the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (Part Two)
January 26, 2012
Today, it’s part three of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2012.
Today we introduce you to the second of three sets of 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 third 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 Ashley Renea’ Cunningham
Ashley is the 16-year old daughter of Andy and Christina Cunningham. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for three years and currently serves as treasurer. She was also elected by her peers as vice-president of the freshman class, as well as, vice-president of the junior class. Ashley has been a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She has been on the varsity cheerleading team for two years and currently holds the title of co-captain. She is also the recipient of the 2011-2012 Best All Around award.
Last year, Ashley was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court, where she was chosen Sophomore Class Maid. This year, she was again selected to represent her junior class on the Homecoming Court. She has been a member of the track team for three years, the Science Club for one year, and a member of the Future Farmers of America for two years. She has been a member of the dance team for one year, the weightlifting team for one year, and a member of S.W.A.N.S for two years. In track, Ashley was awarded the “Do it for the team” award and the “Heart” award. In her community, she is a member of the 4-H Club and won the title of 2011 Grand Champion in Steer and Heifer.
Her hobbies include showing cattle, playing tennis with her family, watching Harry Potter DVD’s, and going to Pensacola Beach with her amazing friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and obtain her degree in education and become a teacher. She also hopes to one day coach cheerleading.
Miss Hannah Elizabeth Gibson
Hannah is the 14-year old daughter of Steve and Kristy Gibson. In eighth grade, she was a member of the National Junior Honor Society and a member of the Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleading team where she held the title of captain. She was also the recipient of the “Best all around cheerleader” award for two years.
She was the 2011-2012 Poarch Creek Indian Junior Princess first alternate.
At Northview, Hannah is a junior varsity cheerleader and a member of the Spanish Club. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Her hobbies include cooking, gymnastics, boating, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and earn her degree to become an orthodontist.
Miss Morgan Nicole Digmon
Morgan is the 15-year old daughter of Mark and Tina Digmon. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, a member of the dance team for one year, and a member of the softball team for two years.
Last year, she was an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-star and was awarded the Miss Poise and Appearance award in the 2011 Miss NHS pageant. She has taken dance at Heather Leondard’s Danceworks for seven years and helps teach ballet as an assistant teacher. In her community, Morgan is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, where she takes part in the youth group program and choir.
Her hobbies include dancing, shopping, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college at Auburn University. After earning her degree, she hopes to one day start a family.
Miss Abigail Christie-Anne Odom
Abby is the 17-year old grand-daughter of James and Mildred Windham. She has been a member of the NHS drama department for two years and played “Susan” in their production of “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.” This year, she was chosen to be the heroine, “Wendy March,” in their production of “The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux.” She has been a member of the Art Club for two years and took first place at the Pensacola Art show. Abby was a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and held the title of captain. This year, she is on the varsity cheerleading team.
She has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for one year, the dance team for one year, and chorus for one year. Last year, Abby was selected to represent the junior class on the Homecoming Court. In the 2011 Miss NHS pageant, Abby was among the top ten contestants. She has taken dance for 15 years at Studio 43 in Mobile and volunteers her time as an assistant coach of the Northwest Escambia Mites cheerleaders. In her community, Abby is an active member of Enon Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include making jewelry, photography, taking dance, spending time with her cheer family, as well as, spending time with other loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College and then later transfer to a major university to pursue a degree in photography.
Miss Brittany Danyel Thompson
Brittany is the 18 year old daughter of Anthony and Alicia Thompson. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for four years, a member of the Interact Club for three years, and a member of S.W.A.N.S. for three years. Brittany has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for four years and has held the office of historian and treasurer. She was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team her sophomore year and has been on the varsity cheerleading team for two years. She was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Most Improved award.
She has been in the Spanish Club for one year, on the weightlifting team for one year, and in the Future Business Leaders of America for one year, where she held the office of treasurer. She participated in the Chief Challenge 5K run and also volunteers her time building houses with the Habitat for Humanity in Atmore, Alabama. Brittany has also volunteered her time working with children at Camp E.D.G.E. for Aldersgate Church.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, dancing, photography, spending time with family and friends, and watching her favorite television program: “American Horror Story.”
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College for two years and then transfer to Florida State University. While in attendance, she hopes to join an academic sorority.
Miss Ashley Nicole Mooney
Ashley is the 16-year old daughter of Scott and Sandy Mooney. She was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year, the junior varsity softball team for one year, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, where she currently serves as treasurer. She was also voted freshman class treasurer and is currently the president of the junior class. Ashley has been a varsity cheerleader for two years, a varsity softball player for one year, and a member of the track team for one year.
She has been a member of Rho Kappa for one year, where she currently serves as treasurer, a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Beta Club for one year. She was an Academic All-star for the 2010-2011 school year. Ashley was selected to represent her class on the Homecoming Court her sophomore and junior year. In her community, she is an active member of Healing Waters Church and a member of the Panhandle Allstar Cheerlading Team. She has volunteered her time with the Relay For Life foundation and was also awarded the “Take Stock in Children” scholarship.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, softball, running track, riding horses, photography, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Florida State University and cheer while pursing her bachelor’s degree.
Miss Melissa Jayne Martinez Moretz
Melissa is the 18-year old daughter of James and Lisa Moretz. She has been a member of the track team for two years and a member of the NJROTC program for four years, where she held the position of executive officer for one year. Melissa has been a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band for four years and has held the title of drum major.
As a cadet for the NJROTC, she has received the American Legion Military Excellence award, the Military Order of the World Wars award, the Theodore Roosevelt Youth medal, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart award. Melissa was also recognized by the Pensacola Suburban West Rotary Club and was awarded for exhibiting core values.
Her hobbies include writing short stories and poems, painting, reading, singing, and playing various instruments including the piano, the clarinet, and the saxophone. Melissa also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend several different universities so that she can expand her knowledge in a broad range of subjects. She also intends on traveling and living in places that are out of her comfort zone. When she is done traveling, she hopes to open a jazz café with live music and delightful food.
Tiffany Nichole Pritchett
Tiffany is the 15-year old daughter of James Pritchett and Debbie Lee. She has been on the junior varsity volleyball team for two years and this year she was moved up to varsity at the end of the season. Tiffani has also been on the junior varsity softball team for one year. She was the recipient of the “Best Offensive Volleyball Player” award for 2011 and was also an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All Star.
In her community, she has played softball for the Molino Ballpark team for seven years. She also volunteers her time to help coach the younger girls in softball. Tiffani is an active member of Pace Assembly of God Church.
Her hobbies include playing volleyball, playing softball, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University and pursue a medical degree. She hopes to one day become a pediatrician.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Battery Charge Dropped Against 13-Year Old Autistic Student
January 26, 2012
Charges have been dropped in the case of a 13-year old autistic boy accused of attacking his teacher.
Conner Brown had been charged with felony battery for hitting 57-year Kathy Roupe of Pensacola in the head with a set of headphones at Ferry Pass Middle School. She suffered a concussion.
The charge was dropped after prosecutors decided Brown was not competent to stand trial.
Brown is back in school, this time at East Hill Academy, a private school for children with autism and related disorders.
Bye Bye Potato Chips: Bill Would Eliminate Non-healthy Food From Aid Programs
January 26, 2012
A bill that would eliminate “non-healthy, non-staple” foods from those permitted under food assistance guidelines sparked a tart debate in the Senate Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
The bill (SB 1658), sponsored by committee Chairwoman Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, would prohibit people who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program money from using their benefits to buy foods containing trans fats; sweetened drinks, including sodas; candy; pudding; popsicles; potato chips; pretzels and a wide array of baked goods from the list of items currently allowed for purchase with SNAP funding under federal guidelines. The measure would prevent SNAP recipients from using their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to buy the prohibited items.
“Should the taxpayer foot the bill for Mountain Dew?” asked Storms.
Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, said it’s not the state’s place to dictate people’s diets. “To me, it’s just too much government intervention.”
But Sen. Jack Latvala, R-St. Petersburg, said he hadn’t realized that SNAP recipients could buy such items and that Storms’ measure was long overdue.
“It breaks all of our hearts the way government is having to cut back on things that people are used to getting help from government on,” he said. “We’ve all had to vote for some painful cuts. I think what Sen. Storms is trying to do here is to say, ‘This is one way we could prioritize.’”
Detert said she would vote yes out of respect for Storms, but that many people don’t know how to cook from scratch and such training would be more useful to them.
“I’d rather see something pro-active and a lot more help to poor people,” she said. “A lot of kids think all food comes in a bag through a car window.”
Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville, asked if the measure contained a definition of “unhealthy.”
“Potato chips are healthy, is that what your argument is?” Storms answered.
“I’m trying to determine, if I show up to the store with my EBT card, who at the store is going to determine what in my cart is unhealthy and by what definition?” said Gibson.
Storms said her bill calls for the Florida Department of Children and Families to make up the list of items that could be paid for by SNAP funding. But she agreed to drop the term “unhealthy” from her bill, and it passed in the committee 4-2. It now goes to the Senate Budget Committee, its last stop.
By The News Service of Florida
Winning $61,330 Fantasy 5 Ticket Sold In Area
January 26, 2012
A winning ticket in Tuesday night’s Florida Lottery Fantasy 5 drawing was sold near Jay.
The Quick Pick ticket, with numbers 7-8-23-34-36 , was sold at the Berrydale Kwik Mart at 13010 Highway 87 North. The ticket was one of four winning tickets in the drawing.
Each of the four winning tickets are worth $61,330.55 each. There were also 289 tickets with four correct numbers worth $136.50 each, and 10,292 with three of five numbers worth $10.50 each.
The other winning tickets were sold in Estero (two at the same BP station) and Miami.
Fire Destroys Cantonment Shed
January 25, 2012
Fire destroyed a shed in Cantonment Wednesday afternoon.
The fire in 20×20 shed was reported about 1 p.m on Booker Avenue, just south of Booker Street. The fire was reported to be threatening other structures, but it was quickly contained.
There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Pensacola Man Shot To Death
January 25, 2012
A Pensacola man was shot to death early this morning.
The Pensacola Police Department has identified the victim as 63-year old Charles Watson. Police responded to the 1400 block of North E Street about 2:30 a.m. where Watson was found just inside the door of his home. Watson was transported to a local hospital where he died just after 3 a.m.
Investigators said they did not know why Watson went to his door, and they did not have any leads on the shooter. A motive for the shooting remains under investigation.
Man Steals Power Pole Copper Wire To Pay For Court Ordered Monitoring
January 25, 2012
A Cantonment man is charged with cutting copper wire off utility poles so, he said, he could pay for the court ordered ankle monitor he was ordered to wear in another felony case.
Todd Eugene Caine, 48, was charged with larceny taking copper or other metal damaging utilities. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $50,000.
Deputies responded Sunday afternoon to the area of West Roberts and Stefani roads after someone reported a suspicious person who was cutting copper wires off power poles. At the intersection, the responding deputy watched as Caine threw down a bundle of wire and continued walking, according to an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office arrest report.
According to the report, Caine told the deputy that “he did not have a job and was in need of money to pay for his ankle monitoring system, and therefore was cutting the copper ground wires of power poles”.
Caine had a large pocket knife and a pair of wire cutters in his possession.
According to court records, Caine was ordered by Judge John Simon to wear an active ankle GPS monitor as part of his release as he awaits trial in a felony battery case.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (With Photos)
January 25, 2012
Today, it’s part two of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2012.
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 Lauren Ashley McCall
Lauren is the 17-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 three years and is currently co-captain of the team. She has been a member of the softball team for four 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.
This year, Lauren was crowned Homecoming Queen for 2011. She was selected by the Suburban West Rotary Club as the grand prize winner in the Rotary International Four Way Test essay contest. Lauren has received the “Miss Physical Fitness” award two years in a row and was one of the Top 10 contestants in Miss NHS for two years. 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, and the Random Acts of Kindness team. She volunteered with the Century Relay for Life team and has helped with “Operation Christmas Child”.
Her hobbies include dancing, swimming, going to the beach, watching Auburn football, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of West Florida for two years and then transfer to Auburn University to obtain her degree in sports medicine.
Miss Charleigh Victoria McPherson
Charleigh is the 18-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 three years and was co-captain her junior year. This year, Charleigh holds the title of captain. 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. Charleigh has been a member of Rho Kappa for one year and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year. As a sophomore, she was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court. I
n 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 and 2011 Miss NHS pageants. 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. Last year, Charleigh was chosen to participate in the Youth Leadership Program in Atmore and this year she serves as a Chamber Ambassador of Atmore.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, baking, listening to music and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a junior college and then transfer to a University to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She then wants to be accepted into law school.
Miss Ariel Kaye Holland
Ariel is the 17-year old daughter of Wayne and Amy Holland. As a freshman, she was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years, where she was the recipient of the prestigious 2011-2012 Spirit Award. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for one year, the golf team for one year, and the track team for three years. She has been a member of the softball team for three years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, and was voted junior class treasurer. As a freshman, Ariel was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court and was voted Freshman Class Maid.
In both the 2010 and 2011 Miss NHS pageant, Ariel was among the top ten contestants. 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, softball, spending time with friends, and having “girl” days with her mom.
Her future plans are to receive a cheerleading scholarship and pursue a degree in pediatric nursing.
Miss Kendal Brooke Cobb
Kendal is the 14-year old daughter of Jamie and Becky Cobb. As an eighth grader, she was on the cheerleading team, as well as, the competition squad. She was first runner up in the 2010 Miss EWMS Pageant and was Miss Bambino 2009. At Northview, she is a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team, the Student Government Association, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Kendal was selected by her peers as freshman class vice-president and was also selected to represent them on the Homecoming Court. In her community, she has played softball for the Northwest Escambia softball team for four years and was on the Northwest Escambia All-Star team for three years. She is an active member of Faith Bible Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include cheering, playing softball, hunting, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and pursue a degree in nursing.
Miss Katelynne Nicole Calloway
Katelynne is the 15-year old daughter of Tommy and Tammy Calloway. At Northview, Katelynne was a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and held the title of co-captain. This year, Katelynne is on the varsity cheerleading team.
She has been a member of the Spanish Club for one year and was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court. In her community, Katelynne is a member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, fishing with her Dad, dancing, shopping, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and obtain her degree. She hopes to become a pediatric nurse.
Miss Courtney Alexandra Weaver
Courtney is the 16-year old daughter of Michael and Deana Weaver. She has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year and was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Most Improved award. Courtney has been on the Northview softball team for two years, a member of the Interact Club for one year, and was voted by her peers as historian of the sophomore class.
She has played softball for the Northwest Escambia league for seven years and has received the “Top Gun” award for the past three years. In her community, she is an active member of St. Robert’s Catholic Church and sings in the choir.
Her hobbies include reading, going to the beach, cooking, and spending time with loved ones — especially her baby brother.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree to become a pharmacist.
Miss Anna Elizabeth Fischer
Anna is the 15-year old daughter of Jerry and Ramona Fischer. She has been a junior varsity cheerleader for one year, where she served as co-captain, a member of the dance team for one year, and a member of the yearbook staff for one year. She has been a varsity cheerleader for one year and was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Squad Strength award. Anna was also a 2010-2011 Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-star. She is a member of the All-Girls Club and was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court as freshman class maid. In her community, Anna has taken dance with Heather Leonard’s Danceworks for 12 years. She is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church and participates in the youth choir. She also volunteers with the church nursery and at vacation bible school. Anna has volunteered her time as a “Coastal Clean-up” participant.
Her hobbies include drawing, dancing, scrapbooking, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida and study fashion design.
Miss Hilery Danielle Scott
Danielle is the 15-year old daughter of Christopher and Cathy Scott. At Northview, she is a member of the dance team. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, the Science Club for one year, and the Spanish Club for two years. As a freshman, Danielle was selected to represent her class on the Homecoming Court. This year, she was voted sophomore class secretary.
In her community, Danielle is an active member of Walnut Hill Assembly of God Church where she is a part of the youth ministry. She holds the title of secretary and sings every Sunday morning and Sunday night for praise and worship. She also spends time singing for different events such as Red Cross, Relay for Life, Mayfest in Atmore, and church revivals. This past summer, Danielle received a one year contract with American Mall Model Search and participated in several shows at Pensacola’s Cordova Mall. She has been taking voice lessons for one year, dance with Heather Leonard’s Danceworks for one year, and piano for six years.
Her hobbies include singing, playing piano, dancing, volunteering, making her own music videos, having special shopping days with her mom, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree in music.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Deputies Seek Persons Of Interest In Walmart Carjacking
January 25, 2012
Sheriff’s investigators are asking for help to identify two persons of interest in an attempted carjacking at Walmart in Ensley last Friday night.
Two black males pointed a gun at a young woman and tried to get make her get into the backseat of her car in the parking lot of the Walmart on Pensacola Boulevard. When she refused, one of the suspects struck the victim in the head with the gun. The suspects then fled.
Moment later, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office received another call nearby of a male that had been robbed by two black males matching the same description from the attempted carjacking.
After a lengthy K-9 track for the suspects, several items were recovered that are believed to have been in possession of the suspects, according to investigators.
Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Office released images from Walmart surveillance cameras that they believe show the suspects.
Investigators encourage anyone who has information on the identity of the two males pictured to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or CrimeStoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Second DCF Impersonator Reported
January 25, 2012
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a second report of a man impersonating an investigator with the Department of Children and Families.
Just before noon Tuesday, a resident reported that a white male that identified himself as “James Redkin” came to his residence and told him that he was with DCF and that the homeowner was under investigation in reference to his daughters. The homeowner told the man that he did not have any daughters and asked the suspect for identification.
The homeowner told deputies that the suspect acted as if he wanted to enter his home but left after seeing his dog, he drove off in a newer model white sedan.
This was the second report in Escambia County of a man posing as a DCF investigator. On January 18th a man identifying himself as a DCF investigator, entered a home
claiming to be investigating the resident for child neglect. The suspect in that incident matches the description of the suspect in Tuesday’s incident, according to investigators.
The white male was described as being approximately 5’8” tall, 150 pounds, dirty blond hair combed forward. The suspect was reported to be driving a newer model white four-door sedan, possible a Chevrolet Malibu.
Investigators encourage anyone who has information to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620 or CrimeStoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
Pictured: An sketch artist rendering of a DCF impersonator. Courtesy Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.