EWMS and NHS Bands Hold Their Annual Spring Concert
May 13, 2008
Ernest Ward Middle and Northview High school bands held their annual Spring Concert Monday night at Northview.
The concert included performances by both the beginning and advanced band students from Ernest Ward. Musical arrangements included When the Saints Go Marching In, Monmouth Overture and Go Big Blue, the EWMS Fight Song.
The Northview High School third period chorus group entertained the audience in the NHS theater with their rendition of The Music of the Night by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Colors of the Wind.
The Northview High School Color Guard for 2007-2008 performed to Crazy In Love. The new Color Guard for 2008-2009 gave the audience a glimpse of what they have to look forward to when they take to the field in the fall with a performance that included songs from The Lord of the Rings; Jump, Jive and Wail and China Grove. The NHS Majorettes had fun performing to the Meet the Flintstones theme song.
Also performing Monday night was the Percussion Ensemble with The Elmhurst Quintet; the Clarinet Ensemble to the music of Mozart’s Allegro and the Brass Ensemble playing Three Renaissance Dances by Susato.
The Northview High School “Tribal Beat” Band closed the evening with Devonshire Overture under the direction of Charles Tucker with Assistant Director Joe Wright.
Pictured above: Band Director Charles Tucker leads the Ernest Ward Middle School Beginning Band to start Monday night’s annual band concerts at Northview High School. Pictured below: Tucker takes a bow. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hundreds Attend Molino Park Carnival Saturday
May 11, 2008
Hundreds attended Molino Park Elementary School’s carnival Saturday.
Students, and many adults, enjoyed games like Plenko, skeeball, go fish, needle in the haystack and much more. There was also a cake walk, plant walk, stuffed animal walk, bingo and edible sugar sand art. Small baby bottles filled with drink were an especially popular item with the kids.
There was also plenty of food, music and basket auctions.
For a complete photo gallery, click here.
The Tribal Beat Band Holds First Ever Band Banquet
May 11, 2008
The Northview High School Tribal Beat Marching Band held its first ever NHS Band Banquet Saturday night with an emphasis on fun.
“I want to thank the students,” said Band Director Charles Tucker. “You’ve worked so very hard this year.”
“I’ve had a really good time, and I thank everybody for what you have done,” Drum Major Jeremy Halteman said.
The band’s first annual award, the Right Shoe Award, was presented to Tabitha Steege (pictured top of page). Numerous other awards and gifts were presented to students, parents, volunteers and band boosters during the banquet at the Walnut Hill Community Center.
The biggest highlight of the night for the band members were the “fun” awards. The students voted the following award winners:
- The Most Talented: Mallorie Okahashi; Jake Carlson; Jeremy Halteman
- The Cutest: Colton Sims; Caitlyn Brown
- The Shyest: Sarah Schachle; Haley Coleman; Seth Turner
- The Friendliest: Lanie Eubanks; Melissa Moretz
- Needs To Shave the Most: Marvin Lucas
- The Funniest: Briana Halteman; Lanie Eubanks; D. J. Robinson
- Most Like A Cartoon Character: Wayne Marshall; Devon Dries
- Most Likely To Have Musical Career: Jeremy Halteman, Briana Halteman
- Most Likely Not To Show Up: Brittany Peebles; Desere Bookout
- Doesn’t Know Left From Right When Marching: Devon Dries; Casey Townson; Tabitha Steege; Miranda Burkett
- Mocks Mr. Tucker The Most: Justin Purvis
- Best Baton Twirler: Caitlyn Brown
- Best Flag Twirler: Parish Kelley; Patricia Boughner
- Biggest Flirt: Marvin Lucas; Allison Spence
- Spit Valve Fills Quickest: Jeremy Halteman; Jake Carlson
- Most Likely To Break Their Instrument: Jake Carlson; Dixie Picheo
- Most Improved: Matthew Mencel; Devon Dries
- Best At Marching: Jeremy Halteman, Briana Halteman
- Most Photogenic: Dixie Picheo; Caitlyn Brown
- Looks Best With FSU Hair: Kolbi Cobb; D. J. Robinson
- Most Spirit: Lanie Eubanks; D. J. Robinson; Jeremy Halteman
- Most Fashionable: Wayne Marshall; Kolbi Cobb
- Most Unique Style: Parish Kelley; Mallorie Okahashi
- Ate The Most Animal Crackers: Alyssa MacKendree
- Mr. Wright’s Favorite: Dixie Picheo; Elizabeth Wright
- Most Dependable: Lanie Eubanks; Jeremy Halteman
- Best Attitude: Briana Halteman; Lanie Eubanks; Olivia Nolen
- Forgot Black Socks Most: Casey Townson; Devon Dries
- Mr. Tucker’s Favorite: Colton Sims; Jeremy Halteman
- Best All Around: Briana Halteman; Lanie Eubanks
- Senior That Will Be Missed The Most: Jeremy Halteman; Marvin Lucas
- 8th Grader Most Likely to Succeed in High School: Elizabeth Wright
For a complete photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured below: The “Looks Best With FSU Hair” student awards went to Kolbi Cobb and D.J. Robinson. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High Holds 13th Annual FFA Banquet
May 10, 2008
It was an emotional night Friday at the 13th Annual Northview High School FFA Banquet.
For the FFA teacher sponsor and the FFA president, the night was a perhaps a little more emotional and special.
“She’s been going to these (FFA) banquets for 18 years,” Northview FFA sponsor Perry Byars said of this year’s FFA President Andrea Byars (pictured left), his daughter. Andrea, a graduating senior, spent four years in Northview’s FFA under her father’s leadership.
The annual banquet includes a somber ceremony for graduating seniors…they slowly remove their signature blue FFA jackets and hang them up for the last time on a coat rack.
One at a time, the three graduating FFA seniors participated in the ceremony. Secretary Travis Vickery, Vice President Jacob Shiver and finally President Andrea Byers removed their jackets one by one, placing them on the coat rack. After hanging up her FFA jacket the last time, Andrea walked over and hugged her father.
Perry Byars then stood aside as Andrea took the podium.
“Mr. Byars, or as I call him ‘daddy’,” she said fighting back tears, “I want to thank you for the best four years of my life.” Sniffles and quiet sobs could be heard throughout the Northview theater.
She then presented Perry Byars and the “FFA Mom” Kay Byars with tokens of the FFA Club’s appreciation. Kay Byars is Andrea’s mom.
The night also included many awards for Northview and Ernest Ward Middle school FFA members and supporters.
Among those honored during the night were community members Libbie Johnson, Jamie Hall and James Riggs for their support of the FFA program. The three were named honorary members of the NHS FFA. Abbie Rolph and Jack Livingston were also honored as adult supporters of the FFA.
The coveted NHS FFA High Points Award went to Andrea Byars. The Blue and Gold Awards went to Sandie Sanders and Jennifer Lowe.
The new NHS FFA officers named for the 2008-2009 school year were: Micah Byars, president; Allie Vidak, vice president; Desere Bookout, second vice president; Aimee Clark, secretary; Jennifer Lowe, treasurer; Wes Chancery, parliamentarian; Lydia Weaver, reporter; Brittany Thompson, historian; Stephanie Solari, sentinel and Candice Greenwell, chaplain.
Dozens of the over 120 students in Northview’s FFA received various awards during the night.
The night also included honors and awards for Ernest Ward Middle School’s 87 FFA members presented by chapter sponsor Cynthia Wilson. Lydia Weaver and Bessie Hollingsworth were presented with EWMS FFA Leadership Awards.
For a photo gallery from the Northview FFA Banquet, click here.
Pictured above: FFA President Andrea Byars and her father, FFA sponsor Perry Byars, share a tearful hug. Picture below: Just one of the many awards presented during the 13th Annual Northview High School FFA Banquet Friday night. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary School Students Spend Thursday With The Arts
May 9, 2008
Bratt Elementary students spent a day with the arts on Thursday, with students spending most of the day enjoying various art forms.
The students enjoyed Indian drums and dancing, clogging, fiber art, handbells, sculpture, opera from the Pensacola Opera, piano, painting, taekwondo and more.
Scott Slay, music teacher at Northview High School, was joined on stage in the Bratt cafeteria by his father Tracy Slay and several Northview students for an American Roots Music presentation. They performed bluegrass, folk, blues and jazz for the Bratt students and faculty.
The Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department was also on hand with summer safety tips.
For a complete photo gallery from the Bratt Cultural Arts Day, click here.
Pictured above: Bratt Elementary School fourth grader Jordan Taylor checks out a piece of granite at Bratt’s Cultural Arts Day. Pictured below: Northview High School music teacher Scott Slay (left) is joined on the Bratt stage by his students for a traditional American music presentation. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Holds Incoming Sixth Grade Orientation
May 7, 2008
Orientation for students planning to attend Ernest Ward Middle School school next year was held Tuesday evening in the school gym.
The future sixth graders, mostly students leaving Bratt and Molino Park elementary schools, had the chance to meet the EWMS staff and teachers to learn about the transition to middle school.
After a short assembly, the students and their parents had the chance to meet the teachers. They were also able to learn about Ernest Ward’s various sports, band, club offerings and more.
For more photos from Tuesday evening’s Ernest Ward Middle School orientation, click here.
Pictures above and below: Ernest Ward Middle School sixth grade orientation Tuesday evening in the school gym. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
FBLA Students From Northview High Tour USS Alabama Tuesday
May 7, 2008
Students from the Northview High School Future Business Leaders of America visited the USS Alabama Tuesday.
The students toured the 680 foot long World War II at Battleship Park on Mobile Bay.
The Northview FBLA is sponsored by Annie Gilmore, business education teacher.
For more pictures from the Northview High FBLA trip to the USS Alabama Tuesday, click here.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Principal Gayle Weaver To Receive Florida’s Top FFA Award
May 5, 2008
Gayle Weaver, Northview High School principal, will receive the Florida FFA Honorary Degree in June during the the 80th State FFA Convention in Orlando.
Weaver is one of just seven adults in the state slated to receive the Honorary Degree for their support of FFA.
The FFA Honorary Degree is given to administrators who are advancing agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment. The award also recognizes school administrators making valuable contributions and long-term differences in the lives of students. This is the highest award given to adults who support FFA programs of the local, state, and national associations.
“Accepting this honorary degree will be the highlight of my professional career, and I can not think of any recognition which could eclipse this symbolic compliment to not only myself, but also to Northview,” Weaver told NorthEscambia.com. “The honorary degree award would not have been possible without the wonderful Northview FFA Program, which has brought, and continues to bring, recognition to Northview High School.”
She said a great example is the FFA Food for America Program. Once again, Northview is in the top ten for the state in the program. The winners will be announced at the state convention. During the Food for America Program in March, about 900 elementary school students from nine schools visited the Northview campus the to learn about agriculture firsthand as they got up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more.
“She supports our program in every way,” Perry Byars, Northview FFA teacher said. “She allows me as a teacher to do what I need to do for FFA. She is just a wonderful supporter of FFA.”
The feeling of respect is mutual between Byars and Weaver.
“Mr. Perry Byars is an exemplary teacher and FFA sponsor. Not only has he spent a career instilling the wholesome values and virtues of FFA to our students, but also he has traveled the state, through various leadership positions, expounding those values and virtues of the FFA organization,” Weaver said. “Remember, ‘Values are caught, not taught’, and American values are caught through FFA programs, projects, and activities.”
Weaver said she is excited about the FFA Honorary Degree. She said she thought she had reached the top when she was awarded “Life Member” recognition from the FFA Alumni Association back in May of 2003.
She said she is looking forward to the state convention in June.
“To see thousands of FFA members at the FFA National Convention, all with their FFA jackets on with their schools’ names on the back, is to see the best of America and the hope of America,” she said.
Fishing Rodeo For The Disabled Held In Walnut Hill
May 4, 2008
As the storm clouds approached Saturday morning, dozens of disabled people fished around Chester Jantz’s Walnut Hill catfish pond.
“That thing floating there in the water…it will move when the fish gets it, right?”, questioned one elderly lady as she sat by the pond in her wheelchair. “I’ve never fished before, so I am not sure what will happen. But I remember seeing that thing floating in the water move when the fish got it on this TV program I watched.”
“I’m just so excited,” she said. “I’ve never fished before.”
That’s what the Pen Wheels Fiesta of Five Flags 34th Annual Fishing Rodeo held Saturday was all about.
“It was organized to give disabled people a chance to get out,” Pen Wheels Vice President Pearline McLendon told NorthEscambia.com. “Many of these people have never fished before. This is just one way to get them out of their houses and the nursing homes into the community.”
As the rain got closer, Pearline had only caught one small fish “but it broke the hook and got away”. She had, however, hooked at least one volunteer that was helping out.
Over the 34 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.
“Jantz just does us right,” Pauline said. “I can’t say enough nice things about him. We never want to leave!”
Dozens of volunteers stood ready 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.
“There are some real Christian people here helping,” Pen Wheels President Warren Jernigan said. “They really show us Christian love.”
“I like seeing the joy of the people who catch something. I even enjoy the excitement of the people who don’t catch anything but get excited from those that do catch something.”
About 50 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.
For a complete photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured above and below: The Pen Wheel Fishing Rodeo for the disabled Saturday in Walnut Hill. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Leaning Post Ranch in Molino Dedicated Saturday
May 4, 2008
A dedication ceremony was held Saturday afternoon for the Leaning Post Ranch in Molino, a state-licensed facility and prevention program for developmentally disabled and at-risk young people.
The facility was established in1992 by Fran and Newman Gersin. They started with one horse, and a dream to use that horse to encourage kids and keep them off drugs.
Now the Leaning Post Ranch has 40 acres, a barn, a new open-air arena, a mulipurpose facility, a house, 16 horses and a pony…thanks to generosity of several local organizations and God.
“Above all to God by the glory,” Fran Gersin (pictured left) told the crowd at the ranch Saturday. “This place has always been by faith.”
“There is no way two people could do all of this. Only God could do this,” she said.
The grooming and multipurpose building was dedicated as the “Connie J. Greenhut Horses and Hope Center” for Connie Greenhut. She is the wife of Greenhut Construction owner Bill Greenhut. Greenhut constructed the building with the help of, and donations from, over two dozen other construction related businesses.
Also dedicated Saturday was the “Impact 100 Arena”, named in honor of Pensacola’s Impact 100 group that made a $113,000 donation to the ranch in 2006 to construct the arena.
The day’s events included a meal made possible by donations from Grocery Advantage in Cantonment, tours and entertainment.
There were horse drill demonstrations by two teams, including on comprised of four autistic youth (pictured top of page). Nona Freeman (pictured left), a popular 91 year old Pentecostal writer and speaker from Texas, addressed those in attendance.
The Leaning Post Ranch is located at 4150 Cedar Springs Road in Molino. For more information, visit http://www.theleaningpostranch.com.
For a complete photo gallery from the Leaning Post Ranch in Molino, click here.
Pictured below: The silhouette of a horse a disabled child in a wheelchair decorates the entrance to the Leaning Post Ranch.
