Nine Local Students Named Florida FFA 2025 State Degree Candidates
April 8, 2025
Florida FFA on Monday announced the named of nine local students who applied and have been selected as a candidate to receive the coveted State FFA.
The State FFA Degree is the highest honor bestowed upon any regular member of the Florida FFA Association. Each candidate will be recognized and will receive their degree on the main stage during the 5th General Session of the 97th Florida FFA Convention and Expo at the Caribe Royale in Orlando this June.
The 2025 State Degree candidates from North Escambia are:
Tate High School
- Kaydon Biggs
- Blakely Campbell
- Christian Hollingsworth
- Brooke Hoomes
- Phoenix Myrick
- Ellen Rigby
Northview High School
- Jackson Bridges
- Tyler Gilmore
- Andrew Manning
Tate Showband Members Receive Superiors At State Solo And Ensemble
April 5, 2025
Several members of the Tate High School Showband of the South received a superior rating for their performance at the State Solo and Ensemble last weekend in Tallahassee.
Senior:
- Jax Hardnack
- Brooklyn Summerlin
Junior:
- Carter Hayden
Freshman:
- Mason Soto
- Kendra McDonald
- Gracie Ferlo
- Jaren Ridgon
Not pictured: Jax Hardnack and Brooklyn Summerlin. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
April 4, 2025
Ransom Middle School recently announced their February Students Of The Month. They are seventh graders Ryot Futral and Jefferson Trahan. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Choirs Receive Superior Ratings At District 1 Assessment
April 3, 2025
Members of Tate High School’s Vocal Ensemble received an all superior rating, and students in the Cantus SSAA choir received an overall superior rating in the District 1 Choral Music Performance Assessment held at First Baptist Church of Pensacola recently.
Students are judged on stage performance by three adjudicators and on melodic and rhythmic sight-reading by one adjudicator.
Tate High was one of 11 out of 29 participating school choral programs to receive superior ratings in District 1 and the only school in Escambia County to achieve the honor.
Pictured: Tate High School’s Vocal Ensemble (above) and Cantus SSAA choir (below). Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Recognizes Presidential Physical Fitness Test Winners
April 3, 2025
Byrneville Elementary School recently recognized their Presidential Physical Fitness Test Winners.
They are:
- Standing Long Jump: Jamarion Simpson
- Flexed Arm Hang: Kolin Rogers
- 40 Yard Dash: Jamarion Simpson
- Pro Agility Drill: Jagger Scott
- 300 Yard Shuttle Run: Kolin Rogers
- Sit and Reach: Lyla McDowell
- Sit-ups: Kolin Rogers
- Shuttle Run: Corbin Strawbridge
- Overall Champion: Kolin Rogers
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Here Are The Complete GCA & NRYO Livestock Show Results
April 1, 2025
The 2025 GCA & NRYO Livestock Show last Saturday showcased outstanding talent and dedication from participants across multiple categories.
For more photos. click here.
Here are the highlights from this year’s show:
Market Steer
Grand Champion: Malarie Cooper
Reserve Champion: Jack Trejo
Market Steer Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Jack Trejo
2nd: Gracie Oliver
3rd: Abbie Trejo
Intermediates:
1st: Malarie Cooper
2nd: Ella Gilmore
3rd: Aiden Jacobi
Preview Steer
Grand Champion: Malarie Cooper
Reserve Champion: Ella Gilmore
Preview Steer Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Aimee Richardson
2nd: A. T. Bridgers
3rd: Brooke Hoomes
Intermediates:
1st: Malarie Cooper
2nd: Ella Gilmore
3rd: Aiden Jacobi
Juniors:
1st: Blakely Cooper
2nd: Bailey Sullivan
Beef Breeding
Grand Champion Angus: Ella Gilmore
Grand Champion Brangus: Charlotte Trejo
Reserve Champion Brangus: Abbie Trejo
Grand Champion Gelbvieh: Mallory Mahoney
Grand Champion Simmental: Everett Anderson
Grand Champion Registered: Charlotte Trejo
Reserve Champion Registered: Ella Gilmore
Grand Champion Commercial: Heaven Pierce
Reserve Champion Commercial: Blakely Cooper
Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair: Marlee McElhaney
Reserve Champion Cow/Calf Pair: Bailey Sullivan
Supreme Champion: Heaven Pierce
Reserve Supreme Champion: Blakely Cooper
Beef Breeding Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Bailey Sullivan
2nd: Blakely Cooper
3rd: Heaven Pierce
Intermediates:
1st: Ella Gilmore
2nd: Charlotte Trejo
3rd: Mallory Mahoney
Seniors:
1st: Abbie Trejo
2nd: Grace Oliver
3rd: Tanner Wolfe
Market Swine
Grand Champion: Jessie Joyner
Reserve Champion: Emma Bowman
Market Swine Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: A.T. Bridgers
2nd: Aubrey Williams
3rd: Addisyn Ward
Intermediates:
1st: Rylie Gibbs
2nd: Jesse McElhaney
3rd: Louis Hartjen
Juniors:
1st: Marlee McElhaney
2nd: Ryann Gibbs
3rd: Blakely Cooper
Dairy Goats
Grand Champion: Aimee Jones
Reserve Champion: Isabella Seevers
Meat Breeding Goats
Grand Champion: Kailey Hawkins
Reserve Champion: Canon Gunter
Market Goat
Grand Champion: Andrew Richardson
Reserve Champion: Aimee Richardson
Preview Meat Goat
Grand Champion: Kailey Hawkins
Market Lamb
Grand Champion: Cheyenne Armstrong
Dairy Goat Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Isabella Seevers
2nd: Kailey Hawkins
Intermediates:
1st: Aubree Jones
2nd: Journi Edwards
3rd: Sophie Edwards
Juniors:
1st: Carly Jones
Meat Goat Showmanship
Seniors:
1st: Aimee Richardson
2nd: Kailey Hawkins
3rd: Isabella Seevers
Intermediates:
1st: Sawyer Lovett
Juniors:
1st: Andrew Richardson
Lamb Showmanship
Intermediates:
1st: Cheyenne Armstrong
Poultry and Rabbit Show Results
Chick Chain Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Emerson Salter
2nd: Abby Hayes
3rd: Kaylee Mendoza
Intermediates:
1st: Braxton Williams
2nd: Izzy Hayes
3rd: Rebecca DeCoux
4th: Angie “Lainey” Dunsford
Seniors:
1st: Nathan Carter
2nd: Kaiden Hall
3rd: Hannah Jerkins
4th: Anniston Smith
Open Poultry Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Abby Hayes
2nd: Lucy Hill
3rd: Jayce Malecki
Intermediates:
1st: Zoe Cain
2nd: Makenna Overman
3rd: Hayden Helm
4th: Kinsleigh Robinson
5th: Marley Slack
6th: Blake Butler
7th: Gabriel Lang
8th: Luci Graham
9th: Trinity Mangan
10th: Olivia Bramlett
Seniors:
1st: Luke Graham
2nd: Taylor Anderson
3rd: Phoenix Myrick
4th: Christian Hollingsworth
5th: Curtis Dalton Smith
Grand Champion Chick Chain: Braxton Williams
Reserve Champion Chick Chain: Cole Watson
Reserve Barred Rock: Izzy Hayes
Reserve Buff Orpington: Abby Hayes
Grand Champion Open Poultry: Riley Chancery
Reserve Champion Open Poultry: Taylor Anderson
Rabbit Showmanship
Juniors:
1st: Carly Jones
2nd: Easton Shiver
3rd: Eli Shiver
Intermediates:
1st: Braxton Williams
2nd: Addyson Creighton
3rd: Rebecca DeCoux
Seniors:
1st: Rhylie Upton
2nd: Addisyn Ward
3rd: Lacey Reeves
Best of Show: Easton Shiver
Best Opposite: Olivia Garvin
Reserve Best of Show: Eva Loredo
Reserve Best Opposite: Braxton Williams
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Tate High School Chaparrals Place Second At Orlando Winter Guard Regionals
March 30, 2025
The Tate High School Chaparrals earned second place in the recent the Orlando Winter Guard International (WGI) Regional Competition in the Scholastic Regional A Classification.
“Competing against top color guard programs, the Chaparrals showcased their dedication, precision, and artistry, standing out among elite teams from Florida, Texas, and Indiana,” Tate Director of Bands Ronald Gray said.
WGI competitions bring together some of the most talented high school color guards in the nation, making this achievement a testament to the hard work and commitment of the Tate Chaparrals and their instructors, Gray added. Please join us in congratulating Briana Benito – Guard Director, Tabitha Dampson – Assistant Guard Director, and the Chaparrals members Emily Roberson, Hailey Locke, Keelin Guzman, Madison Hatcher, and Summerlyn Gaugler.
The team is under the leadership of Guard Director Briana Benito and Assistant Guard Director Tabitha Dampson, along with team members Emily Roberson, Hailey Locke, Keelin Guzman, Madison Hatcher, and Summerlyn Gaugler.
Looking ahead, the 2025 Rookie Camp for all incoming new members, color guard and winter guard auditions, and percussion auditions will begin on May 6. For additional details, visit the Showband of the South Facebook page or email Ronald Gray at Rgray1@ecsdfl.us.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Elementary Students Honored As Shining Stars
March 26, 2025
WSRE recently hosted the Shining Star Awards, honoring outstanding fifth grade students who have demonstrated exemplary citizenship and leadership, as well as demonstrating the core values of the Escambia County School District.
This was the 28th year that WSRE hosted this awards ceremony, previously with the Greater Escambia Community Foundation and now in partnership with the Escambia County Principals Association which raised the funds to purchase bicycles and also coordinated the event.
Each Shining Star student received a certificate and a brand-new bicycle.
For a photo gallery with additional photos with North Escambia students, click here.
The Shining Star award winners were:
A. K. Suter — Ja’Michael McCastle
Bellview — Adalyn Robinson
Beulah — Carly Jones
Blue Angels — Major Suggs
Bratt — Amahl Atallah
Brentwood — Conner Spratt
Byrneville — Kolin Rogers
C.A. Weis — Sarah Zaremba
Cordova Park — William Sherrill
Ensley — Daniel Cano Gutierrez
Ferry Pass — Harper Miller
Global Learning Academy — Yaretzy Alvarez
Hellen Caro — Ava Pope
Holm — Cameron Steele
Jim Allen — Chipper “Drew” Haney
Kingsfield — Aiden Barnhill
L.D McArthur — Alyson Le
Lincoln Park — Lemuel Ade Taku
Lipscomb — Kensley Adkisson
Longleaf — Elan Thompson
Molino Park — Emilee Marlow
Montclair — Fiona Hop
Myrtle Grove — Sarenity Rowe
N.B. Cook — Kelsie Barnhardt
Navy Point — Maria Guevera-Garcia
O.J. Semmes — Hope Johnson
Oakcrest — Sophia Perez Virola
Pensacola Beach — Jace Davis
Pine Meadow — Vance Beeks
Pleasant Grove — Eva Cunningham
Scenic Heights — Zachary Goodyear
Sherwood — Damion Felger
Warrington — Willow Turner
West Pensacola — Henry Ezell
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High Wind Ensemble Achieves Straight Superior Ratings
March 25, 2025
The Tate High School Wind Ensemble achieved a straight superior rating at the District 1 Music Performance Assessment (MPA) earlier this month at Fort Walton Beach High School based upon their dedication, musicianship, and hard work of the students and directors. A member of the Tate color guard also earned a superior rating.
As a result of their success, the wind ensemble will perform at the State Concert Band Evaluation on April 29, 2025,at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. Performance times and additional details will be announced as soon as they become available.
In addition to this success, six Tate High School students have qualified to perform at the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) State Solo Evaluation in Tallahassee on Saturday, March 29, at Leon High School. These talented musicians earned a superior rating on a Grade 5 or higher solo at the district evaluation.
Those band students are:
- Carter Hayden
- Mason Soto
- Kendra McDonald
- Gracie Ferlo
- Jax Hardnack
- Jaren Ridgon
In addition, Tate High color guard member Brooklyn Summerlin will perform at the Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA) Solo Evaluation.
The Tate High School Jazz Ensembles will also take the stage at Troy University’s Mic Check Conference April 24-25. This event is a significant opportunity for students to showcase their talents with top ensembles from across the region. Students will also have the chance to participate in master classes led by professional performers and theTroy University jazz faculty.
“The Tate High School Music Department extends its gratitude to the students, parents, and supporters who continue to champion the arts and music education,” Tate High Director of Bands Ronald Gray, Jr. said.
Ernest Ward Middle Names Students, Employee Of The Month
March 23, 2025
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their employee and student of the month for February. (L-R) Pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger are students Connor Weekley, sixth grade; Sawyer Odom, seventh grade; and Shelby Riffenburg; and Kevin Knowles, science teacher and coach. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.