Retired North Escambia Educator Releases Second Book
May 10, 2009
Former North Escambia educator Mary Alice Thomas has released her second publication, a new collection of poetry called “A Forgotten People”. It follows last year’s release of “Battle of the Soul”, a collection of religious poetry.
“It’s not hard to find inspiration and a need to write when working with young minds,” Thomas claims. “As an educator I found that my students always wanted more than they found in the textbooks. Realizing that they were gifts from God placed in my care for only a short time, I wanted to feed their hunger for knowledge. I took the responsibility to give to them the best of what I had. My students wanted fresh material for programs and celebrations. It took hours of research; yet, those inquisitive minds and searching eyes, with ears willing to listen and learn made me write poems and speeches from biographical historical facts of a forgotten people, a real people to them, so that they could have a stepping stone for history as these students tried to connect. Little did I know that one day this would become a publication that I felt was worthy of sharing.”
Thomas, who has taught at Northview High School, the former Ernest Ward and Century schools and Carver/Century K-8 School, said “I ask that you share with your classmates from my heart to yours: You are not a forgotten people, for you are still an inspiration to me even though time has had its own will and has gotten away from us, and changes for all of us have crept through the earth as the sun awakens each day. Yet, as I meet you on the byways of life, my heart leaps. You are still that part of me that makes life worth living. You inspired me to write this book. It’s for all of us.”
According to Thomas, this publication has been designed to reach back into the subconscious mind to restore the value for all humanity.
“I have chosen people from all walks of life because it has taken Jews, Blacks, Whites, Native Americans, and all other races and experiences to give this country such a rich history. As I began my research for this publication, I ultimately hearkened to the voice within. I began to drink from knowledge that could only come from the intoxication of wisdom,” she said.
Each piece of material included in this selection carries aphorisms giving a general truth about life. The theme of these works is love for humanity and pain for injustice. In Thomas’ book, “A Forgotten People”, the reader will meet those who opened their ears to the cries of the innocent, like a mother identifying the hunger pains of her young when awakened in the night and refusing to let sleep handcuff her to her bed.
Too often the Civil Rights Movement produces a picture of the African American struggle, where the streets are painted in red with blood of color, and police dogs are forcing black power to its knees while listening to the voice of racism seeking a prey in the night; however, my students of the past and I worked hard to prove that the Civil Rights Movement embraced unity for all American life — regardless of race, creed or color. “Perhaps the greatest indication of this acknowledgment of worth in all humanity is the recent presidential election, realizing that my students had a vision built on Christian love that sprung up from a seed that would not die,” Thomas said.
In the book “A Forgotten People”, the reader will meet some who paid the ultimate price, yet we all enjoy the gift that their lives granted to American citizens. Blood, when mixed with sweat and tears and mingled with God-given love, cannot be called black or white, yellow or red. Yet, society fails to realize that a child who hears God’s voice will answer His call, totally oblivious to color. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples because you have love one for another.”
“A Forgotten People” is available for purchase through iuniverse.com by clicking on “Bookstore,” and then typing in the author’s name or book title. It will also be available at a book signing which will be held at Carver Century School in the Media Center on Tuesday, May 12 at 1 p.m. A supplemental question and answer booklet is additionally available for educators by contacting the author at hannahraya@yahoo.com.
Good Deal: Northview Band, Ernest Ward Hold Yard Sales
May 10, 2009
Groups from two area schools held yard sales Saturday morning to raise funds for their programs. Ernest Ward Middle School held their “Super Yard Sale” at the school (above). The Northview High School Band Boosters held a yard sale (below) at the VFW in Atmore.
For more photos from the two yard sales, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview, Ernest Ward Hold FFA Banquet
May 9, 2009
Northview High School held their 14th Annual FFA Banquet Friday night, honoring the students and adult leaders that work to provide exceptional agricultural education at Northview and Ernest Ward Middle School.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured above: Northview FFA members Jennifer Lowe, Aimee Clarke and Brittany Thompson at Friday night’s FFA Banquet. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Rotary Club Names All Stars
May 8, 2009
The Atmore Rotary Club recognized an outstanding group of area high school students as Academic All-Stars Thursday night, including about three dozen Northview High School students.
The Academic All-Star program is open to students who attend Northview High School, Atmore Christian School, Escambia County High School or Escambia Academy.
To be named an Academic All-Star, a student must have maintained at least a B average in every subject for each grading period of the school year, with at least one A for each grading period.
For those who have maintained this status from the 9th through the 12th grades, they are honored as Four-Year Academic All-Stars. Five Northview High School seniors (pictured above), Gretchen Boughner, Lanie Jeannine Eubanks, Briana Halteman, Luke F. Killam and Chelsea Sims earned that title. (They are profiled at the end of this article.)
Northview High seniors honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Gretchen Denea Boughner
- Kayla Sue Brewer
- Amy Nicole Conner
- Lanie Jeannine Eubanks
- Melissa Nicole Garrett
- Briana Renea Halteman
- Stormy Brooke Hayes
- Luke Fletcher Killam
- Jessica Maria Mothershed
- Chelsea Ellen Sims
- Ashley Arlene Snow
Northview High juniors honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Jessica Nicole Bloodsworth
- Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway
- Kolbi Shae Cobb
- Clinton Eugene Davis
- Bradley James Lowery
- Amber Nicole McMillan
- Mark Allen Shipps Jr.
- Dakota Wayne Stuckey
Northview High sophomores honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Mallory Ann Bell
- Ashley Elizabeth Digmon
- Laneicia Dynette Gomez
- Sarah Malinda Killam
- Michael Todd Lowery
- Megan Juliette Ryan
- Christina Nicole Sepulveda
- Hayley Renee Simpson
- Colton Darryl Sim
- Emily Faith Vickrey
Northview High freshmen honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Holly Nicole Dickson
- Josie Britt Doucette
- Amber Dianne Francis
- Jacob Nathaniel Gibson
- Alexander Dewayne Payne
- Tyler Lindsay Randolph
- Joel Nathaniel Wetzel
Gretchen Boughner
Gretchen, the daughter of Kevin Boughner and Louann Boughner. Gretchen is DCT parliamentarian, is a member of FBLA, is FCCLA historian, and Spanish Club historian. She is a member of Interact and FCA. Gretchen played softball, basketball and was on the weightlifting team. She was also a member of the 2009 homecoming court. She is a Sunday school teacher, volunteered at a nursing home where she entertained and played games with the residents. She also attended FBIA and DCT competition and placed third in each. Gretchen plays to attend Pensacola Junior College and later transfer to the University of West Florida and major in psychology with a concentration in social work.
Lanie Jeannine Eubanks
Lanie, the daughter of Mike and Vickie Eubanks. Lanie was a member of FFA for three years and a member of FBLA for one year. She is currently a member of the Spanish Club and the student government association. She serves as the vice president of Beta Club, president of Rho Kappa and co-captain of the math team. Lanie has been a member of the NHS marching band for five years and serves as assistant drum major. She plans to attend the University of West Florida and major in mathematics.
Briana Halteman
Briana, is the daughter of Lyndon and Norma Halteman. She served as drum major in the Northvew marching band, was on the varsity softball team and was involved in the student government association. Briana was a member of the Beta Club, math team, FCA, Rho Kappa and was on the weightlifting team. She plans to attend the University of West Florida and major in pre-medicine.
Luke F. Killam
Luke is the son of Gary and Melanie Killam. He is the top ranked student at Northview, is class president, Beta Club treasurer, Rho-Kappa treasurer, FCA vice-president, a member of the Spanish Club and a member of the student government association. He served as NHS’s delegate to the Florida Association of Student Council, was selected by his teachers to the Senior Hall of Fame, was named NHS’s Student of the Year, received the Mira Award and was voted Best All Around by the senior class. Luke played varsity football, basketball, baseball and was on the weightlifting team. He served as class vice president, SGA vice president and was a member of the Spanish and Beta clubs, was a member of Rho-Kappa and FCA. He is an active member of Flomaton Baptist Church and sings in the adult and youth choir. He also sang in the local veterans program and spring musical. Luke was chosen as Northview’s representative as one of two high school students to serve in the Escambia County School District’s Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook revision meetings. Luke plans to attend Auburn University and major in civil engineering.
Chelsea Sims
Chelsea is the daughter of Darryl and Ellen Sims. While at Northview, she was a majorette for two years and a varsity cheerleader for two years. She was named Miss NHS 2008, was a homecoming maid as a freshman and sophomore and was homecoming queen her senior year. Chelsea was a member of the student government association for three years, Beta Club for three years and voted Best All Around by the senior class. She is a member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. Chelsea plans to attend Pensacola Junior College for two years and transfer to the University of West Florida. She plans to major in speech pathology.
Pictured: Atmore Rotary Four-Year Academic All-Stars from Northview High School: Gretchen Boughner, Lanie Jeannine Eubanks, Briana Halteman Luke F. Killam and Chelsea Sims. Click to enlarge.
New Golden Eagles: Ernest Ward Middle Holds Orientation
May 8, 2009
Thursday was a day at Ernest Ward Middle School with the school’s annual new student registration. Incoming students had an opportunity to explore the require and elective courses, as well as the extracurricular activities, at EWMS. Earlier in the afternoon, the staff and faculty from Ernest Ward held a reception to welcome new teachers moving to EWMS from the closing Carver/Century K-9 School.
Ernest Ward staff will visit Bratt, Bryneville and Molino Park elementary schools in the next week to register students. Students transferring from Carver/Century have already been registered.
For more photos from the event, click here.
Pictured above: Students and parents learn about girl’s sports at Ernest Ward Middle School during new student orientation Thursday evening. Pictured below: Ernest Ward agriculture teacher Cynthia Wilson explains the “wheel” electives to students and parents. When enrolled in the “exploratory wheel”, students spend nine weeks each in agriculture, family and consumer sciences (the old home economics), integrated science and keyboarding. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Fox 10’s Retiring John Edd Thompson Broadcasts Live From Atmore (With Photo Gallery)
May 7, 2009
Fox 10 meteorologist John Edd Thompson was live from Atmore during the station’s 5:00 news Wednesday afternoon. A sudden downpour sent the crowds, and the retiring weather man, in search of a dry spot during the broadcast.
About 200 people from Atmore, Monroeville, North Escambia and other communities gathered at Heritage Park in Atmore for the broadcast. Thompson interview Atmore Citizen of the Year Tray Smith on-air, along with other locals like Atmore Mayor Howard Shell who presented the forecaster with keys to the city.
Thompson talked about his days at WATM radio in Atmore, his first broadcasting job, with Jerry Gehman who shared his fond memories of Earnestine and Tom Miniard. John Edd, as he is more commonly know, was cheered on by the Escambia Academy cheerleaders and serenaded by the Escambia County High School Band.
The broadcast ended with John Edd being presented a cake that said “Atmore Will Miss You”.
As for North Escambia, John Edd wanted to know if the “honky tonks” were still just across the state line.
Thompson is retiring from WALA after 32 years as a meteorologist.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from John Edd’s farewell tour, click here.
Pictured above: Fox 10’s John Edd Thompson broadcasts live from Atmore Wednesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Final Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Held At Carver/Century
May 6, 2009
Teachers at Carver/Century K-8 School were treated to the school’s last ever Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Tuesday morning. The teachers were fed a complete breakfast by Carver/Century’s School Advisory Council and Abundant Life Assembly of God. It was announced at the breakfast that all of the teachers at the closing school have been offered jobs at other schools next year. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
From Oak Grove To Walnut Hill To Cantonment: Woman Honored For Service
May 5, 2009
The life and ministry of a North Escambia woman were honored during a weekend church service.
Pine Forest Assembly of God honored Mrs. Nell Green Sunday for her 90th birthday. Mrs. Green and her late husband, Rev. George Green, pastored many churches in Northwest Florida and South Alabama in the mid-1900’s including Oak Grove Assembly, Ensley Assembly and Ashland Park in Pensacola. They were also the founding pastors of Laurel Hill Assembly and Walnut Hill Assembly now known as New Life Fellowship.
“I haven’t ever felt special in my life, but today I feel special,” Mrs. Green told the congregation.
They had six children including George Wendell Green, Bobby Gene Green, Darlene Marie Harden, Glenda Evelyn Burleson and Rita Frances Kornegay. They also raised their niece and nephew Shirley Grant and Michael Kilpatrick. The Greens also had 26 foster children come through their home. Mrs. Green also served many years in ministry through Brownsville Assembly of God, until her health would no longer allow her to do so.
Pictured above: Nell Green and her family pose at a church service in her honor. Pictured below: Nell Green at the Walnut hill Assembly (now the New Life Fellowship) in an undated photograph. Pictured bottom: Nell Green at the Oak Grove Assembly of God. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Atmore Celebrates Mayfest
May 3, 2009
From beautiful babies, arts and crafts, entertainment and plenty of fun, Mayfest 2009 had a little bit of something for everyone Saturday at Tom Byrne Park in Atmore.
Hundred attended the annual event, including many North Escambia residents.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Mayfest, click here.
Pictured above: Bratt Elementary School fifth graders Dariane Guy, Lorri Harrell and Jadlyn Agerton enjoy Mayfest in Atmore Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Fishing Rodeo For The Disabled Held In Walnut Hill
May 3, 2009
“I caught one! I caught one!”
The sounds of excitement were all around Saturday for the 35th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo in Walnut Hill.
Over the 35 year history of the fishing rodeo, it has been held at locations ranging from Ft. Pickens to the Three Mile Bridge in Pensacola. Since 2001, it has been held at Jantz’s Catfish Pond on South Highway 99, just off Highway 97.
Dozens of volunteers stood ready Saturday to help the disabled fish. They baited hooks, tossed a line and offered words of friendly encouragement. Many of the volunteers were from the Walnut Hill Mennonite Church.
About 60 disabled people were registered in Saturday’s fishing rodeo. They were from around the area, including Pensacola and Century. Several residents from the Century Care Center participated. Everything, including lunch, in Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo is provided to the disabled for free as a project of the Pensacola Fiesta of Five Flags organization.
Click here for a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery.
While Jantz Catfish Pond is not open for public fishing, nearby ponds belonging to Steve Hiebert (Steve’s Sweet Corn) are open for public fishing. For more information, call 327-4020.
Pictured: Scenes from the 35th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo in Walnut Hill Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.