the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (With Photos)
January 25, 2011
Today, it’s part two of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 25 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2011.
Today we introduce you to the first few contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the second set of contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Caitlyn Brianne Brown
Caitlyn is the 18-year old daughter of Ronnie and Angela Brown. As a freshman, she was a member of Angie Shelley’s Twirl Time. She has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat marching band for four years and currently holds the title of co-captain. She has been a member of the Tribal Spirit yearbook staff for three years and currently serves as the editor. She has also been a member of the Beta club for two years, a member of the Interact club for one year, and a member of Rho Kappa for two years, where she has served as vice president both years. Caitlyn was selected as the sophomore class parliamentarian and the junior class secretary. She was voted “Best Dressed” by the senior class and was also first runner up to Miss NHS 2010. Since her freshman year, Caitlyn has been a lifeguard for the Atmore City Pool and has also taught swimming lessons. During her years with the Tribal Beat band, she has attended numerous majorette camps and competitions.
Her hobbies include twirling, reading, cooking, spending time with her family and friends, and having “girl days” with her mom.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama, where she hopes to obtain a degree in telecommunications and become a sportscaster. While she is in attendance there, Caitlyn plans on becoming a “Crimsonette.”
Miss Lauren Ashley McCall
Lauren is the 16-year old daughter of Joey and Robin McCall. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a varsity cheerleader for two years and was selected as a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team that placed eighth in the nation. She has been a member of the softball team for three years, the golf team for one year, the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Interact club for one year. She was voted sophomore class president and was chosen to represent her peers on the homecoming court her freshman and sophomore years. Lauren was selected by the Suburban West Rotary Club as the grand prize winner in the Rotary International Four-way test essay contest. Lauren received the “Miss Physical Fitness” award and was one of the top ten contestants in Miss NHS 2010. In her community Lauren is an active member of Bratt First Baptist church, where she participates in the youth group. She is also a member of Team David, which is a youth leadership group within her church. She volunteers her time with the Century Relay for Life team and also teaches cheerleading skills to young girls.
Her hobbies include dancing, playing flag football, taking pictures, watching sports, and spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a Florida Junior College with a Bright Futures Scholarship and then transfer to Auburn University. She hopes to pursue a degree in sports medicine.
Miss Charleigh Victoria McPherson
Charleigh is the 17-year old daughter of Larry and Mary McPherson. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team and was the recipient of the 2008-2009 Spirit Award. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years and currently holds the title of co-captain. Last year, Charleigh was a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team that placed eighth in the nation. She has been a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, a member of the golf team for one year, a member of the Art club for one year, and a member of the Interact club for one year. As a sophomore, she was selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court. In the 2009 Miss NHS pageant, Charleigh was hand selected by the judges as the recipient of the Miss Hospitality award. She was also one of the top ten contestants in the 2010 Miss NHS pageant. In her community, Charleigh has played on the Northwest Escambia softball team for six years and has played on the Molino softball team for one year. She is an active member of St. Robert’s Catholic Church where she sings in the choir. This year, Charleigh was chosen to participate in the Youth Leadership Program in Atmore, Alabama.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, playing softball and golf, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and pursue a degree in sports medicine.
Miss Hayley Renee Simpson
Hayley is the 18-year old daughter of Toney and Renee Simpson. She has been a majorette for the Tribal Beat marching band for four years and was selected as co-captain her junior year. This year, Hayley serves as captain. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for three years, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for four years, a member of the Beta club for two years, a member of Rho Kappa for two years, where as a junior, she served as historian, and a member of the varsity softball team for four years. Hayley has been selected the past two years to represent her peers on the homecoming court. She was voted junior and senior class parliamentarian and is a member of First City gymnastics. Hayley is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist church and participates in the youth group and choir. She has volunteered her time with Relay for Life for the past three years.
Her hobbies include reading, singing, cooking, listening to music, and twirling the baton.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University. While pursuing her degree to become an anesthesiologist, she hopes to be a “Tigerette.”
Miss Dimond Brooke Tullis
Brooke is the 17-year old daughter of Bodie and Emily Tullis. As a freshman, Brooke was selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court and was on the junior varsity cheerleading team, where she served as co-captain of the squad. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and was the recipient of the 2009-2010 Best All Around Award. She was also a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team that placed eighth in the nation. Brooke has been the treasurer of her class for four years and has also been a member of the Tribal Spirit yearbook staff for four years. She was also a member of the Drug Awareness Team and held the office of secretary. This year, Brooke was selected by her classmates to represent them on the homecoming court and was crowned 2010 Homecoming Queen. She was also voted “Cutest” by the Senior Class. She is a member of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and was 1st runner up in the 2008-2009 Poarch Creek Junior Princess contest. Brooke attends Bratt First Baptist Church and is an active member of the youth group. She works as a waitress at Wrangler’s Steak House.
Her hobbies include beading, gymnastics, swimming, cheering, babysitting, and spending time with friends and family.
Her future plans are to attend Faulkner State College for two years and then transfer to the University of Alabama.
Miss Ariel Kaye Holland
Ariel is the 16-year old daughter of Wayne and Amy Holland. As a freshman, she was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team and was also a member of the NHS competition team that placed eighth in the nation. This year, she is a member of the varsity cheerleading team, the weightlifting team, and the golf team. Ariel has been a member of the track team for two years and a member of the softball team for two years. Last year, Ariel was selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court and was voted freshman class maid. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt and participates in the Team David program. She also volunteers her time with the Northwest Escambia Cheerleaders.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, swimming, playing softball, shopping, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Troy University where she hopes to cheer, while pursuing a degree to become a pediatric nurse.
Miss Tabitha Renea Steege
Tabitha is the 18-year old daughter of Gerald and Sudie Steege. She has been a member of the Tribal Beat marching band for four years, where she acts as section leader. She has been on the Northview Television production staff for one year, a member of the softball team for one year, the Interact club for one year, and a member of the Science club for one year. She has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Atmore, where she participates in the C.H.A.O.S. youth group choir, the drama team, and A.W.A.N.A. Tabitha has also volunteered her time with Bible School.
Her hobbies include playing the piano and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college and become a dental hygienist. She also hopes to one day start a family.
Miss Ashley Renea’ Cunningham
Ashley is the 15-year old daughter of Andy and Christina Cunningham. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for two years and currently serves as treasurer. She was also elected by her peers as vice-president of the freshman class. Ashley has been a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She was also a member of the NHS competition cheerleading team that placed eighth in the nation. This year she is on the varsity cheerleading team and was selected by her peers to represent them on the homecoming court, where she was chosen sophomore class maid. She has been a member of the track team for one year, the Science club for one year, a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of S.W.A.N.S for one year. In her community, she is a member of the Barrineau Park 4-H club.
Her hobbies include cheering, swimming, tennis, showing steers, and taking family vacations.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and obtain her degree to become a dentist.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students Of The Month
January 25, 2011
Ernest Ward Middle School Students of the Month for January have been named. They are Jacob Weaver, Gavin Grant and Cara Thompson.
Pictured: EWMS Students of the Month for January are Jacob Weaver (left), Gavin Grant and Cara Thompson. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
the road to the crown: Miss Northview High 2011 Contestants
January 24, 2011
Join NorthEscambia.com this week for our annual multi-part series “the road to the crown”.
We will follow 25 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2011. We’ll introduce you to each girl and go behind the scenes with exclusive photos for a look at the annual Northview High School pageant.
A new installment of “the road to the crown” will be posted each morning this week. Then, on Sunday morning, we’ll introduce you to the new Miss Northview High School.
The annual Miss Northview High School Pageant will be held on Saturday, January 29 at 7:00 in the school auditorium. The pageant is sponsored by the Northview High Varsity Cheerleaders.
Today, we begin with a group photo of all the young ladies participating. Their names are listed below.
Pictured top: Participants in this year’s Miss Northview High School 2011 are: (front, L-R) Courtney Weaver, Tiffany Sutton, Ashley Mooney, Caitlyn Brown, Lauren McCall, Morgan Digmon, and Jessica Warner, (middle) Mallory Bell, Allie Bryan, Abby Odom, Mariah Albritton, Lauren Cloud, Brooke Tullis, Brittany Thompson, Ashley Cunningham, and Ariel Holland, (back) Sarah Killam, Rebekah Sepulveda, Lauryn Walker, Megan Ryan, Morgan Smith, Hayley Simpson, Tabitha Steege, Clarissa Ross, and Charleigh McPherson. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Northview, Tate, Jay FFA Students Headed To State
January 24, 2011
Several students from the North Escambia area placed in the District I FFA Competition recently.
FFA Chapters from Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, and Washington participated in the competition. The individuals and FFA Chapters above will represent their respective school districts and District I FFA at the 83rd Florida FFA State Convention in June. They are now the top 12 of over 40,000 students statewide.
Participating members of the Northview High School Agricultural Mechanics and Agricultural Business Teams were: Lydia Weaver, Stephanie Solari, Courtney Solari, Dillian Crutchfield, Allie Vidak, Brandon Chambless and Allyson Bullard. The group participated in other FFA Career Development Events that were sent to Gainesville to be scored; those results are not yet known.
Available results are:
High School Results
Prepared Public Speaking
1. Ashley McLeod – Laurel Hill (Okaloosa County)
Extemporaneous Speaking
1. Megan Gibbs – J. M. Tate High School
Creed Speaking
1. Courtney Solari – Northview High School
Tractor Operation and Maintenance
1. Jeff Hansford – J. M. Tate High School
Parliamentary Procedure
1. J. M. Tate High School
Middle School Results
Prepared Public Speaking
1. Hannah Price – Laurel Hill
Extemporaneous Speaking
1. Savannah Maddox – Beulah Academy
Opening and Closing Ceremony
1. Bethlehem Middle School (Holmes County)
Parliamentary Procedure
1. Jay Middle School (Santa Rosa County)
Pictured top: Courtney Solari was awarded first place in Creed Speaking at the recent District I FFA Competition. Pictured below: (front, L-R) Courtney Solari, Stephanie Solari, (middle) Lydia Weaver, Allyson Bullard, Allie Vidak, (back) Brandon Chambless and Dillian Crutchfield. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Poplar Dell Baptist, Woodmen Honor American Heros
January 23, 2011
Woodman of the World Lodge 001 and Poplar Dell Baptist Church saluted American’s heroes at a recent in-honor and in-remembrance ceremony.
Woodmen of the World Representative, Maxie W. Bondurant, performed the flag dedication for the ceremony which honored not only our fallen comrades, but those who continue to fight against terrorism and safeguard our nation and communities today as well.
Poplar Dell Baptist Church is located on Highway 4A, just west of Century.
Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Featured Recipe: Lemony Doodles
January 23, 2011
This weekend’s featured recipe from Janet Tharpe is “Lemony Doodles” — think lemon cookies and snickerdoodles.
To print today’s “Just a Pinch” recipe column, you can click the image below to load a printable pdf with a recipe card.
Seized From Abuse, ‘Lil Momma’ Needs A Home
January 22, 2011
Volunteers are looking for a good home for “Lil Momma” — a dog that was seized by Escambia County Animal Control from a Century home back in December.
The owner surrendered and released the dog, and she is being housed at a kennel. She had three nursing pups. One died, and the other two have been adopted.
Panhandle Equine Rescue is working to find a home for the three-year old dog, and they say she has a sweet temperament and has shown no aggression towards humans, dogs or cats. For more information, call (850) 587-2754.
For more information on the animal cruelty arrest and the seizure of the dog, click here for a previous NorthEscambia.com story.
Pictured above: “Lil Momma” needs a home. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gardening: Kumquats Are The Gold Gem Of The Citrus Family
January 22, 2011
Extension Agents are sometimes the recipient of home grown fare. Each winter I look forward to the annual harvest of kumquats in my Master Gardener landscapes.
Kumquats (kuhm’ kwaht) have been called “the little gold gem of the citrus family”. The name kumquat comes from the Cantonese word for “golden orange”.
Kumquats have a thin, sweet peel and a zesty, somewhat tart center. It’s the only fruit in the citrus family that you can eat “skin and all.” They are rich in potassium and low in calories. One kumquat is approximately 12 calories and yields 8.3mg calcium, 37mg potassium, 7.1mg vitamin C, and 57 IU vitamin A. They contain only a trace of fat, 3.1g carbohydrate and 15.5g water per fruit.
They are believed to be native to China and were included in the genus Citrus until about 1915 when Dr. Walter T. Swingle set them apart in the genus Fortunella, in honor of the British horticulturist, Robert Fortune who introduced the kumquat to Europe in 1846.
Two varieties of kumquats are grown in Florida. The oval kumquat or Nagami (Fortunella margarita) is the most popular. The deep-orange fruit are small ovals, have 2-5 seeds, and are pleasantly flavored. The tartness of the fruit makes them great for use in cooking and for marmalades and jellies.
The Meiwa (F. crassifolia) is sometimes called “the sweet kumquat” as this variety is not as tart as the Nagami. This round kumquat has a thicker peel, sweet pulp and juice, and is nearly seedless. While they are very good to eat, it is not recommended that you use them for cooking or for marmalade as they lack the tartness of the Nagami kumquats.
This easy-to-grow evergreen tree reaches more than ten feet tall. It has few or no thorns and small, glossy leaves. The yellow-to-bright-reddish orange fruit are very showy and borne in large numbers. The fruit is considered ripe when it reaches a yellowish-orange stage, and has just shed the last tint of green. A steady harvest is available throughout the winter.
Kumquat trees grow well throughout Florida, planted in the landscape or in large containers. The trees are very cold hardy, and are highly resistant to citrus canker. The trees require about the same care as other citrus.
Whether grown in a container or in the ground, kumquats are heavy feeders and perform best with a regular fertilizing program. Be sure to water well before and after applying fertilizer to help prevent burn. If possible, buy a fertilizer formulated for citrus and one that has at least a third slow-release nitrogen. These slower-release fertilizers provide months of continuous nutrients, reducing effort and cost.
Do not allow weeds or sod to grow up near the tree trunk. They will compete with root activity.
Although pruning isn’t required, kumquats can be pruned to shape without diminishing next year’s fruiting ability. After harvest time, pick the fruit then prune the tree before new flowers appear. Remove suckers at the base of the trees anytime as they can sap the energy from fruit production.
Kumquats are an easy-to-grow plant that pays big harvest dividends in winter. After just a couple of years, they will begin bearing fruit and are a nice evergreen addition to the landscape. Try adding one or more to your landscape or garden.
Theresa Friday is the Residential Horticulture Extension Agent for Santa Rosa County.
Ernest Ward Students Explore Past With National History Day Projects
January 21, 2011
History came alive through the eyes of students at Ernest Ward Middle School Thursday evening as they displayed weeks of work on projects for National History Day.
The History Fair in the school’s gym capped off a project in which EWMS students were required to do research into a topic. The research was presented in exhibit form, much like the typical science fair, or as a drama or web presentation. Students complete projects either individually or in teams.
For a photo gallery of projects, click here.
This was the second year Ernest Ward has participated in the national program, with the top projects from Ernest Ward headed next to a district competition. Those winners were:
GROUP
- Samantha Sharpless and Tamara Wise — Women’s Rights
- Hannah Gibson and Morgan Ward — Poarch Creek Indians
- Jason Perritt and Tyler Houston — Atomic Bomb
- Amy Murph and Jessica McCullough — 9/11 Debate
INDIVIDUAL
- Tristan Barrett — Cuban Missile Crisis
- Ben Linam — Iran Hostages
- Logan Lee — Atomic Bomb
- Tristan Brown — Ping-Pong Diplomacy
PERFORMANCE
- Abbie Johnson, Harmoni Till and Brittney Ward — Holocaust Drama
WEB
- Kelton Wooten and Jaylen Parker — Iran Hostage Crisis
- Shania Ward and Julie Hester — Women’s Suffrage
- Danielle Suggs and Penny Banda — Lincoln-Douglas Debates
- Joshua Borrelli and Murphy Bryan — Atomic Bomb
National Junior Honor Society At Ernest Ward Middle Adds New Members, Officers
January 21, 2011
About 40 students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society Thursday night at Ernest Ward Middle School.
The NJHS is the nation’s premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle school students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character.
Students must have and maintain a 3.5 GPA for honor society membership.
For a photo gallery from the induction ceremony, click here.
New seventh grade National Junior Honor Society Members at Ernest Ward are: Kaitlyn Abbott, Jadlyn Agerton, Tristan Barrett, Katelyn Born, Haley Brown, William Brown , Hunter Connell, Nathan Donald, Jacob Dunsford, Amber Freeman, Nathan Galvan, Hanna Ging, Christopher Grant, Dariane Guy, Jordan Helmken, Abbie Johnson, Tonie Johnson, Kendral Langford, Trevor Levins, Thomas Moore, Jason Ogle, Brianna Parker, Liberty Peebles, Ben Preston, Bethany Reynolds, Savanna Roux, Jamilia Smiley-Knight, Jordan Taylor, David Thorpe, Harmoni Till, Bradley Van Pelt, Brittney Ward, Haylee Weaver, and Courtney Weekley.
New eighth grade members inducted Thursday night are: Autumn Ates, Annie Bobo, Kristen Byrd, Kendal Cobb, Christian Gould, Jessica McCullough and Tristan Portwood.
New officers were also installed. They are: Tamara Wise, president; Samantha Sharpless, vice president; Danielle Suggs, secretary; Austin Cunningham, treasurer; Ben Linam, reporter; Kelton Wooten, parliamentarian; and Jaylen Parker, historian.
Other eight grade members of the National Junior Honor Society Members at Ernest Ward are: Penny Banda, Megan Bryan, Tiffani Cruce, Leann Fillingim, Hannah Gibson, Kyndall Hall, Auden Lassitter, Aaron McDonald, Madison McGhee, Amy Murph, Mallory Ryan, Chelsea Turner and Morgan Ward.
Pictured: About 40 students were inducted into the National Junior Honor Society Thursday night at Ernest Ward Middle School. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.