Northview Class of 2008 Holds Sunday Baccalaureate Service
May 18, 2008
The end is near for the Class of 2008 at Northview High School, with Baccalaureate Services today and graduation just a week away.
Baccalaureate Services for Northview High School were held Sunday morning at the school.
The seniors will have final exams this week, but those are not the major tests in life that they will face, Pastor Gary Wieborg from the First Baptist Church of Bratt told the class.
“Before them lies another test, the test of life, and what it means to have success” Wieborg (pictured left) said. “I don’t know of anything greater to achieve than eternal life.”
“High school is not greatest years of your life,” he said. “The best is yet to come.”
Wieborg told the soon to be graduates that their plans for life for insignificant compared to the plans God has for their lives.
“God’s plans for us are much bigger than your plans for yourself,” the pastor said. “The Lord has big things planned for you.”
For more photos from Northview’s Class of 2008 Baccalaureate Service, click here.
Northview High School’s Class of 2008 will graduate at 4:00 p.m. next Saturday, May 24.
Pictured above: The Northview High School Class of 2008 prays at Sunday morning’s Baccalaureate Service.
Bratt’s XII Gates Rocks The Block In Flomaton
May 17, 2008
XII Gates “Rocked the Block” Saturday evening in Flomaton.
The band, from the First Baptist Church Bratt, took to the stage for a free outdoor contemporary Christian and Christian rock concert at the First Baptist Church of Flomaton for “Rock the Block”.
The members of XII Gates have grown up together, learned music together and have been playing in the band for about three years.
NorthEscambia.com caught up with the band at a recent practice session for the concert in the “Youth Loft” in the First Baptist Church of Bratt’s Family Life Center.
“The band is a chance for us to glorify God and have fun doing it,” lead guitarist Jeremy Bardin said.
Bassist Mathew Wilson agreed. “We get to rock people and get the Message out,” he said.
XII Gates play Christian music, and other rock songs that have a clean message. But they are not the traditional Sunday night singing Baptist church quarter. They rock. There’s just no other way to say it. And it’s loud, as good rock music should be.
Their list of musical influences is a Christian rock Top 10…Skillet, Red, Toby Mac, Sanctus Real, Kutless, Hawk Nelson, Disciple, Reliant K, Building 429, Casting Crowns and the like.
While many in the Bratt congregation have never heard of those bands and do not listen to Christian rock, they understand that XII Gates is spreading the Gospel to the next generations.
“You can worship how you want, even though there is that generation gap sometimes,” Wilson said. “I enjoy the old hymns just as much as bands like Skillet.”
“I’m thankful for the congregation and their support of XII Gates,” Bratt’s Youth Minister Tim Hawsey said. “We’ve got such a good church, and they understand that they get a little loud for the Lord sometimes.”
Sometimes XII gates goes “unplugged”, taking their contemporary sound and making it “more mellow” for congregational performances.
But for Saturday night’s “Rock the Block” in Flomaton, that was not the case.
“This is a good opportunity for a lot of youth that don’t have an introduction to Christ to come out and find out that we can play loud, have fun, just rock and still say that we are Christian,” drummer Denver Hawsey said.
Besides spreading the word about God, having fun is perhaps the most important part of XII Gates.
“We want all the youth in the area to attend,” Tim Hawsey said, “whether or not they are in church, they will enjoy the music.”
For a complete photo gallery from the Saturday concert in Flomaton, click here.
Pictured above: XII Gates at “Rock the Block” in Flomaton Saturday night. Pictured below, first photo: XII Gates from the First Baptist Church of Bratt performs in Flomaton Saturday night. NorthEscambia.com photos.
Northview Holds Performing Arts Concert
May 16, 2008
Northview High School Performing Arts presented a “Farewell Concert” Thursday night. It featured both guitar and chorus students.
The show included some folk, some jazz, some blues, some country and lot of 90’s rock, under the direction of Scott Slay.
It was called a “Farewell Concert,” Slay said, as a farewell to the seniors and to school for the summer.
Click here for a photo gallery from the concert.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
National Guard Visits Library
May 16, 2008
The Atmore unit of the Alabama National Guard visited the Century Branch Library Thursday afternoon.
Children at the library had the opportunity to learn about the National Guard’s duties and some of the ways they protect American freedom. They also had the chance to climb inside an Humvee.
For a complete photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, and submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com.
Northview NJROTC Students Take To The Seas
May 14, 2008
Northview High School’s NJROTC recently left the classroom and took to the waters around Pensacola on the USCGC Bonito.
Twenty four cadets were underway for two hours observing the operations of the 87′ Coast Guard coastal patrol boat from Pensacola NAS. They spent time on the bridge, in the engine room, in the ship’s galley and on deck.
The NHS students manned the helm and handled lines upon returning to port. They also participated in a simulated man overboard situation.
The Officer in Charge of the Bonito is BMCM Przybylski, and it has a crew of 10. The USCGC Bonito is capable of a number of missions, but its primary role on the Gulf Coast is search and rescue, combating smuggling and illegal immigration.
For a complete photo gallery, click here.
Pictured above: Northview NJRTOC students on the USCGC Bonito. Pictured below, kneeling (L-R): Deniece Jordan; Ashia Brown; Anna Baker; Thomas Walston; Tyler Garrrett; Dan Jordan; Zach Byers; Colton Kawamuara. Standing: Zach Lamb; John Waters; Willie Davis; Katie Mann; Josh Chavers; Aaron Hammond; Monica Mclain; Ryan Busbee; Charles Rolin; Will Conway; Tyler Hunter; Brantley Gardner; Jessica Bloodsworth; Miranda Scott; Clint Davis. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
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.
