Tons Of Food Collected During Annual ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ Drive
May 11, 2014
Saturday was the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, with letter carriers in Escambia County collecting tons and tons of food to benefit local groups like the Manna Food Pantries.
Manna Food Pantries received 73,485 pounds of food, with more expected to trickle in next week from Publix stores and late donations at area post offices. Saturday morning, the Manna warehouse was nearly empty after having been devastated by the flood, but by the end of the day it was nearly fully again.
North Escambia residents were generous in their giving. The Century, Jay, Molino and McDavid post offices collected a combined total of 4,004 pounds of food — 722 pounds more than last year. The Cantonment Post Office collected 10,172 pounds, up 1,484 pounds over last year.
Each year the National Association of Letter Carriers holds the “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive, where U.S. Postal Service employees pick up donations of non-perishable food along their routes.
Pictured top: Shelves restocked at Manna Food Pantries. Pictured inset and below: Letter carriers and scores of volunteers collect and sort food donations to Stamp Out Hunger Saturday. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Farm Share, Volunteers Work To Feed Flood Victims
May 11, 2014
Over 30,000 pounds of food was distributed Saturday in Cantonment to hundreds of families in need following the flooding in Escambia County.
The non-profit group Farm Share and dozens of local volunteers handed out the food items at Ransom Middle School. Those in need received food items that included pasta, breads, yogurt, cantaloupe and fresh corn.
Pictured: Volunteers load food at a Farm Share event Saturday at Ransom Middle School in Cantonment. Pictured inset: Rep. Clay Ingram helps load food into a vehicle at the event. Pictured bottom: Commissioner Steven Barry lends a hand. NorthEcambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview FFA Names Chapter Officers
May 10, 2014
The Northview High School FFA has named chapter offers for the upcoming school year.
New officers are:
- President-Haylee Weaver
- Vice-President-Bethany Reynolds
- Secretary- Courtney Weekley
- Treasurer- Moriah MaGhan
- Reporter- Tiffani Cruce
- Sentinel- Tabitha Chavers
- Public Relations- Mitchell Singleton
- Parliamentarian- Hunter Kite
- Historian- Kaitlyn Klinatland
- Chaplain – Cody Kite
- Photographer- Tamara Barrows
The new officers will be installed during the annual Northview FFA banquet on May 16.
The Northview High School FFA has been recognized as one of the top FFA chapters in the state and nation.
Pictured top: Northview FFA officers (L-R) Mitchell Singleton, Haylee Weaver and Courtney Weekley serve breakfast during a recent event at the school. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Rotary Academic All-Stars Named From Four Area Schools
May 9, 2014
The Atmore Rotary Club recognized about 150 area high school students as Academic All-Stars Thursday night.
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.
Those who have maintained this status from the 9th through the 12th grades, were honored as Four-Year Academic All-Stars (pictured top). Each senior received a $500 scholarship, while Four-Year Academic All-Stars received a $750 scholarship.
The following students were recognized Thursday night as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars:
(Four-Year Academic All-Starts are denoted with asterisks)
ATMORE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Tenth Grade
- Madelyn Boatwright
- Christopher Gehman
- Ethan Heller
- Nathan Jurjevich
Eleventh Grade
- Caleb Hochstetler
- Wesley Hostetler
- Darren Landis
Twelfth Grade
- Durrell Martin
- Travis Smith ***
ESCAMBIA ACADEMY
Ninth Grade
- Kallie Byrd
- Brandon Durant
- Jessica Franco
- Eli Godwin
- Paolo Gorme
- Bailey Lancaster
- Trae Lee
- Morgann McDonald
- Sarah Elizabeth McGill
- Abby Smith
Tenth Grade
- Noah Blue
- Saige Garrett
- Todd Lamb
- Kennedy McGhee
- Kajal Patel
- Mikayla Spruill
Eleventh Grade
- Claire Dawe
- Garrett Kirk
- Natalie Lassiter
- Auden Lassiter
- Anna Catherine Sasser
- Nate Smith
- Lindsey Weatherford
Twelfth Grade
- Abby Akins ***
- Tucker Boatwright
- Grayson Emmons
- Tristan McAnally
- Peyton Snider
- Sarah Weatherford ***
- Allison Woods
ESCAMBIA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Ninth Grade
- Jayla Janae Adams-Davis
- Jade Alexandria Adams
- Deandre Cordale Barron
- Anthony Beckham
- Chille’ Devonta Ford
- Tydaiza Lacute Gamble
- Stephen David Gehman
- Tyranie Alyvia Henderson
- Derik Andrew Kidd
- Triston Jamal Knott
- Melea Sierra Dawn McGhee
- Maliyah Dashe Milton
- Justin Wayne Pearson
- Ariel Nichole Whatley
- Derrion Dequan Williams
Tenth Grade
- Daniel Allen Currie III
- Devante Raekwon Dailey
- Daniel Tyler Weaver
Eleventh Grade
- Dominique Beckham
- Alexis Clark
- Ashley English
- Rodrick Felder
- Robert Henderson
- Lyricia Johnson
- Raven Lewis
- Christin Simpkins
12th Grade
- Malcolm Black
- Tristen Boothe ***
- Vanessa Cuenca
- Alexis Moorer
- Annah Nichols ***
- Larry Pugh
- Matthew Quimby ***
- Moeshia Salter
- Davontae Walker
NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Ninth Grade
- Autumn Grace Albritton
- Alyssa Brianna Borelli
- Peighton Danielle Dortch
- Jewel Regina Garner
- Emily Michelle Heard
- Adrian Daniel King
- Brandon Edward Korinchak
- Kaitlyn Nicole Pugh
- Mitchell James Singleton
- Brianna Morgan Smith
- Jessica Lauren Stacey
- Jada Mona Tucker
- Chelsea Ann Waters
- David Conrad Weber
- Hadley Marie Woodfin
Tenth Grade
- Jessica Kathryn Amerson
- Lawrence CW Douglas
- Leah Grace Fischer
- Jordan Noelle Helmken
- Abbie Elizabeth Johnson
- Trevor Dale Levins
- Moriah Renee’ McGahan
- Jason Andrew Perritt
- Bethany Cheyenne Reynolds
- Savanna Brianne Roux
- Jordan Caroline Taylor
- David Franklin Thorpe
- Harmoni Faith Till
- Haylee Alease Weaver
- Madison Paige Weber
- Courtney Bryce Weekley
Eleventh Grade
- Penny Nicole Banda
- Joshua Joseph Borelli
- Tristan Taylor Brown
- Megan Paige Bryan
- Kristen Renae Byrd
- Kendal Brooke Cobb
- Holly Merlice Cofield
- Austin Blake Cunningham
- Kyndall Lauren Hall
- Julie Beth Hester
- Adrianna Dawn Lee
- Jessica Leigh McCullough
- Aaron Thomas McDonald
- Mallory Mason Ryan
- Rachel Caroline Sepulveda
- Samantha Elizabeth Sharpless
- Rickey Heath Smith
- Kelton Joe Wooten
Twelfth Grade
- Madison Brooke Arrington
- Kevin Matthew Barrow
- Kasie Lee Braun ***
- Skye Lynn Brown
- Audrey Leigh Byrd
- Katelynne Nicole Calloway
- Kira Nerys Cartwright
- Lana Leigh Clayton
- Mashama Ashaki-Kai Codrington
- Morgan Nicole Digmon
- Anna Elizabeth Donald ***
- Anna Elizabeth Fischer
- Marina Nikol Gray
- Tamara Maria Green
- Rebecca Lynn Grim
- Courtney Lynn Jones
- Chloe Vanessa Leonard
- Alexandria Nicole Martin
- Tiffani Nichole Pritchett
- Caitlyn Christine Rigby
- Hilery Danielle Scott
- Courtney Yvonne Solari ***
- Lauryn Elizabeth Walker
- Courtney Alexandra Weaver ***
- Victoria Anne Wright ***
Inspirational Student Heroes To Be Honored Tonight
May 8, 2014
The annual Inspirational Student Hero Awards were presented Thursday night at the University of West Florida.
Cox Communications recognized 45 students from Escambia County who have overcome extreme challenges in life, such as mental or physical disabilities, severe medical conditions, language barriers or family adversity.
The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school. During the event, Cox presented the students with an engraved medallion and certificates of honor from Cox. Congressman Jeff Miller’s office was also be on hand to recognize the students with a certificate.
“Each of the students being recognized is an inspiration to us all. They have shown enduring perseverance, inner strength and courage of character to rise above significant challenges and bring encouragement to others,” stated Jacqui Vines, senior vice president and general manager of Cox Southeast. “It is truly my honor to pay tribute to these student heroes.”
Listed below are the 2014 Cox Inspirational Student Heroes Award winners for Escambia County.
Bellview Elementary — Crystal Hassell
Bellview Middle — Samuel Lyons
Beulah Elementary — Lauren Williams
Blue Angels Elementary — Noah Anderson
Bratt Elementary — Leila Tuberville
Brown Barge Middle — DaJohn Jamison
Byrneville Elementary — Joseph Franklin
C.A. Weis Elementary — Gary Ford
Cordova Park Elementary — Kaleia Richard
Ensley Elementary — Rodnesha English
Escambia High — Josh Wilhelm
Escambia Charter — Brandon Grandison
Ferry Pass Elementary — Alexandra Ceballos
Ferry Pass Middle — Trenton Faulkner
Global Learning Academy — Mikel Jones
Hellen Caro Elementary — Anthony Fisher
Holm Elementary — Cole Oglesby
Jacqueline Harris Prep — Jordan Shipp
Jim Allen Elementary — Molly McArthur
Jim Bailey Middle — Fredricka Walker
Lincoln Park Elementary — Kewaun Hays
Longleaf Elementary — Trinity Smith
McArthur Elementary — James Gray
Montclair Elementary — JaBrea Darnes
Myrtle Grove Elementary — Maxim Houser
N.B. Cook Elementary — Alysa Larsen
Navy Point Elementary — Malachi Durant
Northview High — Kelsie Hudson
O.J. Semmes Elementary — Adrianna Hedrick
Oakcrest Elementary — Antoine Banks
Pensacola High — Samuel Waz
Pine Forest High — Tyler Brady
Pine Meadow Elementary — Alexander Nicholson
Pleasant Grove Elementary — LillyMae Goodman
R. C. Lipscomb Elementary — Hakeem McCreary
Ransom Middle — Kameron Armour
Scenic Heights Elementary — My Nguyen
Sherwood Elementary — Tay’Shun Lewis
Tate High — Logan Hunter
Warrington Elementary — Laniya Thompson
Warrington Middle — Tavaius Dawson
Washington High — Coco Atwood
West Pensacola Elementary — Tyson Reeves, Jr.
Woodham Middle — Brianna Ortiz
Workman Middle — Parker Darling
Cantonment Church Conducting Toy Drive For Flood Victims
May 7, 2014
Pine Forest Assembly in Cantonment is conducting a toy and backpack drive for the youngest victims of the recent flooding.
Backpacks and toys small enough to fit inside of backpacks are being collected at Pine Forest Assembly of God, 3125 Pine Forest Road from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., Monday-Friday.
“As I continued to think about the families who have lost all of their belongings, God placed the children on my heart. Sometimes we forget about the little ones and the impact that these kinds of disasters have on them,” said Pine Forest Assembly Children’s Pastor Heather Murphy. “Knowing that most families do not have a home to store items, I am asking for smaller toys that can fit inside of a backpack.”
For more information, contact Heather Murphy at (850) 476-1378.
Just For Kids: Summer Flowers At The Century Library
May 7, 2014
A “Summer Flowers” program will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Century Branch Library.
Participants will enjoy a great story about summer. Cookies and treats will be served and children will also plant a summer flower in a pot to take home.
The Century Branch Library is located at 7991 North Century Boulevard, next to the Century Town Hall.
Walker Awarded Tommy Weaver Memorial Scholarship
May 6, 2014
Northview High School senior Lauryn Walker has been awarded the Tommy Weaver Memorial Scholarship.
She will receive $500 upon enrollment in college. Applicants were required to fill out a brief application and write an essay explaining why the scholarship was important to them and how it would make it possible for them to continue their education.
Walker was awarded the scholarship recently during the annual Northview DCT banquet. The scholarship fund was established in memory of Tommy Weaver, DCT/Ag instructor and assistant coach who passed away in March 2012.
Pictured top: Tommy Weaver Memorial Scholarship Lauryn Walker with Northview Principal Gayle Weaver. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Gallery: Shrek The Musical
May 5, 2014
Northview High School presented two performances of Shrek the Musical over the weekend. The musical was based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks film that started it all, bringing the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on stage.
The production starred Cory Hester as Shrek, Anna Donald as Fiona, Kendrick Walker as Donkey, Kent Smith as Farquaad and host of other Northview students.
For a photo gallery, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Flood Washes Away Bristol Park; Memories And Spirits Stay High
May 4, 2014
Bristol Park Road was nearly quiet, strangely peaceful late Thursday afternoon. The sound of a few generators, a little hammering and even a little laughter from neighbors gathered on a lawn.
Just a few hours before, the neighborhood had been the scene of a hellish nightmare for residents and rescuers as heavy rains sent people scurrying into their attics to avoid rising flood waters. At first, the normally peaceful creek behind their homes began to lap at thresholds before entering uninvited and to the surprise of most residents. Important items were saved, albeit very temporarily, by moving them to higher spots around the home — the couch, the top of the fridge. But the water became a raging river, rising and rising, consuming worldly possessions and leaving some residents to question their own mortality.
Dozens were rescued in boats by first responders and volunteers alike. Many times, rescuers were forced to cut their way into attics to rescue men, women and children.
Most were quiet, very methodical as they toted a lifetime of possessions to the curb. A bedroom dresser looked very normal, nearly off the showroom floor new, as it sat on the sidewalk. But it’s contents were held tightly inside by the wet swollen wood, the homeowner forced to use crowbar to pry open drawers. Couches, mattresses, bedroom suites, dining tables, refrigerators — all the usual household contents — were piled high up and down the road.
But it was some of the smallest items in the trash piles that quietly told the biggest stories. A “Christmas 2007″ ornament amongst the soaked Christmas decor that held happy stories of many a Christmas morning. Prom pictures from days, and hairstyles, gone by, next to a bagged cap and gown and a “Snowflake 1990″ Christmas bear. The things of memories decades ago destroyed.
The piles were endless on the curb at almost every house. Wet, drippy sheet rock and the entire contents of every home. One house was different….the household items were piled in the side yard, not by the road for pickup. Perhaps a little hope that everything could simply dry, be put back inside, and everything would be the same. Perhaps an optimist, perhaps a dreamer. Perhaps it was just a little too hard to say goodbye to everything.
Sewage bubbled and gurgled into the street from a manhole, the stench drifting along in the cooling late evening air. Night was settling in on a neighborhood united by great loss and sorrow, their dreams and memories washed away.
At a nearby Publix, a woman stood near the checkouts, her face telling a story worth volumes as she broke into tears. It’s going to be a long, tough recovery for the area.
By Saturday, the Bristol Park neighborhood was different. The shock was gone, reality had settled in for many. It was no longer the quiet, surreal feeling of shortly after the flood.
At a town hall meeting, residents expressed concerns about “looters” — outsiders seen as criminals going through the neighborhood loading up items like appliances from the trash piles and hauling them off. The “looters” were a real concern for many residents. Sure the items were out for a trash pickup, almost a proper burial, but something about the idea of taking away your lifetime of possessions as their own was just wrong. A deputy told residents that items on the roadway are considered “abandoned property” and that there was nothing the Sheriff’s Office could do to stop them.
ECUA board member Larry Walker told residents that ECUA would begin pickups of the trash and debris bright and early Sunday morning, continuing until the area was clean.
Bristol Park was a hustle and bustle of wall to wall activity Saturday. Churches, aid groups and well-meaning individuals flood packed the street between the mountains of household items and wet carpet and sheet rock. They passed out cleaning supplies, helped tote debris, provided food and even a shoulder to cry on.
Saturday was a return trip to the Bristol Park neighborhood for Brennan Moore and Tim Stewart of Tag’ Tail (TNT) Charters. Both captains used their boats to rescue trapped residents during the flood. Saturday, they were joined by friends and volunteers to cook and serve over 60 whole chickens, 40 Boston butts, 40 racks of ribs and 200 pounds of fish.
“”They don’t have power and they don’t have anywhere to go. They don’t have anywhere to cook. So, if we come out here and we cook and come here and do what we need to do and they’re fed for the day,” Moore said. “It just makes me feel like the Lord has put me in the place today where he wants me and this is where I need to be.”
Pictured top: Sewage bubbles onto Bristol Park Road Thursday afternoon. Pictured top inset: A rescue hole cut into an attic. Pictured inset: A soaked prom photo and Christmas bear placed out with the contents of a house for trash pickup. Pictured lower inset: Household contents piled outside homes. Pictured lower inset and below: A free meal provided by volunteers on Saturday. (Saturday photos credit Linda Craft.) NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
