Tearful Service Honors Veterans; EWMS To Sponsor Honor Flight
November 8, 2008
A tearful principal stood before her students Friday at Ernest Ward Middle School and announced that the school is about to undertake a project to honor veterans like never before.
“These tears are tears of joy. They are tears of sadness,” Principal Nancy Gindl-Perry told the students and guests at the school’s annual Veterans Day program. “I am proud to say Ernest Ward will be sponsoring an Honor Flight for one veteran from our community.”
The Emerald Coast Honor Flight program takes a plane load of veterans to Washington on a one day tip to visit the Vietnam Memorial, the World War II Memorial and other significant locations. In order to make the honor flight possible, the school must raise $1,000.
About 100 local veterans were honored during Friday’s veterans program. From all branches of service, the men and women received accolades from the students, including several standing ovations.
Tim Spears from Molino stood solemnly among the veterans as Perry recognized him. Many were visibly moved as Perry explained that he was there in memory of his son, Jonathon Ross “J.R.” Spears, 21, who was killed October 23, 2005 in Ramadi, Iraq.
“We thank you so much for everything you have done,” Perry told the veterans.
Students from Ernest Ward’s newly formed drama club presented a powerful play written by teacher Katie Ward called Iwo Jima. Students stood posed to recreate the famous photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima. One by one, the soldiers in the photo came to life to tell their personal story.
Colonel Val Obregon, retired from the United States Air Force, told the students that “this land is you land; this land is my land”, a line borrowed from the folk song. He said that people should never forget to honor those that serve in the military.
“The day we start to not honor those folks is the day we start to decline as a nation,” he said. “Veterans have stood in the gap, but our future depends on you.”
“Freedom is not free; it is not cheap,” Obregon said. “It takes Americans everywhere willing to pay the price.”
The veterans program, sponsored by the National Junior Honor Society, featured students relating the history of Veterans Day, music from the EWMS chorus and band, and more.
If you would like to assist Ernest Ward in funding a veteran on an Honor Flight, call the school at 327-4283.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the program, click here.
Pictured above: Ernest Ward students Dezarae Turner, Chelsea Ward, Ashlynn Webster, Shalmali Bhadkamkar, Anna Donald and Lily Townson recreate the photography Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima during a Veterans Day program at the school. Pictured below: Mike Hanks was one of about 100 veterans honored during the program. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary School Honors Local Veterans
November 8, 2008
Bratt Elementary School held its annual Veterans Day Program Friday, honoring local men and women that have served in the military.
Veterans Day is also about respect and understanding the history of the men and women, many who are represented here today, Northview High School NJROTC Instructor Captain Charlie Code (pictured left told the Bratt students. ” Respect them because they gave their time, their youth, their hearts so we, you and I, could do the things we take for granted.
“Think about it. What would you do if you couldn’t go to church, to the movies or to your favorite restaurant? The freedom to do so was earned and continues to be earned by our military veterans,” Code continued.
He asked the Bratt students to raise their hand if they had a family friend or relative in the military. A great majority of hands went up.
“On veterans day, we remember those who have served in previous wars, those who are serving today, and those who did not live to become veterans. Our nation is blessed by these brave defenders, and we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have worn America’s uniform with pride,” Code said. ” I urge all Americans to take time to thank those who sacrificed so that we can enjoy the blessings of freedom.”
The program include several patriotic songs from the fifth graders, including “The Star Spangled Banner”, “The Medley of Armed Forces Songs”, “God Bless America”, and the “Fifty Nifty United States. Mrs. Carter’s, Mrs. Thorpe’s, Mrs. Calloway’s and Mrs. Kite’s classes all participated in the program.
“As a veteran myself, i am forever thankful for your support and prayers for me and my family and the men and women who served alongside me,” Code said to close his speech. “Thank you, and God bless you and the United States of America.”
One student held a folded flag during the program, the flag presented to his family when his father died from complications from chemical exposure in Vietnam. NorthEscambia.com will introduce you to this young man and bring you his story next Tuesday morning on Veterans Day.
For a complete photo gallery from the program, click here.
Pictured above: A veteran salutes the American Flag Friday morning during the annual Veterans Program at Bratt Elementary School. Pictured below: Some of the fifth grade students that participated in the program. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Park P.E. Program Using Video Games To Get Kids Moving
November 7, 2008
One North Escambia school is using video games to get students up and moving.
Molino Park Elementary School demonstrated its “exergaming” program Thursday morning for the media and physical education teachers across the area.
“It is just awesome,” fifth grader Jalyn Bodiford said while following along in “Dance, Dance Revolution”. “I like the way it keeps you feet moving, and how it has different levels.”
Molino Park’s physical fitness program has implemented four gaming systems into the program, allowing students to enjoy not only the dance program, but other sports like golf, boxing, bowling and tennis.
“This is not meant to replace regular physical activity,” Molino Park physical education teacher Rod Voss said. “It is meant to teach them how to play a sport and how to be active. It can’t replace getting outside and doing something. But love this stuff.”
And love it they do.
“It’s awesome. It’s such a cool learning experience to be able to play these games,” Kristopher Reber, a fifth grader, said.
“It’s a lot of fun, and it really gets you up and moving,” Haley Brown said of Dance Dance Revolution. “This is the coolest thing.”
“Everything is like the real sport,” Molino Park physical education teacher Chad Hetherington said. For example, playing the tennis game requires the correct combination of backhand and forehand swings; just randomly swinging the club toward the video ball will not work.
“It add a whole new excitement to our program,” he said. “It’s really a great thing.”
The equipment was purchased with funds the school received from school picture sales. The school has about $3,000 invested in the program.
For more photos from Molino Park’s exergaming demonstration, click here.
Pictured above: Molino Park Elementary students demostrate “Dance Dance Revolution” Thursday morning. Pictured below: A game of Wii tennis at Molino Park. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Walnut Hill – A View From Above
November 6, 2008
Things look a little different from 60 feet up than they do on the ground.
NorthEscambia.com had the opportunity recently to take a ride up in an Escambia River Electric Cooperative bucket truck. From 60 feet above the parking lot at the Ernest Ward Middle School gym, the view of Walnut Hill is impressive.
For more photos, click here.
Pictured top: Looking at the intersection of Highway 97 and Arthur Brown Road. Pictured left: Libbie Johnson from the Escambia County extension service gets a ride in the bucket truck. Pictured below: Looking 60 feet down at Ryan Carter and Sherry Digmon from the Atmore News. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
Special thanks to EREC for the ride.
Byrneville Students Vote: Brown Pelican Wins
November 4, 2008
Students at Byrneville Elementary School headed to the polls Tuesday to vote, and the brown pelican won.
The students were voting not for Barack Obama or John McCain, but for Florida’s new state bird.
Fourth grade supported the osprey, and the fifth grade rallied behind the brown pelican.
The school had four precincts set up around campus, and each voter had to register by the deadline and was given his or her voter registration card.
Byrneville used the electoral college as a guideline for voting, so it is possible that the popular vote may not actually win. School officials say the students and adults alike have enjoyed the process of learning how an election really works.
The state bird vote was held at schools across the state. For more information, visit www.vote4bird.org.
Pictured above: Warren Suggs, a fifth grade student, casts his vote. There are eight pictures below; scroll down to see each photo. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com.
Carla Payne, PTO Treasurer and volunteer poll worker, is ready to begin!
Emily Black, a fifth grade student, votes.
Jacke Johnston, fifth grade teacher, and Joy Walker, fifth grade teacher assistant, show off their registration cards.
Barbara Ryals, office clerk and custodian, gets an “I voted” sticker by poll worker, Carla Payne.
David Smith, Byrneville’s PTO President and volunteer poll worker, has a student sign for her ballot.
Look at the lines for voting in Precinct 1! Those third graders are ready to make their choice!
Susan Diamond, teacher assistant, shows her registration card and signs for her ballot.
Stephanie Gilmore, fourth grade teacher, is getting her ballot to vote!
Walnut Hill Fire Department Honors Retired Chief
November 2, 2008
With tears and a standing ovation, area residents honored retired chief Robert Stewart Saturday at a fish fry benefiting him in his battle against cancer.
Stewart served as chief of the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department for the past 15 years before stepping down to battle cancer.
“With the many years of dedicated service Robert has given this department, we got together and decided to do something special for him,” current Chief Chris Brown said after presenting Stewart with the department’s Officer of the Year award.
Stewart wiped tears from his eyes as he accepted the Officer of the Year award.
All proceeds from Saturday’s record-breaking annual fish fry were for Stewart and his medical expenses. About 750 plates of catfish or grilled chicken were purchased Saturday.
“We wanted to show our appreciation for everything he has done and for the many years that he has dedicated to this department,” Brown said as a frame containing Stewart’s uniform shirt, complete with his badge, was presented.
“Presented to Robert Stewart for many years of dedicated service to the Walnut Hill Volunteer Fire Department, November 1, 2008. You are truly a well respected chief and friend to everyone. We will miss you greatly,” the frame’s plaque read.
Stewart received a standing ovation from the packed firehouse, many people wiping tears from their eyes.
“Everybody in this community is a great community. I’m not just saying Walnut Hill; I’m saying the Walnut Hill fire district. It is a great place to live,” Steward said, choking back tears of his own.
One by one, the firefighters of Station 15 filed past Stewart, giving him a hug and a pat on the back.
The department also honor Phillip Eubanks as Firefighter of the Year and the department’s Community Service award was presented to Ernie Hester.
For a complete photo gallery from the fish fry and awards ceremony, click here.
Pictured above: Retired chief Robert Stewart (left) is presented the framed uniform shirt by current Chief Chris Brown. Pictured below: Stewart receives a hug from his wife and long-time department member Diann Stewart. NorthEscambia.com exclusive photos, click to enlarge.
One Thousand Attend Fall Festival In Molino
November 1, 2008
An estimated one thousand people attended a community-wide Fall Festival in Molino Friday night. Sponsored by four area churches, the interdenominational event provided a safe Christian alternative on Halloween night.
Click here for a complete photo gallery from the event
The event was sponsored by Victory Assembly of God, Highland Baptist Church, Crossfaith Church and Molino First Assembly of God.
The event featured a variety of games, bounce house, a hayride and lots of free food.
Northview Holds Costume Contest
November 1, 2008
Northview High School held a Halloween costume contest Friday morning at the School.
Winners were Lauren Wilson as Raggedy Ann (pictured above), Tyler Hunter as a vampire (pictured below) and Cody Parker as Invisible Man (pictured bottom of page).
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com.
Walnut Hill Baptist Holds Fall Festival
November 1, 2008
Walnut Hill Baptist Church held their annual Fall Festival Friday night at the church.
Visitors enjoyed a variety of games, trunk-or-treat, a hayride, food and more.
Click here for a complete photo gallery.
Pictured above: Church member Royce Ward ready for trunk-a-treaters at the annual Walnut Hill Baptist Church Fall Festival. Pictured below: Meg Sherrill adding the finishing touches to her face painting on Clint Davis. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Hundreds Attend Bratt Elementary’s Annual Fall Festival
October 31, 2008
Bratt Elementary School held its annual Fall Festival Thursday afternoon at the school, with hundreds of students and area residents attending.
The festival featured a variety of games, a hulu hoop contest, a cake walk, cake auction and plenty of food.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the Bratt Elementary Fall Festival, click here.
Bratt also named a festival king and queen Thursday. Click here for that story.
Pictured above and below: The annual Bratt Elementary School Fall Festival was held Thursday afternoon.NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
