Judge’s Order: No Prayer During School Events, No Religion In Schools
January 13, 2009
In connection with a lawsuit filed by the ACLU, a federal judge has issued preliminary injunction against any policy or practice that promotes prayer or religion in the Santa Rosa County School District. The ACLU has also requested documents concerning prayer from Escambia County Schools.
In August, the ACLU filed the lawsuit in federal court against the school district. The suit alleged that Santa Rosa County Schools “persistently and persuasively promote their personal religious beliefs in the public schools and at school events”. Events specifically mentioned in the lawsuit, which was brought on behalf of two students at Pace High, included baccalaureate services, prayers at graduations and other school events. The suit specifically sought an end to baccalaureate services.
“The School District ultimately did the right thing in admitting and accepting responsibility for its violations of students’ constitutional rights,” said Benjamin James Stevenson, principal litigator and staff attorney with the ACLU of Florida’s Northwest Regional office. “We are pleased with Friday’s decision, and we look forward to working with the defendants and the court to permanently bring the school district in line with the First Amendment.”
The ACLU says that for 90 days, the temporary injunction issued by U.S. District Court Judge Casey Rodgers prevents the school district from promoting or sponsoring prayers during school-sponsored events, including graduation; planning or financing religious baccalaureate services; holding school-sponsored events at religious venues when alternative locations are reasonably available; and prohibits school officials from promoting their personal religious beliefs in class or during school-sponsored events and activities. The order is effective January 19.
The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Pensacola, names specific events at several Santa Rosa schools, including Jay. The suit states that Jay High School held an invocation and benediction prayer each year from 2004-2008 led by students from groups such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The ACLU also complains in the suit that Jay High School has held baccalaureate services that were religious in nature.
The ACLU has also requested documents from the Escambia County School District that might relate to religion or prayer. Specifically, the ACLA requested records from Escambia Schools about graduations and baccalaureate services. The ACLU public records requests also asked for the notes of all speakers at the event as well as any audio or video recordings of the events. The ACLU request extends to all schools in Escambia County, including Northview High School.
“The ACLU may be successful at ending the freedom students currently possess to lead Christian prayers at school-sponsored events. The truth is that no man nor power, on the earth, under the earth or above the earth can stop true Christian parents and their children from praying and worshiping Jesus Christ in their homes,” Pastor Gary Wieborg of the First Baptist Church of Bratt told NorthEscambia.com after the lawsuit was filed. Wieborg was the speaker for Northview’s baccalaureate service last May.
Click here to read the ACLU’s lawsuit against Santa Rosa County (pdf).
Click here to read the ACLU’s public records request in Escambia County (pdf).
Pictured top: The Class of 2008 Baccalaureate Service at Northview High School. Pictured middle: A sign outside of the New Hope Assembly of God church on Chumuckla Highway just south of Jay. NorthEscambia.com file photos.
Photo Gallery: Getting Ready For 2009 Miss Northview High Pageant
January 13, 2009
Tickets are now on sale for the 2009 Miss Northview High School Pageant. You better hurry; tickets will go fast and will not be available at the door.
The pageant will be held Saturday night, January 24 at 7:00. Tickets are on sale now for $5 each in the front office at Northview. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Last week, NorthEscambia.com stopped by a pageant practice where over 30 girls are getting ready for the competition to see who will be crown the 2009 Miss Northview High School.
Click here for a photo gallery from that pageant practice.
Pictured above: Practices are underway for the Miss Northview High School Pageant to be held January 24. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Panhandle Equine Rescue Names New 2009 Officers
January 12, 2009
Panhandle Equine Rescue has named officers for 2009, including several people that are new to the PER board.
Diane Lowery was named as PER’s returning president.
Jolee Josephs has been named as the group’s new vice president, Lindley Barden as the new secretary, and Michelle McKee as treasurer.
Rose Marie Winchester has returned to the PER board of directors. New board members include Mimi McClelland, Michelle Phillips, April Violette, and Vickie Bell.
New Vice President Josephs has excellent credentials and is very qualified for the job. She is a new PER member, has been known to the group since 2005 when she adopted their second rescue, Sky.
She is currently foster coordinator for PER, handles the sponsorship program, serves webmaster, created all the videos on the website and is currently training to become an investigator. Josephs is also taking on the Education Program when schools request someone to come in and talk with the students.
She has done site inspections and has transported horses for PER and is also currently fostering one of the horse rescues. She has been involved with Habitat For Horses; a huge rescue in Texas and she has adopted three horses from them. She is in the process of building a boarding facility off of Quintette Road that is named after the horse she adopted from PER, Forever Sky Ranch.
“She has the passion and heart for the horses and for horse rescue,” said Lowery.
Barden, the new secretary, has adopted two horses from PER. She was interested in adopting those horses that “nobody else wanted”. She also rescues greyhounds and provides a forever retirement home for many of those special dogs. Her and her husband, John, have been members of PER for the past two years.
“The other board members have been very active in helping the organization and we feel that they all will be a huge asset to PER,” Lowery added.
Panhandle Equine Rescue is non-profit organization with the mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and provide adoption services for abused, neglected, and abandoned equines. PER is authorized by the by the court system in Escambia County to investigate equines in trouble.
Pictured are new PER officers and directors (L-R) April Violette, Diane Lowery, Mimi McClelland, Michelle Phillips, Rose Marie Winchester, Jolee Josephs, Michelle McKee, Vickie Bell and Lindley Barden. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com.
Northview Freshman Recovering Well From Brain Surgery, Headed Back To Class This Week
January 11, 2009
Northview High School freshman Nathan Therrell is continuing to improve following brain surgery back in November, and if all goes as planned, he will be back in class Monday morning.
On November 19, Nathan underwent brain surgery at the Miami Children’s Hospital to remove something the size of a grain of rice that has caused years of problems for him. It’s called a hypothalamic hamartoma, also called an “HH”. The HH is not a tumor, nor is it a cancer; it is a tissue growth.
Nathan’s aunt, Kelly Sims, said Nathan has done well since the surgery. Best of all, he has been seizure-free since the surgery. He was back in school for one day when it resumed Tuesday after Christmas break, but he missed the rest of the week to once again travel to Miami. This time, the trip to Miami was for a checkup, and Nathan received an “all clear” from his doctor.
“Nathan has recovered from the surgery far better than expected. He seems like a total different kid,” Sims said of her nephew. “God does answer prayers and Nathan’s family would like to thank everyone that helped during the time of fund raisers and for any donations that were given.”
“The family is very thankful for everything including the prayers that were sent out for Nate,” she added.
If all goes as plans, Nathan will return to Northview as a fulltime student beginning Monday.
A typical HH like the one removed from Nathan’s brain causes seizures, a problem Nathan has had for four years. They were originally controlled by medication, but the medicines failed to work, his mother Tina Therrell said. They’ve tried radiation and laser treatments. None have worked. That led the family to decide to have the surgery to remove the HH from the middle of his brain.
Pictured above: Nathan Therrell watches a Northview football game last season. He served as the team’s waterboy. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Classes In Molino
January 11, 2009
Christian financial advisor Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University is coming to Molino.
The 13 lesson program at Victory Assembly of God will change the way you think about personal finance, according to Ramsey’s web site. The program teaches about how to save money, live on a budget, communicate about money, eliminate debt, find bargains, and experience the joy of giving. Over 650,000 families have taken the course, which features a one hour video sesson each week from Ramsey.
The course also includes a lifetime membership in the Financial Peace University along with class materials. The lifetime membership allows holder to attend a class anytime, anywhere at no additional charge.
Classes being on January 20 at 6:30 an continue for 13 weeks every Tuesday evening. For more information, contact the church at 587-2295 or visit victorycan.org.
Ramsey is also a popular radio talk show host, dealing out his own personal credit-cards-are-bad style of Christian financial advice. The show can be heard locally weekdays on WNSI 105.9 FM. It is also available on XM satellite radio channel 165 from 2 to 6 p.m. weekdays, and on Sirius satellite radio from 8 to 11 pm on channel 161.
B-I-N-G-O At the C-C-C
January 11, 2009
Judy Copeland with Epilepsy Services of Northwest Florida and the Dogwood Chapter of Good Sam Club teamed up to play “Safety Bingo” with the residents of Century Care Center. There were no losers in the game, and the residents enjoyed themselves as did the volunteers. The two groups provided an abundance of prizes, as well as game play assistance for those who needed it. Submitted photos, click to enlarge.
North Escambia’s Very Own New Year’s Baby Turns 6
January 10, 2009
April Johnson of Walnut Hill was born six years ago with just a little claim to fame; April was Escambia County’s 2003 New Year’s baby.
“We certainly did not think we would have A New Year’s Baby, especially the first one of 2003,” mom Emily Johnson said.
The first due date from the doctor was December 21, 2002. When that was changed to January 1, 2003, Emily still didn’t think she would have a New Year’s baby. When Emily, 19 at the time, and husband James, then 25, thought it was time and made three trips to Sacred Hospital over five days at the end of December, they really thought April was going to have a December birthday.
But April Nicole Johnson was born at 1:48 a.m. on January 1, 2003 — the first baby born in Escambia or Santa Rosa counties in 2003. A very healthy April weighed in at eight pounds, seven ounces.
“It does not seem like she should already be six years old. She is our sweet little princess,” mom Emily said of her first child.
April, a kindergarten student at Bratt Elementary School, celebrated her sixth birthday with a giant birthday cookie.
April has a little brother named Hunter. She is granddaughter of Van and Sandra Johnson of Walnut Hill, and Sally Reasons of Atmore.
Ashley Cunningham Named Miss Ernest Ward Middle
January 10, 2009
Miss Ashley Cunningham, 13, was named Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School Friday night.
Other award winners were Clarissa Ross, 1st runner-up; Ariel Holland, 2nd runner-up, and poise and appearance, and Miss Hospitality; Savanna VanderPol, 3rd runner-up; Cheyenne Godwin, physical fitness, and Miss Congeniality.
Click here for a complete photo gallery from Friday night’s pageant.
Junior Miss EWMS 2009: Miss Ashley Cunningham, 8th Grade
Ashley, 13, is a member of the Drama Club, Honor Society, yearbook staff and a member of the Barrineau Park 4-H Club. Last year she received the Most Fashionable 7th Grader Award and 100% homework completed award. Ashley’s hobbies include swimming, tennis, reading, going to the movies and spending time with her younger brother Austin. Her future plans are to graduate high school and attend college to become a dentist.
1st Runner-Up: Miss Clarissa Ross, 8th Grade
Clarissa, 14, is an 8th grader who cheers for Cantonment. She participates in gymnastics with Flip Factory. Clarissa’s hobbies include cheerleading, taking pictures, shopping, dancing and playing soccer. In the future, Clarissa wants to go to West Florida to become a nurse.
2nd Runner-Up, Miss Hospitality and Poise & Appearance Award: Miss Ariel Holland, 8th Grade
Ariel Holland, 14, is the captain of the school’s cheerleading squad. She is on the swim team, participates in the Northwest Escambia little league softball program and is a member of the “Lady Cats”. She is also an active member of Bratt Baptist Church. Ariel’s hobbies include shopping, cheerleading, and spending time with family and friends. In the future, Ariel plans to attend cheer on a college level while obtaining her career in the medical field.
3rd Runner-Up: Miss Savannah VanderPol, 6th Grade
Savannah, 12, is very active in Escambia County 4-H. She has won multiple county and district awards. Last October, Savannah won the 4-H highpoint Intermediate exhibitor award at the Pensacola Interstate Fair. She has shown horses, poultry and rabbits for the last few years. Savannah enjoys hunting and passed the hunter safety course with a score of 98. She is also a member of Cantonment First Baptist Church. Savannah’s hobbies include horseback riding, showing animals, hunting, soccer and shooting sports. In the future she would like to be a nurse or a veterinarian.
Miss Congeniality and Physical Fitness Award: Miss Cheyenne Godwin, 8th Grade
Cheyenne, 14, is a cheerleader and participates in the yearbook and newspaper staff. She enjoys dancing, theater and acting. Recently she was in a movie called “Chatterbox”. Cheyenne participates in the Pace Relay for Life with a swing dancing team called Pensacola Swing. Her hobbies include cheerleading, dancing, computers, fishing and shipping. In the future Cheyenne would like to attend West Tech’s Criminal Justice program and get into Julliard School of Arts.
Other contestants were: Rachel Presley, Karmen Watson, Kendal Cobb, Ashlynn Webster, Sabrina Cox, Hope Coggins, Leann Fillingim, Kachanne Thomas.
Pictured above: Ashley Cunningham is crowned Junior Miss Ernest Ward Middle School by last year’s winner Angel Mitchell. Pictured below: Savannah VanderPol, Ariel Holland, Ashley Cunningham, Clarissa Ross and Cheyenne Godwin. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Molino ‘Queen Mother’ Leads Red Hat Ladies In Celebration
January 7, 2009
The ladies of the Red Hat Society recently held there second annual Christmas celebration at the American Legion 340 in Pensacola, complete with dancing, laughter and gifts for everyone. The mistress of ceremonies was Nan Johnson from Molino, the Queen Mother of the “Dazzzling Divas”.
The Red Hat Ladies are the ladies seen meeting together in red hats…there are often pink hats too. The red hats are for ladies over 50; the Pink Hatters are ladies that have not reached “the birthday” of 50. The purpose of the Red Hat Society, according to their web site, is to have fun.
“Little girls grow up, but they’re never too old to play dress-up and have tea parties,” the web site says.
From the “Dazzling Divas” to the “Classy Sassy Ladies of Gulfport, MS.”, everyone had their fair share of fun at the American Legion 340. Ladies that ranged from 65 to 90 danced to the music of a local band “The Dreamers”, doing the “Electric Slide” and the “Cha-Cha Shuffle”.
The Dazzzling Divas began the day with skits, gave out gifts to each lady present and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. The ladies were asked for things that brought back good memories. One of the memories was packages wrapped in brown paper tied with string. All the gifts were wrapped in brown paper with string. The ladies report a much larger turnout than last year.
Pictured above: Queen Mother Nan Johnson (in the purple) from Molino in a Dazzzling Divas skit. Pictured below: The Red Hat ladies celebrate. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com
Photos and story submitted by Tina Pendleton.
2008 Persons Of The Year: Sharon Smith
January 5, 2009
The late Sharon Smith has been named as one of our NorthEscambia.com Persons of the Year. Mrs. Smith was a teach at Molino Park Elementary School until her sudden death moments after waving goodbye to her students on the last day of school. Along with Mrs. Smith, we honor all of our North Escambia teachers and everyone else that works hard to educate our children.
On the last day of school, Mrs. Smith waved goodbye to her students, turned around and lost her breath. She died a short time later. She spent 36 years of her life educating students at the former Molino Elementary School and at Molino Park.
Reprinted below is a NorthEscambia.com story about Mrs. Smith’s death.
Beloved Molino Teacher Passes Away After Waving Goodbye To Students
Molino Park Elementary fourth grade teacher Sharon Smith was set to retire Friday. She stood outside the school, waving goodbye on the last day of school to her students.
She turned back toward her Molino Park Elementary school and lost her breath. Sharon Smith, 57, passed away a short time later.
“She loved ‘her children’ in her class,” Molino Park Principal Alice Woodward said. “She was happy all day today; it was her retirement day. She didn’t feel bad at all.”
Molino Park fifth grade students “walk the walk” and wave goodbye to cheering friends and family on the last day of school. Mrs. Smith walked too, arm around another retiring teacher as they waved to the cheering crowd.
Then the students left on the buses, Mrs. Smith waving goodbye to them.
“She was excited to go outside and wave goodbye to ‘her children’ as they left school,” Mrs. Woodward said. “She was so happy. Then she turned around and went inside. That’s when she started having trouble breathing.” Mrs. Smith died a short time later.
Funeral services are set for Thursday, the day the school had planned to throw a retirement party for her.
Mrs. Smith had experienced more than her fair share of tragedy in the past months, with both her husband and son passing away within six months of each other. Her husband, President Smith, Jr. passed away May 1, 2007, and her son Reginald Smith died on October 20, 2007, at the age of 23.
“She retired, then she went home to the Lord to be with her husband and son,” Mrs. Woodward said.
“We were her family; she was ours,” Mrs. Woodward said. “We are really going to miss her.”
Mrs. Smith began teaching in 1972 at Molino Elementary School, where she remained until 2002 before moving to the new Molino Park Elementary School. Friday was set to be her last day before her planned retirement.
“We thank you and feel blessed that we got to share this awesome teacher and woman with the world,” her aunt Doreatha Jackson said. “She finished her work here.
“And due to her faithfulness in spreading the love of God to others inspite of her pain and heartache,” Jackson said, “He rewarded her by reuniting her with her husband and child. We will miss her greatly but she is happy and at peace! Thank you, Molino Family for loving her.”
Family members say Mrs. Smith suffered one heart attack at the school. She was revived, then died on the way to Pensacola’s West Florida Hospital.
“She finished the race,” Mrs. Woodward said. “She finished the race.”
NorthEscambia.com invites your comments on this article and Mrs. Smith. Email news@northescambia.com or click here for our contact form. To read the comments we have received, click here for our memorial board.
Funeral Services for Mrs. Sharon Smith will be held at 11:00 Thursday morning at the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church at 1120 North Sixth Avenue in Pensacola.
Pictured above: Mrs. Sharon Smith and her fourth grade class wave goodbye about five minutes before their final walk to the buses Friday morning at Molino Park Elementary School. Pictures below: Sharon Smith (top left of photo) and Elaine Barrow pose with students just minutes before they took their retirement walk; and Mrs. Smith at Thursday’s class party. Submitted photo, click to enlarge.
