Tate High School Orchestra Makes History At The State Level
May 25, 2016
The Tate High School Orchestra recently made history at the state level.
Tate High School’s orchestra performed The Odyssey by Soon Hee Newbold, Legends by Lorris Chobanian, and Odessa by David Bobrowitz.
“Our music selections really inspired our hard work. The story of Odysseus is musically portrayed in The Odyssey. I was thrilled to discover that a lot of our orchestra members are mythology buffs, who shared with us the details of Odysseus’s long and arduous journey,” said Catherine McConnell, Tate High’s orchestra instructor.
“This background knowledge made the technical details a lot more fun to master: the 16th note chromatic runs that portrayed stormy winds, the col legno bowing (striking the string with the stick of the bow) that built up ominous suspense, and muted sections that made his heartbreaking journey feel very personal.”
Tate musicians also performed three movements of Legends: “Mystic Breeze,” “Leprechauns,” and “The Wishing Well,” a unique piece with moments of intense sadness, contrasted sharply by the fast, amazing pizzicato movement in “Leprechauns,” that makes the fictitious creatures come alive.
Their final piece Odessa, portrayed the bustling port city in Ukraine on the Black Sea.
“Dr. Leonid Yanovskiy, the concert master of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra coached the first violins. He shared with all of us his first-hand knowledge that Odessa is a fast-paced, metropolitan city much like New York City,” added McConnell. “That helped us understand and communicate the lively, energetic music of this exciting piece.”
The months of hard work and the coaching paid off for the orchestra’s members. Fifty-one high school orchestras from across the state competed, and Tate High was one of only nine orchestras who received straight Superior ratings from the judges.
“We could not have done it alone! A lot of work goes into solidifying the musical details of these pieces. The Tate Orchestra has benefited from our partnership with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, which is an educational outreach program that the PSO established with my orchestra programs this year, both at Ransom Middle and Tate High,” McConnell said.
The musicians from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra worked closely with McCaonnell to coach the students in each section of the orchestra, helped them fine tune their musicianship, and gave the students a greater appreciation for the professional musicians in our community.
“Our success at State truly reflects the culmination of time, talent, and financial support from our dedicated Tate High Orchestra students and families, our school district, and our community,” McConnell said.
Learn About Container Gardening At The Molino Library
May 25, 2016
Area residents can learn to grow a container garden Friday with Escambia County Extension and the Master Gardener volunteers.
Adults and youth can learn about containers, soils and plants to make a small, but beautiful living display.
The program will be at 10:30 Friday morning at the Molino Branch Library in the Molino Community Complex, 6450-A Highway 95A. There will be a few plants, while they last, for participants to take home.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle Students Build Tetrahedral What-A-Kite
May 24, 2016
What do you get when you combine several hundred giant Whataburger drink straws, tissue paper, Elmer’s glue and string (lots of string)? If you are one of Louis O’Rear’s 130 science students at Ransom Middle School, you get a giant 64-cell tetrahedral Whataburger kite.
“We flew it in every class today,” O’Rear said Monday. “I flew it with each class to show them that it doesn’t matter how large you build it, as long as you stay true to the tetrahedral shape, geometrically.”
It is perhaps more challenging than it sounds. Tying the smaller tetrahedral kites in a very specific geometric arrangement is a bit difficult. “There are 63 ways to attach them wrong, and only one way to attach them correctly,” he said.
There was a one little problem flying the kite Monday…there was no wind. But middle school students and Ransom track stars didn’t mind a little running to get the kite into the air.
And just in case you forgot middle school geometry – a tetrahedron is a polyhedron composed of four triangular faces, six straight edges, and four vertex corners. The tetrahedron is the simplest of all the ordinary convex polyhedra and the only one that has fewer than five faces.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Demolition Of Former Century High School Continues As Memorial Is Planned
May 24, 2016
Work is continuing on the demolition of the former Century High School on Hecker Road due to tornado damage, as plans are being made to memorialize Black Cat memories with a monument.
During the EF-3 tornado that struck Century on February 15, the main potion of the old high school was heavily damaged, with windows broken and window frames pushed inward. The Kayo Stanton Football Stadium, including the press box, was also structurally damaged.
Bricks from the school, along with a flagpole and monument, are being salvaged. The bricks will be sold, engraved and place at a monument to the school at a location yet to be determined, but likely the Alger-Sullivan Historical Park, the Nadine McCaw Park or Showalter Park. The town has formed a committee to decide how to use the bricks and memorialize the old Century High School. The committee’s next meeting is tentatively set for 6 p.m. on June 7 at the Century Chamber of Commerce office.
The main Century High School school building was constructed in 1937. Century High School closed 20 years ago after being merged with Ernest Ward High School in Walnut Hill to form the current Northview High School.
Pictured top and bottom: Looking toward the tornado-damaged Kayo Stanton Stadium. Pictured below: Work continues to demolish the former Century High School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Class Of 2016 Holds Baccalaureate Service (With Gallery)
May 23, 2016
The Northview High School Class of 2016 held their Baccalaureate service Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
“Make an intentional effort to include God in all your plans,” guest speaker Rev. Glenn Weber said during the student-led program. “I believe God has planted a dream or a vision or a plan in each of your hearts.”
You have to learn to go through the growing process o get where you want to be in life,” Weber said.
The program also included scripture, prayer and music provide by the Northview Senior Class Ensemble.
Graduation for the Northview High School Class of 2016 will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at the school.
Pictured: The Northview High School Class of 2016 Baccalaureate service Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church of Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Chandler Awarded Gandy Memorial Scholarship
May 23, 2016
Kelsi Rae Chandler has been named the winner of this year’s Gandy Memorial Scholarship.
With a grade point average of 3.71 at Flomaton High School, Chandler has played varsity softball, including summer travel softball, volleyball and basketball since middle school. She also participates in weightlifting.
She has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, FFA, Students Against Drunk Drivers, Beta Club, Student Council Association, and Academic All-stars. In her extra time, she is a member of the youth group at Little Escambia Baptist Church and is an active member of the Alger Sullivan Historical Society and the Keith Cabin Foundation Museum.
Chandler has participated in the Coastal Cleanup for Escambia Creek, activities with the Panhandle Historic Preservation alliance, and was recently named Miss Flomaton High School for 2015. She wrote that her grandfather, Don Sales, has been instrumental in fostering her love for both sports and nature, and he is the one who taught her that “If you want to be good, there is no such thing as an off-season”.
The Solon Lee Gandy Memorial Scholarship was established in 2008 in memory of Solon Gandy, a 1990 Flomaton High School graduate. Solon was a member of the 1988 Flomaton High School State Baseball Championship team and was a four-year member of the high school Hurricane football team. This scholarship was established to help foster the love of nature and sports in a deserving Flomaton and /or a Jay senior. The scholarship was started by Solon’s father, Coach Bill Gandy, who passed away of cancer in 2015.
Pictured: Solon Gandy’s mother and retired Flomaton High School English teacher, Ms. Brenda Godwin and Kelsi Chandler. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge
Danceworks Holds Recital (With Photo Gallery)
May 23, 2016
Hundreds attended Heather Leonard’s Danceworks annual recital Saturday night at Northview High School.
For hundreds of photos, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students Of The Month
May 22, 2016
Ernest Ward Middle School has named Students of the Month. The March Students of the Month, pictured above, are Jaden Lewis, sixth grade; Jayden Jackson, seventh grade; Cloe Smith, eighth grade. The April Students of the Month, pictured below, are Sarius Davis, sixth grade; Andrianna Cooper, seventh grade; Raleigh Woodfin, eighth grade. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com click to enlarge.
Top Achievers Honored During Annual Northview FFA Banquet
May 22, 2016
The Northview High School FFA held their annual banquet Friday night.
The event includes a somber retirement ceremony for six of the chapter’s graduating senior officers as they slowly removed their signature FFA blue jackets for the last time.
The night also included many awards for Northview FFA members and supporters. The Northview High School FFA has been continuously honored as a top chapter in Florida and the nation.
Awards and honors presented included:
General Awards
- Extemporaneous Public Speaking Career Development Event – Haylee Weaver
- Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event – Mitchell Singleton
- Parliamentary Procedure – Courtney Weekley, Haylee Weaver, Bethany Reynolds, Moriah McGahan, Mitchell Singleton, Kaitlyn Kleinatland and Brandon Korinchak.
- Safe Tractor Operations – Cody Kite, Courtney Weekley
- Livestock Evaluation and Selection Career Development Event – Courtney Weekley, Haylee Weaver, Donnie Dixon, Mitchell Singleton, Cole Hassebrock, and Emma Fennell.
- Horse Evaluation – Bethany Reynolds, Tamara Barrows, Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Zack Steele, and Destiny Braddock
- GCA/NRYO Beef production and showmanship – Haylee Weaver
- GCA/NRYO Hog show – Wesley Hardin
- Forestry Team – Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Cole Hassebrock, Tamara Barrows, Grady Rigby, Katie Buford.
- Florida State FFA Convention and Expo attendees – Haylee Weaver, Courtney Weekley, Mitchell Singleton, Bethany Reynolds, Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Brandon Korinchak, Donnie Dixon, Emma Fennell, and Tamara Barrows.
Chapter Leadership Awards – Haylee Weaver, Mitchell Singleton, Bethany Reynolds, Courtney Weekley, Tamara Barrows, Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Tabitha Chavers, Brandon Korinchak, Donnie Dixon, Cody Kite , Breanna Campbell, Emma Fennell.
Blue and Gold Awards – Cole Hassebrock, Troy Stuckey
Outstanding Freshman and Star Greenhand – Density Braddock
Outstanding Sophomore – Donnie Dixon
Outstanding Junior – Mitchell Singleton
Outstanding Senior/Dekalb Agriculture Accomplishment Award – Haylee Weaver
High Point Award- Haylee Weaver- Plaque, Rotating Plaque and $100
Tommy Weaver Memorial Scholarship – Haylee Weaver
Glynn Key Ruritan Scholarship – Haylee Weaver
Jamie Hall Memorial Scholarship – Haylee Weaver
Northview FFA Alumni Scholarship — Kaitlyn Kleinatland, Courtney Weekley, Haylee Weaver
Agriscience FFA Honor Cords – Bethany Reynolds, Courtney Weekley, Haylee Weaver
Agricultural Education Services and Technology (AEST) Certification – Trevor Levins, Hunter Kite, Joel Gunter, Donnie Dixon, Levi Soloman, Julian Satterwhite, Cole Hassebrock.
Retiring Officers
Photographer – Breanna Campbell
Treasurer – Tamara Barrows
Secretary – Courtney Weekley
Reporter – Kaitlyn Kleinatland
2nd Vice President – Bethany Reynolds
President – Haylee Weaver
Honorary Members
Cathy Hardin
Barrineau Park Historical Society
Jacky and Sharon Cunningham
Jimmy Cunningham
Lydia Weaver
Pictured top: FFA honors graduates Lydia Weaver, Courtney Weekley and Bethany Reynolds. Pictured below: New FFA honorary members Jacky and Sharon Cunningham, Jimmy Cunningham, Lydia Weaver and Cathy Hardin. Pictured bottom: President and senior Haylee Weaver with her retirement address as teacher advisor Perry Byars listens. Pictured inset: Second Vice President and senior Bethany Reynolds. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Two Honored For Saving Deputy After Beulah Crash
May 21, 2016
A deputy and a citizen have been recognized “for displaying exceptional courage and selflessness in the midst of great personal danger” and actions that saved the life of another deputy following a traffic crash last month in Beulah.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Deputy Hector Escajeda, 31, was southbound on Beulah Road April 11 when he ran a stop sign at Mobile Highway and collided with a Dodge pickup driven by Jon Yvarra, 58, of Pensacola. After the collision, the deputy’s 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe caught on fire.
Senior Deputy Robert Guy and civilian Craig Morado removed Deputy Escajeda from the vehicle as he was non-responsive and the vehicle was on fire. Escajeda was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and is recovering from his injuries.
Friday, Escambia County Sheriff Davis Morgan awarded Guy a Medal of Courage and Lifesaving Medal, and Morado received a Medal of Courage.
Yvarra and his passengers – Patricia Yvarra, 57; Damen Hadder, 12; James Hadder 13; and Christian Hadder, 10, were all transported to area hospitals with serious injuries. There has been no update on their conditions.
Pictured top: Sheriff David Morgan presents medals to Senior Deputy Robery Guy (left) and civilian Craig Morado Friday; courts photos/ Pictured inset and below: The April 11 accident scene; NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
