Tate High Class Of 2026 Graduates (With Complete Graduate List, Gallery)
May 27, 2026
About 485 members of the Tate High School Class of 2026 graduated Wednesday morning at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The valedictorian of the Class of 2026 is Willow Allyn Beachner, and the salutatorian is Lawson Grey Killingsworth.
“Class of 2026, I encourage you to continue your journey, through the good and the bad, and create as much laughter as you can along the way,” Beachner said.
For a photo gallery, click here.
For a second photo gallery,click here.
“Now, as we go on to the next chapter, it’s time to take control of our lives and build a future that we want to live,” Killingsworth said.
According to Principal Laura Touchstone, 22 seniors had a GPA of 5.0 or higher; 27% had a GPA of 4.0 or higher; 51% had a GPA of 3.5 or higher; and 71% of the class had a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Collectively, the class earned 692 industry certifications and over $5.3 million in scholarships. The class also completed over 27,000 hours of community service.
The top 10% of graduates, in order of rank, are:
Willow Beachner
Lawson Killingsworth
Lauren Armstrong
James Treick
Lena Litton
Kaylie Mitchell
Carson Hindsman
Nicholas Kontek
Carter Hayden
Caidyn Medeiros
Emily Dunlap
Rieslin Colvin
Nathan Nichols
Rubing Wu
Sara Shannon
Ava Jacobi
Conner Bignell
Alyssa Hullett
Tre Wells
Sean Cassidy
Elijah Agcaoili
Emma Kendrick
Brylin Bussey
Collin Scott
Walker Culver
Jane Ruggerio
Carly Gray
Taylor Anderson
Jasmine Dillard
Linh Tran
Peyton Elliott
Amber Coleman
Christian Price
Rhiannon Harpe
Aubree Gorum
Luke Estes
Soraya Calkins
Jasmyne Hicks
Claire Kersey
Maegan Coleman
Alysen Garske
Dakota Vann
Stephen Schubert
Claire Keene
Brooklyn Iversen
Garrett Groff
Tristan Crumm
Tatianna Yahle
The complete graduate list:
Lillian Marie Abner
Kaleb Jones Addison
Elijah James Agcaoili
Jadid Hasan Mohammed Akther
Jacob Jadad Alcala
Raevyn Lynne Aldridge
Keyonna Jabrya Allen
Omar Nader Al-Selwady
Diego Enrique Amaya
Hannah Renee Amos
Taylor Joy Anderson
Jayda Simone Andrews
Natalie McKayla Andrews
Allison Antonio-Jimenez
Steven Bradley Anza
Lauren Grace Armstrong
Taylor Emily Arnold
Ava Atiyeh
Ja’Myiah Deariel Autrey
Isabelle Maria Aviles
Jackson Robert Ballinger
Jordyn Nicole Banks
Kylie Denise Barnes
Liliana India Grace Barnes
John Lee Barnett
Saphirra Orene Barnett
Colten Barrett
James Lee Bateman
Willow Allyn Beachner
Mya Addison Beane
Keelan Jayce Beasley
Jordan Andrew Beck
Ryleigh Ashlynn Beck
Hayden Patrick Becks
Richard Austin Beecher
Ahzyria Cori’Anna Bell
Christian Dakota Bell
Dustin Edward Bell
Alyssa Ann Bello
Lena Elizabeth Benfatto
Gregory Thomas Benoit
Rowan Gene Benson
Alejandro Israel Berrios-Morales
Kinzlee Ann Biggs
Conner Jayden Bignell
La’quarius Devon Bradford
Aiden Isaiah Bramblett
Emily Nicole Brewton
Allen Thomas Bridgers Jr.
Jamya Zyaisia Broughton
Traevarius Marquiese Broughton
Bria Riley Brown
Kaitlyn Grace Buck
Matthew Cole Burdess
Payten Aydn Burdette
Kayleigh Marie Burt
Janea Dawn Burton
Max Christopher Busbee
Brylin Taylor Bussey
William Andres Kayden Calderon
Soraya Navallia Calkins
Hayden Lilia Candelaria
Caleb Elijah Carroll
Tristan Glen Turner Carruthers
Sean Palmer Cassidy
Judah Alexander Chaffee
Logan Alexander Chaffee
Steven Joseph Chapman
Terrance Malachi Chatman
Julien Caine Chavers
Edwin Scott Ciesla
Alyssa Kathryn Clarke
Tyler Lawrence Clarke
Conner Bradley Clemmons
Jonni Marie Cliff
Gage Morgan Coates
Malcolm Stanley Coburger
Amber Grace Coleman
Maegan Elise Coleman
Daniel Dean Collins
Rieslin Claire Colvin
Nathan Morris Connors
Lalah Marie Conyers
Marcus Raymond Cooper
Mason Cheree’ Cornelius
Dyllan Trace Courtney
Jadyn Emily Courtney
Ian Harley Cozart
Garrett Trey Crabtree
Kaden Wayne Craig
Angel Cimone Crenshaw
Jasmine Luna Crochet
Tristan Daniel Crumm
Walker O’Neal Culver
Kira Lynn Curran
Tripp Ryan Daughtry
Canon Nehemiah Davis
Caridyn Leigh Davis
Ka’hari Coteal Davis
Jonathan J Deloach
Tyler Duane Dennis
Haley Mae Deviney
Jaiden Leigh Devries
Jasmine Renee’ Dillard
Sera Marisa Dillie
Kaleb Brandon Dimmitt
Aidyn Thomas Doherty
Gabrielle Jade Donson
Caysen Slade Doyle
Kayla Ann Ngoc Draime
Katelyn Marie Drennen
Ayrleigh Hazel Druhl
Mailyn Nicole Duke
Emily Grace Dunlap
Gwendolyn Anne Dunlop
Taylor Lyn Dyer
Abigail Reese Edwards
Peyton Christine Elliott
Andrew Skyler Ellison
Alyssa Caylee Erd
Alex Michael Espinosa
Luke Flynn Estes
Cayden Pearce Evans
Camdyn Thomas Fick
Derrick James Fields
Ryan Vega Jones Figueroa
William Tucker Firth
Hailey Renee Floyd
Jonathan David Flynn
Addison Rebecca Fowler
Scarlett Ruth Fowler
Princess Bre’na Frierson
Peyton Tyler Fuqua
Olivia Paige Gammon
Martha Lee Garner
Ivan Emmanuel Garrido Pujols
Alysen Leigh Garske
Kai Jacob Gaukel
Janiya Annette Gibbs
Daniya Inora-Mari Gibson
Ani-Jay Marshawn Gideon
Isabella Sky Gilliard
Colten Bradley Glass
Austin Chase Godwin
William Patrick Goforth
Issac Alejandro Gomez
Kailey Renee Gooch
Ava Rae Goodwin
Aubree Lana Gorum
Anthony Gottilla
Carly Elizabeth Gray
Ronald Dewayne Gray
Amari Prince Green
Madison Nicole Green
Aiden Joseph Grey
Alphonso Leon Griffin
Garrett Richard Groff
Jude Nicholas Grubbs
Paul Joseph Guarino
Courtney Lynn Gunter
Samuel Gutierrez
Bella Marie Hadley
Nicholas Aiden Hall
Eugene David Ham IV
Murphy Everitt Hamblin
Kayla Lynn Hammac
Haley Grace Hanna
Zion Dereon Hardaway
Kylee Elizabeth Harigel
Rhiannon Frances Harpe
Aiden Cole Harrell
Justin Tavonn Harris
Tabitha Lainla Harris
Tatum Marhay Harris
Kailei Alyssa Hart
David Randolph Hartsaw II
Trevin Lerrell Harvey II
Madison Danielle Hatcher
Mary Jessica Hauck
Richard Van Hawkins II
Leah McKinley Hay
Carter Jace Hayden
Kori McKenzie Hayes
Kiari Jeanette Healey
Allie Lynn Helton
Gordon Kody Doyle Henderson
Brogan Gearoid Liam Henley
Dominick Sean Henneinke
Halley Joan Hesselgesser
Conner Reed Hetherington
Kennedi Rae Hewlett
Jasmyne Marie Hicks
Richard Allen Hicks Jr.
Josie Jewel Hill
Carson Everett Hindsman
Evan Todd Hofstetter
Brooke Madison Holland
Emily Kate Holmes
Ryleigh Brooke Holmquist
Taelyn Mykel Hubbard
Nikolaus Alexander Huber
Alyssa Michelle Hullett
Kati Lynn Ingram
Brooklyn Nicole Iversen
Addison Brooke Jackson
Ava Claire Jacobi
D’Shayla De’sire James
Margaret Rose Jaquess
Emily Grace Jarvis
La’reginald Isaiah Jenkins
Macy Jayne Jensen
Jonathan Jiang
Timothy Bryce Joachimi
Chaise Jameson Johnson
Maci Katelyn Johnson
Marjaverri Tobias Johnson
Isabella Rose Joiner
Marin Elizabeth Jones
Sarrah Marie Jones
Tristian Odee Jones
Allen Caro Jones III
Wyatt Nolan Joyner
Claire Morgan Keene
Emma Danielle Kendrick
Claire Riley Kersey
Wyatt Damion Michael Kervin
Elijah Xavier Kidd-Rice
Lawson Grey Killingsworth
Logan Alexander Kimmons
Ace Xavier King
Avery Madison King
William Austin King
Walker Trey Knauer
Ryker Aidean Knudsen
Nicholas Xavier Kontek
Sophia Rose Krouse
Allayah Jenee Lacey
Ashton Parker LaCoste
Nyah Joyce LaFleur
Ava Grace Lafferry
Alexander Shawn Lakian
Lelah Michelle Landey
Zandria Laqueen Landrum
Haley Jane Langton
Christian Michael Lavender
London Lawrence
Savannah Parker Layfield
Gia Hoang Le
Jejoan Le
Ethan David Leate
Austin Page Ledbetter
Ty’shon Jermaine Lee
Curran Nicholas Lehman
Yadayyah Adanaya Leo
Durell Jasma Lett Jr.
Madeline Marie Lewis
Anna Lynn Lippitt
McKenna Grace Lister
Lena Lynn Litton
Chloe Beth Lofton
Diego Isidro Lopez
Kyleigh Jolin Lovelace
Anh An Phuong Luc
Lilian Michaela Lyons
Brooke Ashley Macaluso
Seth William Macpherson
Trace Cameron Madden
Taylor Kristen Malone
Patrick Duffy Martin
Shai Skyeliv Martin
Zion Luke Martin
A’Mya Martinez
Delaney Ann McAnally
Ciara Monique McCants
Jymon Eugene McCaster
Sean Andrew McClary
Ryanna Menikos McClung
Antonio Leon McDowell
Chloe Faye McDowell
Bryton Avery McLellan
Charlie Malando Mcmillian
Jocelyn Danielle McNeill
Trysten Anthony McVoy
Caidyn Nichole Medeiros
Brock Alexander Melvin
Brooklin Faith Metcalf
Matthew Neil Metzger
Ellison Kennedy Middleton
Austin Miller
Landen Rex Bradley Mills
Elijah Greydin Mitchell
Kaylie Barrett Mitchell
Mackenzie Sherrice Mitchell
Jykeese Aquaize Mixon
Mitchell Dean Moen III
Khalil Joseph Moftaqir
Connor James Mold
Madison Nicole Moore
Destiny Sharvinea Moorer
Deivi Mora
Jesse Jose Moreno
Carmen Nicolette Morris
Drake Hartley Morris
Bailey Megan Morse
Samir Nikhil Muhammad
Alexa-Ann Mullins
Ricardo Alonso Munoz
Boris Borisovich Musaev
Hannah Nichole Neal
Nicholas Robert Nelson
Earl Leonard Nelson II
Audrey Grace Newborn
Haleah Lexie Newbold
Tam Nguyen
Nathan Blake Nichols
Andrew Edward Norris
Maliek De’andre North
Bethanie LeeAnn Northcutt
Alina Ariel Ojeda
Cayden William Olin
Mallarie Sue Orcino
Oliver Joseth Ortez
Brenda Ortiz
Ashlar Dean Pack
Dorian Ray Pack
Raylyn Andie-Jean Pagador
Jack Edward Paravicini
Alyssa Michelle Pardue
Wyatt Thomas Parker
Noah Allen Parnell
Rebecca Eve Parsons
William Edward Parsons
Gabriel Kylen Patterson
Madison Garrett Payne
Kylie Marin Pelt
Briana Leigh Perkins
Mireya Samira Persad
Mya Patrice Pert
Jackson Dean Peterson
Katelyn Danielle Pettway
Riley Ann Phelps
Dean Lee Phillips
Sarabelle Kate Piar
Dominic Ethan Picheo
Hannah Elise Pittman
Jaevon David-Ray Pleasant
Luis Felipe Portal Rodriguez
Callum Charles Posey
Ronan Nathaniel Potter
Angelo Deontrez Powe
Kaven Matthew Powell
Mackenzie Nichole Powell
Christian Ethan Price
Kali Lynn Pritchett
Jayden Deontay Pugh
Jourdan Chauncey Purifoy
Gabriel Ramos Quinones
Jeremy Isaiah Randall
Kenneth Edward Rathel Jr.
Landon Matthew Ray
Levi Thomas Reed
Ethan Amir Rezaie
Robert Hunter Rhodes
Jayquan Kaleigh Rich
Miller Houston Richards
Emmah Marieghlyn Richardson
Brooklyn Ann Marie Rigby
Emily Grace Ring
Phoenix Kane Rinker
Logan Bryce Robbins
Evan Lauritz Robinson
Zarah Danella Robinson
Anaya Nicole Rodriquez
Jaydien Clayton Rogers
Daniel Alonso Romero Hernandez
Riley Nicole Rudd
Jane Cleo Ruggerio
Colton Eli Rutherford
Michael Arthur Ruzicka III
Starr Noelle Salter
Ehren Maddox Mendoza Salvadora
Jasmine Renee’ Salvaggio
Alejandra Sandoval-Bocanegra
Becker Gael Sarmiento-Sorto
Nolan Billy Satterwhite
Finnegan Wade Schachle
Richard Daniel Holland Schauer
Alexis Leeann Schmelzle
Gage Schneweis
Reagan Marie Schoonover
Jackson Alan Schrock
Blake Anthony Schroeder
Stephen Michael Schubert Jr.
Collin Joseph Scott
Elijah Brayden Scott
Kale William Seado
Sean Paul Anthony Seals
Reese Elizabeth Serley
Jazlyn Carrie Severs
Sara Bre Shannon
Raegan Anne Sidler
Cherish Sha’mya Simpkins
Hannah Elizabeth Sipes
Gianna Marie Smart
Madison Kay Smillie
Alysia Bree Smith
Brady Matthew Smith
Brodie Kyle Smith
Bryce Paul Smith
Dakota Vincent Smith
Jamari Jayvian Smith
Paisley Jaymes Smith
Maria Pinky Rose Barilla Solo
Christopher Joseph Sparks Jr.
Annika Rae Spiekermann
Terra Helen Sprung
Alaina Makenzie Stackpole
Lillian Jean Startzell
Gavin Steadham
Leigha Grace Stephens
Nessa Aileen Stewart
Ian Patrick Stinnett
Kyra Jasmine Ariana Stokes
Landon Cole Stoos
Braden Strohl
Larry Wayne Strother III
Evan Christopher Taylor
Lawson Ronald Theisen
Amy Nicole Thomas
Caleb Scott Thomas
Davion Jahid Thompson
Hannah Rose Tilley
Kacie Elyse Tolbert
Madison Rose-Lee Tolbert
Emma Grace Touchstone
Logan Garrett Towns
Linh Mai Tran
Connor Joseph Travis
James Treick
Dalton Michael Tucker
Pandora Danielle Tucker
Amariah Nalaya Turner
Ava Brooke Vanase
Cheyenne Autumn Vance
Gavin Alexander Vanlandingham
Dakota Quinn Vann
Jaden Tyler Vicoli
Jensser Omarium Villanueva Calderon
Quy Tam Vo
Jhaidyn Lee Wade
Kaitlin Ruth Waggoner
Grayson Tucker Walker
Jayce Ryan Walker
Shaun Alex Wall
Emily Grace Walson
Zealand Wann
Alannah Zahara Jazlyn Ward
Xavier Charles Ward
Anabell Elaine Warrington
Abigail Elizabeth Washington
Demetric Terrell Washington
Devyn Barbara Wells
Tre Burton Wells
Elijah Robert West
Keon Whaley
Bryce Phillip White
Emma Elizabeth White
Shania La’Trese White
Kaliyah Racquel Whiting
Elix Ernest Wilder
A’myiah Ela’jiah Williams
Brennen Daniel Williams
Genesis Aleja Williams
Kameron Lamar Williams
Milon Jacob Williams
Randy Randel Williams Jr.
Liam Wyatt Williamson
Peyton Lynn Wilson
Madison Marie Wise
Allesha Shanaye Woods
Nicholas Evan Work Jr.
Rubing Wu
Tatianna Lorraine Yahle
Christopher Jordan Yates
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview High Class Of 2026 Graduates (With Complete Graduate List, Gallery)
May 27, 2026
The 115 members of the Northview High School Class of 2026 graduated Tuesday afternoon at the Pensacola Bay Center.
Valedictorian of the Class of 2026 is Braylan Hope Shelly, and salutatorian is Ayden Brice Crabtree.
“As we enter into this new chapter of life, I want everyone to remember something important,” Shelly told her fellow graduates. “Your life has purpose. The same God that created the mountains, the oceans, and the sun, created you with intention too. The God who painted sunsets across the sky, and placed every single star in the universe also made each of us unique and valuable. Every dream and obstacle in your life is part of a bigger plan than you may even realize right now.
“There will be moments in your life when you question yourself and feel uncertain about where you are going, but do not forget that God has given you the strength, abilities, and determination you need to succeed. Success may look different for each of us, but every person here has been given gifts and opportunities for a reason. Sometimes the challenges we face may be the very things that prepare us for the future God has planned for us, Shelly continued.
“Our lives are built on the small steps that we take daily,” Crabtree said. “Do not let fear hold you back from these steps, but instead move boldly with everything you do.”
Class President Mary Elizabeth Oliver led the class in a moment of silence for Nicholas Walston. “He was known and loved by so many,” she said. A chair sat empty for Walston with a memorial to him.
Principal Mike Sherrill said 22 members of the class were at or above a 4.0 GPA (including three over 5.0), 12 were at or above a 3.75 GPA, and 11 had earned at least a 3.5 GPA. Collectively, the class received over $1.364 million in scholarships. It was the first class in Northview school history to meet all of the requirements for a Florida state diploma.
Graduated were:
Summa Cum Laude GPA of 4.0 and above
- Braylan Hope Shelly
- Ayden Brice Crabtree
- Mary Elizabeth Oliver
- Elizabeth Faith Coleman
- Jackson Cade Simmons
- Savannah Jean Hudson
- Liam Patrick Simonson
- Addison Alaina Classen
- Claire Marie Amerson
- Tyler Benjamin Carach
- Maggie Suzanne Stewart
- Anna Grace Kunkel
- Wade Allen Bailey
- Jackson Baker Bridges
- Samantha Belle Minchew
- Kayleigh Abigail Young
- Kenslee Savannah Chavira
- Makenzie Lynn Levins
- Shelby Lynn Greenwell
- Talaysha Sherry Curry
- Aakira Nichelle Davis
- Keeli Victoria Knighten
Magna Cum Laude GPA of 3.75 and above
- Lucas Wade Godwin
- Alyssa Danielle Brooks
- Maurice Ervin Dixon, V
- Macy McKayla Jerkins
- Fallon Christina Hubbard
- Gus Mitchell Leatherberry
- Brayden Michael Gindl
- Cameron Edward Bodiford
- Kinley Michelle Knowles
- Luke Davison Chavers
- Julianna Paige Little
- Kathryn Abagail Beasley
Cum Laude GPA of 3.5 and above
- Olivia Evelyn Doyle
- Andrew Brayden Plant
- Lauren Gabrielle Abbott
- Amie Lee Weaver
- Andrew Spencer Brown
- Kailey Mae Hawkins
- Cinseirr Rain Burgess
- Peyton Bailee Womack
- Carley Ruth Moore
- Ona Lee Spinks
- Ellie Sophia Adkins
Graduating in alphabetical order
- Brody Scott Baker
- Kaiden Jared Belongia
- Isaiah Cano Boatwright
- Cameron Kristian Bourgeois
- Jack Bryan Boutwell
- Leah Riley Brooks
- Tameka Linda Brown
- Keiyon Lamarri Brown
- Ora Grace Bryan
- Emily Dawn Carter
- Zakhel Cameron Clemmons
- Mileigh Elizabeth Clifford
- Cole Austin Davis
- Lauren Nicole Doggett
- Nathan Alan Duffy
- Colton James Dunsford
- Daniel Wayne Earnest
- Amanda Daniela Fernandez-Santis
- Salvador Franco
- Chase Jayden Gibson
- Kaiden Cire Hall
- Marabelle Grace Hamilton
- Jazariah Lai’Ahni Henderson
- Joshua Rodney Holmes
- Hannah Christine Jerkins
- Daniel Scott Johnson
- James Grayden Johnson-Sheffield
- Logan Bryan Jordan
- Brayden Eric Kaster
- Dane Thomas King
- Aviya Mae LaBue
- Daylen Jeremiah Lewis
- Addison Skyy Linton
- Emily Renee Long
- Addison Marie Marsh-Hual
- Bryant Anthony Mason
- Mikenna Leigh Mattheiss
- Dallas James McCarthy
- Damon Scott McDuffie
- Caelen Maurice McKillion
- Brandon Joel Minor Jr.
- Tylijah Jermell Mitchell
- Zykeriya Shauness Mitchell
- Hunter Coleman Moye
- Jarrett Earl Munro
- Trevor Allen Nall
- William Harry Nowlin
- Bryson Mi’kel Orso
- Cole Anthony Oswald
- Reagan Bream Peebles
- Estela Stephanie Peralta
- Noel Jayden Pugh
- Elijah Wayne Quigley
- Samuel Benjamin Reid
- Jaquan Quartez Richardson
- DaShay Armetta Robinson
- Christian Dion Santana
- Chase Edward Smith
- James Randall Smith
- Malia Jenay Smith
- Rylie Addison Sparkman
- Felecity Alyce St Louis
- Justy Reece Starns
- Jeremy Thomas Jr.
- Daivyd Alexander Wallace
- Charles Tennessee Waters
- Alexis Paige White
- Tierany Grace White
- Jessica Danielle Williams
- Garrett Samuel Yalch
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
‘Returning Home’: Former Aggie Standout Misti Nims Named Tate Head Softball Coach
May 27, 2026
Misti Nims has been named the next head softball coach at Tate High School.
A native of Cantonment and a 1996 Tate graduate, Nims is returning home to lead the Aggies program she once helped build as a student-athlete.
During her time at Tate, Nims was a four-year starter in softball and helped lead the Aggies to the program’s first-ever Fastpitch Softball Final Four appearance in 1995. She was also a two-year starter for the volleyball team. Following her standout high school career, she earned a softball scholarship to Pensacola Junior College, where she was an All-Academic Team member and All-Conference first baseman.
Nims continued her education at the University of West Florida, earning a bachelor’s degree in sports science and a master’s degree in health, leisure, and exercise science/physical education.
Her coaching career began in 2001 at Jefferson Davis Community College, now Coastal Alabama Community College, where she served as head softball coach for more than two decades. During her tenure, she guided the program to 14 conference tournament appearances and was named the 2015 ACCC Softball Coach of the Year. She has also produced countless NJCAA Academic All-Americans, All-Region players, and All-Conference selections while helping numerous student-athletes continue their careers at the next level. She also served as head volleyball coach from 2003-2013 before focusing solely on softball.
In 2023, Nims was named head men’s and women’s cross country coach at Coastal Alabama following a major restructuring of the athletic department. In her first three seasons, the men’s cross country program earned national rankings each year, climbing as high as No. 11 nationally. The program also captured its first race victory, produced an ACCC Runner of the Week and All-Region selection, and qualified for the national meet all three seasons.
Nims also joined the West Florida High School softball staff in 2024 as an assistant coach, helping lead the Jaguars to two district championships and a regional semifinal appearance.
“Tate softball has a proud tradition, and we are excited to welcome one of our own back home to lead the program,” said Tate Principal Laura Touchstone. “Coach Nims brings a tremendous amount of experience and passion. Her success at the collegiate level, combined with her deep roots in the Tate community, make her an outstanding fit to lead our softball program into the future. We are excited for the future of Tate softball under Coach Nims’ leadership.”
“I am very excited to lead the Aggies back into a championship program,” said Nims. “I want our athletes to be proud to wear the ‘T’ across their chest and bring back a sense of pride and tradition to being an Aggie. I want to thank Mrs. Touchstone, Coach Blackmon, and the administration for entrusting me to lead this program. I also want to thank Coach Wyatt for all her years of success and for bringing home the first state championship. I plan to build on that success, and I cannot wait to get started.”
Melinda Wyatt retired at the end of the 2026 season, after 31 years as a varsity and junior varsity coach for the Tate softball program. She served 22 of those years as head coach.
Cantonment Man Charged With Trying To Pass ‘Play Money’ At Credit Union
May 26, 2026
A Cantonment man was arrested after he allegedly tried to exchange movie prop money for real cash and then use it to open an account at a local credit union
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to a counterfeit call at the Gulf Winds Credit Union located at 220 East Nine Mile Road in Pensacola.
Justin Wayne Jordan, 40, was booked into the Escambia County Jail on felony charges of passing a counterfeit bank bill and possession of 10 or more counterfeit bills.
According to an arrest report, Jordan entered the credit union and handed a credit union employee two $100 bills in an attempt to exchange them for real currency. The employee immediately noticed that the bills were counterfeit, observing that they were explicitly marked with the imprint “Copy Play Money”. When the employee informed Jordan that the bills were fake and could not be exchanged, Jordan stated he had more cash with him. He then produced additional movie prop bills and stated that he wanted to use them to open up a credit union account.
A responding deputy reviewed credit union video footage of the encounter, which corroborated the employee’s account of the incident. In total, law enforcement collected 12 of the fake bills to be submitted into evidence.
Jordan remains in the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $5,000.
Habitual Traffic Offender Arrested After Fleeing Deputy, K-9 Search In Century
May 26, 2026
A Century man is facing felony charges after allegedly fleeing from law enforcement during an attempted traffic stop last month.
William Johnathan Hamilton, 35, was arrested last week on an outstanding warrant for fleeing and eluding law enforcement with active lights and sirens, and driving while license suspended as a habitual offender. He is currently being held at the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $5,000.
According to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, a deputy was patrolling the area of Century Boulevard and West McCurdy Street when he observed a dark 2007 Chevy Silverado being driven by a man later identified as Hamilton. The deputy noted that the driver was not wearing a seatbelt and the vehicle lacked a proper license tag.
When the deputy pulled behind the truck, Hamilton made a sharp right turn onto Hilltop Road and accelerated, according to the report. The deputy activated emergency lights and sirens to initiate a traffic stop, but Hamilton refused to pull over, eventually speeding onto a dirt road and into a field on his property
The deputy briefly lost sight of the vehicle but later located the abandoned truck hidden in a wooded area on the back lot of the residence on Hilltop Road. An ECSO drone unit and a Century Correctional Institution K-9 unit searched the surrounding area, but Hamilton was not found at the time. The truck was subsequently towed and impounded.
A records check revealed that Hamilton’s driver’s license had been suspended indefinitely since June 2024.
Memorial Day: North Escambia Monuments Honor Those That Served
May 25, 2026
On Memorial Day, people across North Escambia and the country remember the brave men and women that have served and sacrificed all.
In North Escambia, there are several memorials that honor those that have served in the military. Below, we are highlighting some of the outdoor memorials that residents can visit today.
Continue scrolling; the article continues below the photos.
LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park
The LCpl Travis M. Nelson Park was dedicated in Bratt on November 8, 2011, in honor of the local Marine killed in action in August 2011 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. It was just two weeks after his 19th birthday and only about a month after he arrived in Afghanistan.
The park features a memorial in Nelson’s honor. It is located on West Highway 4, just west of Northview High School.
Century Veterans Wall of Honor
About four dozen of those that served from the Century area are honored on the Century Veterans Wall of Honor at Century’s Roadside Park on Highway 29. The memorial was dedicated on July 4, 2008 and also honors local soldiers killed in action.
The Century Veterans Wall of Honor is located in the Nadine McCaw Park at the corner of North Century Boulevard (Highway 29) and Hecker Road.
Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor
The largest such memorial in the North Escambia area, the Veterans Honor Wall has stood in front of the Walnut Hill Community Center since its dedication in 2003. There are about 300 names on the wall, including names of just over a dozen soldiers killed in action. The wall honors those from the Walnut Hill area that have served in the nation’s military.
The Walnut Hill Ruritan Club began planning the wall in late 2001, and they decided that it would be a community project at no cost to the veterans listed.
The late Billy R. Ward began to engrave the names with an antique machine the club purchased off the internet, and there were 220 names on the wall when it was dedicated in 2003. He spent a lot of time on the project, visiting the Wall South Memorial in Pensacola to get an idea what size the letters on the plaques should be.
On the Walnut Hill Veterans Honor Wall, everyone is equal. It was decided that no service rank would be include on the name plaques, just the branch and years of service.
Many of the veterans listed on the wall are now deceased.
The Walnut Hill Veterans Wall is located in front of the community center at 7850 Highway 97.
NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Memorial Day: Pop-Up Showers And Thunderstorms Continue All Week
May 25, 2026
A persistent, moisture-rich weather pattern is settling over the region, promising a thoroughly damp week ahead with high rain chances stretching from the Memorial Day Monday straight into next weekend. Daily temperatures will remain remarkably consistent, capping out in the lower to mid-80s with overnight lows hovering comfortably around 70 degrees. Heavy downpours, dynamic thunderstorm activity, and significant rainfall accumulation will be a daily possibility, making outdoor planning a challenge.
Here is your official North Escambia area forecast:
Memorial Day: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 4pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Monday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 10pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 80. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Tuesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a chance of showers between 10pm and 1am, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Wednesday: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Thursday Night: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm.
Friday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 83. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Friday Night: A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70.
Saturday: Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. High near 82. Chance of precipitation is 80%.
Saturday Night: A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69.
Sunday: Showers and thunderstorms likely. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
FloridaCommerce Reports Small Increase In Escambia County Unemployment
May 24, 2026
The Escambia County area unemployment rate increased, according to data released Friday by FloridaCommerce.
The area’s unemployment rate was 5.0% in April 2026, a slight increase from the March rate of 4.9%. A year ago, the unemployment rate in Escambia County was 3.6%.
Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in April 2026, up 0.1 percentage point from the March 2026 rate, and up 1.1 percentage points from a year ago. There were 532,000 jobless Floridians out of a labor force of 11,150,000. The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in April.
Tate High School Names 2026 Valedictorian, Salutatorian And Top 10% Graduates
May 23, 2026
Tate High School has named its Class of 2026 valedictorian, salutatorian, and Top 10% graduates.
They are valedictorian Willow Beachner and salutatorian Lawson Killingsworth.
The 485 members of the Tate High School Class of 2026 will graduate on Wednesday, May 27 at 9 a.m. at the Pensacola Bay Center.
The Top 10% graduates, in order of rank, are:
- Willow Beachner
- Lawson Killingsworth
- Lauren Armstrong
- James Treick
- Lena Litton
- Kaylie Mitchell
- Carson Hindsman
- Nicholas Kontek
- Carter Hayden
- Caidyn Medeiros
- Emily Dunlap
- Rieslin Colvin
- Nathan Nichols
- Rubing Wu
- Sara Shannon
- Ava Jacobi
- Conner Bignell
- Alyssa Hullett
- Tre Wells
- Sean Cassidy
- Elijah Agcaoili
- Emma Kendrick
- Brylin Bussey
- Collin Scott
- Walker Culver
- Jane Ruggerio
- Carly Gray
- Taylor Anderson
- Jasmine Dillard
- Linh Tran
- Peyton Elliott
- Amber Coleman
- Christian Price
- Rhiannon Harpe
- Aubree Gorum
- Luke Estes
- Soraya Calkins
- Jasmyne Hicks
- Claire Kersey
- Maegan Coleman
- Alysen Garske
- Dakota Vann
- Stephen Schubert
- Claire Keene
- Brooklyn Iversen
- Garrett Groff
- Tristan Crumm
- Tatianna Yahle