’s presentation of “The Picture That Was Turned to the Wall” included:
- Father Tubbs – Dezarae Turner
- Mother Tubbs – Shalmali Bhadkamkar
- Isadora Snapdragon – Hannah Ziglar
- Preacher Cribbs – Kent Smith
- Jubilee – Danielle Scott
- Smiling Billy Tapshoes – Lily Townson
- Mattie Busby – Lauryn Walker
- Rudolph Von Doberman – Anna Donald
- Diamond-Tooth Polly – Rachel Presley
- Dizzy Esther – Chelsea Ward
- Rags – Kristen Byrd
- Fred – Chelsea Turner
- Mrs. Pantheon – Audrey Byrd
- Zenobia - Anna Fischer
- Soldier Boy – Lily Townson
Pictured: A scene from the play “The Picture That Was Turned to the Wall” at Ernest Ward Middle School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Gindl-Perry Named Escambia County’s Principal Of The Year
May 14, 2009
Ernest Ward Middle School principal, Nancy Gindl-Perry, has been named as Escambia County’s Principal of the Year.
Superintendent Malcolm Thomas made the announcement Wednesday, along with announcing that Regina Lipnick, assistant principal at Bailey Middle, is the Assistant Principal of the Year.
“Our school district is blessed with a number of excellent school administrators,” Thomas said. “These are two outstanding individuals who will represent well the administrative talent we have in our schools.”
“I could not have done it without a fine faculty and staff,” Perry said. “Behind every principal are the people that make a school great.”
Known for calling Ernest Ward students as “my babies”, Perry will compete against principals from 66 other districts in Florida for state honors.
The Florida Department of Education annually honors principals and assistant principals from each of the state’s 67 school districts for their exemplary contribution to students, schools, and communities. Award criteria also include innovative leadership, dedication to academic excellence, and increased student performance.
Earlier this year, Perry received what was, without a doubt, the most unique award of her entire educational career. She was presented with the “Golden Cow Dung Award” by members of the Ernest Ward FFA. The award featured a large piece of cow dung, painted a golden color. Perry received the award from the school’s FFA members as a “thank you” for supporting FFA.
Pictured: Escambia County’s Principal of the Year, Nancy Gindl-Perry from Ernest Ward Middle School. Pictured below: Perry received the “Golden Cow Dung Award” earlier this year. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Local Students Honored As Inspirational Heroes
May 13, 2009
Forty outstanding Escambia County students were honored Tuesday afternoon at the 15th Annual Cox Inspirational Hero Celebration, including a student from both Northview High and Ernest Ward Middle and Carver/Century K-8 School.
The event honors students that have faced significant challenges, including the loss of their parents, physical illness, handicaps and language barriers.
Dustin Todd Parker from Ernest Ward Middle School was honored as the Cox Inspirational Hero from Ernest Ward Middle School.
Coty Chance of Molino was honored as the Cox Inspirational Hero from Northview High School. Coty was the only one of the 40 student heroes to offer an acceptance speech Tuesday afternoon.
Arkelle Elliot was honored as the Inspirational Hero from Carver/Century K-8 School.
The students received a Hero Medallion and commendations from U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez, U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller; state Rep. Dave Murzin and Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp.
The biographical information from both Coty Chance and Dustin Todd Parker is below.
Coty Chance, Northview High
Coty Chance has brought sunshine into Northview High School for the past three and one-half years. Every day he greets everyone with a smile and a loud good morning or hello. His constant energy and dedication to his responsibilities inspires others to do more.
Coty’s outlook is that when he can be nice to others, they in turn will be nice to others. He always goes out of his way to be a gracious helper and to ensure that everyone cares about each other.
Coty feels that his proudest personal success is being able to complete his assigned work. He is also very proud that this year he was able to also teach other students’ the responsibilities that he so carefully and completely does here at school. Coty is an avid Cross Country runner and especially has enjoyed success running for the Northview Cross Country team, winning numerous awards, participating in the charitable run for “Major Jim Ross” and being presented with the Cross Country Coaches Award. Coty will graduate this year with a 2.80 grade point average. He will leave the halls of Northview High where he will be missed, but never forgotten. We are sure he will continue to carry on and make people smile.
Coty has brought smiles to the halls of Northview and into the lives of the school personnel and students. Coty not only has a magnificent voice at the football games, but Coty has shown just how great a positive impact that students with dedication to their school and work can have on others lives and those they meet.
Dustin Todd Parker, Ernest Ward Middle
Dustin is a member of the national Junior Honor Society, President of the Student Government Association and a manager of the football team. He enjoys helping others and recently went door-to-door on his electric scooter in his neighborhood to raise money for the “Honor Flight.”
Dustin’s accomplishments are in spite of a mobility problem know as Pilocytic Astrocytoma. Although he was told he may not walk, Dustin was able to get on the regular school bus the first day of school and is now able to ride a bicycle.
Information for Arkelle Elliot from Carver/Century K-8 was not available.
Homeschooled Kids & Co. Visit North Escambia Ranch
May 13, 2009
Dozens of students from Homeschooled Kids & Co. visited a North Escambia ranch Tuesday to learn about flowers, vegetables horses, cows and more.
The group visited the ranch of Abbie Rolph on Jack Smith Road, just south of Highway 168 between Bratt and Byrneville. The students visited with miniature horses belonging to Jane Breault of Pine Ridge Farms in Molino, enjoyed a hay ride to visit with the cows, learned about flower reproduction from Escambia County Extension Service Agriculture Agent Libbie Johnson, and learned the fine art of ducking for cover from a thunderstorm in barn.
Homeschooled Kids & Co. is a local support group for families of homeschooled children from Escambia counties in Alabama and Florida. The group is based in Atmore.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured top: Students from Homeschool Kids & Co. with a miniature horse Tuesday morning on a North Escambia ranch. Pictured inset: A student learns about the parts of a flower. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.