Ransom Bands, Orchestra Earn Superior Ratings
March 16, 2014
The Ransom Middle School music program has recently earned several superior ratings.
The Ransom Middle School Symphonic and Concert bands received superiors at a band competition last week at Pensacola High School. And the Ransom Middle Orchestra III recently earned an overall superior rating in the annual Music Performance Assessment at Lawton Chiles High School in Tallahassee.
Wearing Gold: The Blue Angels Return To The Skies
March 16, 2014
The Blue Angels — wearing “throwback” gold flight suits — commence their pre-flight walkdown at the first Blue Angel flight demonstration of the 2014 air show season Saturday at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif. Throughout the Blue Angels’ history, the gold flight suit has been worn to commemorate special milestones for the Navy and Marine Corps’ premiere flight demonstration squadron. Today, the Blue Angels pilots and officers are wearing the commemorative gold flight suit to celebrate the team’s return to America’s skies. Photo by MC2 Andrea Perez for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Weekend Gardening: Daffodils Signal Spring
March 16, 2014
Few plants seem to signify the freshness of spring quite as well as daffodils. The name “daffodils” is derived from “addodell” a variant of Asphodel (a plant of the Asphodelus genus.) In historical documents and the common language of 16th century Europe, the term “daffodil” referred specifically to the wild daffodil, Narcissus pseudonarcissus.
The derivation of the Latin narcissus is unknown. It is frequently linked to the Greek myth of Narcissus, who was rumored to be so obsessed with his own reflection that he died while gazing at himself in a pool of water. From the location of his death sprang the narcissus plant. Another Greek myth finds Persephone, daughter of the goddess Demeter, lured to her doom by the God Hades while picking a narcissus. Therefore the plant is perceived as a symbol of vanity in some Western culture.
Others attribute the plants’ name to its narcotic properties. One translation of the Greek name is “I grow numb!” All narcissus species contain the alkaloid poison lycorine, mostly in the bulb but also in the leaves. Members of the Amaryllidaceae family contain unique types of alkaloids. They are responsible for the poisonous properties of a number of the species. Of the 200 different chemical compounds found in this plant family, at least 79 of them can be found in narcissus.
Daffodils are a popular potted plant for cut flowers, but also make attractive naturalized ground covers in gardens and around trees, providing color from the end of winter through late spring. If the narcissus blooms on Chinese New Year, it is said to bring wealth and good fortune throughout the year. The flower color varies from white through pinks and yellows to deep reddish-orange with multiple petal forms. Hundreds of cultivars are available.
Planting dates vary according to geographical location, but bulbs are usually planted in the fall when the soil is cool. Daffodils grow well in full sun or light shade, with the blooms lasting longer when protected from the noon day sun. When selecting a location for planting, it should be noted that the individual flowers will face the sun.
Pre-chilled bulbs should be planted in 6-8” deep holes with a tablespoon of slow release fertilizer added to the soil directly under the bulb and with 4-5” of soil covering the bulb. Watering throughout the winter will be necessary if rains are infrequent. After flowering, the daffodils need to be fertilized and watering should continue. The foliage will naturally turn yellow and die as stored food is restored to the bulb.
Division, transplanting and collection for forcing potted plants can be done after all the foliage has declined. To force Daffodils to bloom at varied times in a container the dried bulbs will need to be stored at a 45° F temperature for 4-6 weeks prior to being placed in the sun to grow.
The bright, cheery Daffodil flowers are beginning to bloom now and will continue as Easter approaches, reminding us that spring really is coming.
Email Sheila Dunning at sdunning@ufl.edu.
Photos by Matthew Orwat for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Townsend, Anderson Graduate From Basic Training
March 16, 2014
Air Force Airman Eric F. Townsend graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, TX.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
Townsend is the son of Racheemba Battles of Durante Place, Durham, N.C., and Earl Townsend of Baker Street, Pensacola, Fla. He is a 2011 graduate of West Florida High School of Advanced Technology in Pensacola.
Army Pvt. Dillon D. Anderson has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, GA.
During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid, and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.
Anderson is the son of Dawn and Jonathan Kelley of Perch Street, Atmore.
He is a 2012 graduate of Escambia Academy, Atmore.
Students Learn About Ag During Fresh From Florida Event
March 15, 2014
Formerly known as the “Food For America program”, the event gave students the chance to learn about agriculture first hand up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more to learn how food gets from the farm to their tables. Students were even able to make and enjoy eating their own fresh butter.
The Northview High School FFA “Fresh From Florida” program has been honored as the No. 1 program in the state multiple times and the chapter was recently name one of the best in the United State by the National FFA Organization..
Pictured top: Students get up close with a horse during Friday’s Fresh from Florida event at Northview High School. Pictured inset: A young lady enjoys butter she made by hand with the help of Northview FFA stduents. Pictured below: A variety of exhibits at the event. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Students Pitch Plans, Score Cash To Start Local Businesses
March 14, 2014
It was a friendly competition, when 15 area students pitched their business plans to some of the most prominent members of the region’s business community during Greater Pensacola’s inaugural Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) investor panel showdown.
The students, who have been refining their business plans for nearly six months, were featured on stage in a shark-tank-like format and judged based on the appeal and merit of each proposal. More than $6,000 in grants were awarded to the nine businesses that presented, with Gulf Breeze Middle School siblings – Eve Knight, 12, and Liam Knight, 13 – selected to compete in the YEA! Saunders Scholars Regional Competition with their winning business, The Spice Kidz.
“Entrepreneurs are crucial to the success of economic development within our region,” said Greater Pensacola Chamber President Jerry Maygarden. “Programs like YEA! help foster the entrepreneurial mindset in young people and give them the opportunity to pursue their dreams, which may otherwise go unrealized, by harnessing their youthful energy, optimism and creativity.”
The business pitches were judged by a panel of local investors made up of Pen Air’s President & CEO Stu Ramsey, Sandy Sansing Automotive Group’s David Sansing, Studer Community Development Group’s Andrew Rothfeder, Gulf Power Company’s John Hutchinson, Warren Averett’s Cyndi Warren, Central Credit Union’s Maggie Conaghan, Nowak Enterprises’ Peter Nowak, Chick-fil-A’s Robert Barnes, Florida SBDC’s Mike Myhre, THG Investments’ Chad Henderson and Beck Property’s Justin Beck.
“With small businesses playing an instrumental role in our nation’s economy, this program is a true testament to Greater Pensacola’s continued dedication to producing future leaders who could make significant contributions to our community,” said Global Business Solutions Inc. CEO Randy Ramos, who emceed the evening’s events.
YEA! is a national educational program that guides 6th- to 12th-grade students through the process of starting and running real businesses over the course of a full academic year. Students work in close cooperation with local business leaders, educators and community members to develop ideas and objectives that help to create their own fully-formed companies.
“One of the most interesting components of the program is the actual behind-the-scenes knowledge the students are given from local business leaders, who were at one time standing in their shoes,” said Dr. Ed Ranelli, Dean Emeritus for the University of West Florida College of Business. “Participating students are receiving a dynamic introduction to the business world, which in turn, helps to create tomorrow’s leaders.”
Pictured: Eve Knight, 12, and Liam Knight, 13 – selected to compete in the YEA! Saunders Scholars Regional Competition with their winning business, The Spice Kidz. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Elementary Students Honored As Shining Stars
March 13, 2014
The Escambia County School District’s Elementary Principals Association, in partnership with WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, hosted the 18th Awards on March 6, honoring 33 elementary school students in Escambia County for their leadership and service to the community.
In an awards ceremony at WSRE’s Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, each winner was presented with a certificate of achievement along with a new bicycle and helmet.
Area principals and teachers selected the Shining Stars based on good citizenship, leadership and adherence to the core values of the Escambia County School District: equality, responsibility, integrity, respect, honor and patriotism.
Escambia County Superintendent of Schools Malcolm Thomas, former Pensacola Mayor Mike Wiggins and DeeDee Davis, former Florida Teacher of the Year, were the masters of
ceremonies for the event.
2014 Shining Star Award Winners were:
- A.K. Suter Elementary School – Aiden Tylavsky
- Bellview Elementary School – Amaya Owen
- Beulah Elementary School – Savannah Marshall
- Blue Angels Elementary School – Margo Mason
- Bratt Elementary School – Shelby Godwin
- Brentwood Elementary School – Staci Garland
- Byrneville Elementary School – Cody Ryan Adams
- C.A. Weis Elementary School – Dantesia McIntosh
- Cordova Park Elementary School – Nathan Godwin
- Ensley Elementary School – David Geiger
- Escambia Christian School – Reed Allison Wilson
- Ferry Pass Elementary School – Dante Milligan
- Global Learning Academy – Joshua Davis
- Hellen Caro Elementary School – Landon Collins
- Holm Elementary School – Jaylen Thomas
- Jim Allen Elementary School – Christian Jacobs
- Lipscomb Elementary School – Kendall Blackmon
- Longleaf Elementary School – Kevin Davis
- McArthur Elementary School – Carly Johnecheck
- Molino Park Elementary School – Ashley Ragsdale
- Montclair Elementary School – Kamari Williams
- Myrtle Grove Elementary School – Natalie Moulder
- Navy Point Elementary School – Pedro H. Mendiola
- N.B. Cook Elementary School – Chloe Cate
- Oakcrest Elementary School – Grace Dunaway
- O. J. Semmes Elementary School – Phillip Straughn
- Pine Meadow Elementary School – Emily Stabler
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School – Ian Larrieu
- Redeemer Lutheran Elementary School – Alex Maddox
- Scenic Heights Elementary School – Nathaniel Agustin
- Sherwood Elementary School – Madison Duffy
- Warrington Elementary School – Taylor Davidson
- West Pensacola Elementary School – Destiny Rutherford
Pictured: Shining Star Awards were recently presented to 33 Escambia County elementary school students. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Television Show Highlights Northview High FFA Program (With Video)
March 12, 2014
A new Escambia County Television (ECTV) show features the Northview High School FFA.
In the latest edition of Community Crossroads, Commissioner Steven Barry turns his focus to the Northview FFA as the program teaches a variety of lessons from preparing the next generation of farmers to teaching students how to be effective leaders in a variety of areas.
The show will also be airing several times each day on ECTV, Channel 98 on Cox Cable and the Brighthouse Networks, Channel 99 on AT&T Uverse. Those without cable TV in Escambia County man watch the local access channel on the county’s web site.
To watch the 19 minute show, click here.
Pictured: Scenes from the Escambia County TV show “Community Crossroads” featuring the Northview High School FFA. Courtesy images for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Bands Shine At District MPA Event
March 12, 2014
Tate High School’s bands performed in the Florida Bandmaster’s Association District Concert Music Performance Assessment this past weekend at Fort Walton Beach High School.
The Concert Band made its debut at the event, earning a split of Excellent and Good ratings. “They carried themselves in a professional manner and performed to the best of their ability,” said Band Director Mike Philley said. “This lays the groundwork for a bright future for this ensemble.”
The Symphonic Band earned an overall Superior rating for the third consecutive year and qualified to participate i n the Florida Bandmaster’s Association State Concert MPA in Tallahassee on April 24.
The Wind Ensemble earned straight Superior ratings for the 28th consecutive year. They also qualified to participate in the FBA State Concert MPA in Tallahassee on April 24th.
“Their performance was one of the best of the weekend and garnered all A’s from judges in every caption,” Philley said of the Wind Ensemble.
Local Students Represent India At Model United Nations Conference
March 11, 2014
Four Northview High School students recently took part in the 35th annual Florida High Schools Model United Nations conference in Orlando.
The high school conference was modeled after real debate and United Nations actions and programs.
Northview students Jessica Amerson, Moriah McGahan, Bethany Reynolds and Madison Weber, under the leadership of teacher Anna Barry, represented the assigned country of India. They learned about the government, history, current problems and other important subjects within India. Amerson and Weber were part of the committee United Nations Entity for Empowerment and Gender Equality (UNWOMEN); McGahan and Reynolds were a part of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) committee.
Students were provided with topics to debate with representatives of other countries to formulate a resolution paper to solve the problem in a way beneficial to their represented country.
Northview was the first Escambia County public school to participate in a Florida High Schools Model United Nations conference. The trip was made possible by supporters including the Walnut Hill Ruritan Club, Town of Century Gas Department, Barrineau Park Historical Society, Steven Barry, Escambia River Electric Cooperative and the Northview High School Rho Kappa club.
Pictured top: Northview representatives to the Florida High Schools Model United Nations (L-R) Moriah McGahan, Jessica Amerson, Madison Weber and Bethany Reynolds. Pictured inset: Reynolds and McGahan represented India on the UNICEF committe. Pictured below: Amerson and Weber negotiate during the conference. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
