Escambia PTSA Names Students Of The Year
May 29, 2012
The Escambia County Parent-Teacher Student Association recently named the Students of the Year from each school.
Winners from participating schools included:
Elementary Schools
A.K. Suter: Margaret Minyard. Bellview: Jacqueline Tunoa. Beulah: Kyler Nielsen. Blue Angels: Izabella Crawford. Bratt: Cailee Wilburn. Brentwood: Christian Smith-Williams. Brown-Barge: Alexis Tinker. Byrneville: Tanner Brett Levins. C.A. Weis: Raynesha Sampson. Cordova Park: De’Brian Robbs. Ensley: Belinda Zhou. Escambia Westgate Center: Dylen Castleberry. Ferry Pass: Ashlei Steinbruegge. Global Learning Academy: Tridarius Gray. Hellen Caro: Jordan Fuqua. Holm: Vinnai Cannon. Jim Allen: Lauren Martin. Lincoln Park: Stonney James. Longleaf: Jamal Crenshaw. McArthur: Ana Rios. Molino Park: Savannah Hart. Myrtle Grove: Nykheria Grimsely. N.B. Cook: Makenna Taylor Harvey. Navy Point: Robert Clark. O.J. Semmes: Chiteriya Page. Oakcrest: DaJohn Jemison. Pine Meadow: Hannah Hardy. Pleasant Grove: Antencia Hall. R.C. Lipscomb: Jacqueline Smith. Scenic Heights: Daniel Holzknecht. Sherwood: Lillian Randall. Warrington: Kim Nquyen. West Pensacola: Kamali Henderson.
Middle Schools
Bailey: Brianna Hartshorn. Bellview: Daniel Rutherford. Escambia Westgate Center: Tatiyana Clarke. Ferry Pass: Darrian Wayne Mitchem. Ransom: Emma Rogers. Warrington: Michelle Accord. Woodham: Aaliyhia Croom. Workman: Evianna Salyers.
High Schools
Booker T. Washington: Cassidy Walley. Escambia: Karyn Johnson. Escambia Westgate Center: Ja’Varis Vincent Massenburg. Northview: Marquita Allen. Pensacola: Carlos Espinoza. Pine Forest: Audrey Michelle Ward. Tate: Evan Taylor. West Florida: Caitlin Haveard.
Byrneville 5th Graders Hit New Orleans (With Gallery)
May 29, 2012
Fifth grade students at Byrneville Elementary took their annual fifth grade trip to New Orleans recently.
The students visited the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, saw an IMAX movie, rode a trolley and toured New Orleans.
For a photo gallery from the trip, click here.
Pictured: The Byrneville Elementary School fifth grade trip to New Orleans. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Man Charged With Weekend Shooting
May 29, 2012
An Escambia County man has been charged with shooting another man in the leg during a weekend argument.
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office said 29-year old Timothy Lewis Johnson was shot in the left leg about 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the 4400 block of Rochelle Drive. Johnson told deputies that he was “hanging out” with friends in front of a house on Rochelle Drive when a black male exited a maroon colored SUV armed with two handguns. The suspect, 28-year old Lavote Tamar Stokes, fired a shot, striking Johnson as he tried to flee the area. Johnson was treated at an area hospital for a non-life threatening injury.
During the incident, Stokes also allegedly grabbed a woman and held a gun to her head.
Stokes then fled the area, but was later located a the Palm Court Inn on Pensacola Boulevard. He was arrested with incident.
Stokes, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault, aggravated battery, discharging a firearm in public and battery by strangulation. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $87,000.
Photo Gallery: Ernest Ward Football Car (And Tractor) Wash
May 29, 2012
The Ernest Ward Middle School 2012 football team held a fundraising car wash at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino on Saturday.
Organizers offered their thanks to the church, as well as the community that supported the event and purchased tickets in advance. The car wash, which also included tractors, was organized by EWMS Coach Jeremy Greenwell to purchase needed equipment and supplies for the upcoming season.
Pictured: Ernest Ward Middle held a fundraising car wash Saturday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dobson Takes Master’s Division In Eglin Run
May 29, 2012
Matt Dobson of Jay was the overall Master’s winner in the Memorial Day Gate to Gate 4.4 Mile Run/Walk at Eglin Air Force Base Monday. Dobson also placed sixth overall in the 27th annual event.
The 41-year old Dobson’s winning time was 24:21. The overall winner was Ben Payne of Ft. Walton Beach with a time of 22:06.
According to official race results, there were no other North Escambia area runners that finished the event.
Donald Ray McKinley
May 29, 2012
Donald Ray McKinley, age 56 of Escambia County, AL, passed away May 26, 2012, in Atmore. He was a former resident of Jay.
He was a very loving, caring and generous person and enjoyed meeting people. He was a loving son, father, brother, uncle and friend to those that knew him.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Joseph and Tony, and sister Sandra Lee.
He is survived by his father and stepmother John and Lillie McKinley, brothers Bobby and Mitchell, son Chris and daughter Angelia, two stepbrothers, four stepsisters and many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Wednesday, May 30, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Liberty Church Atmore with Rev Fred Burmitt and Rev. Thruyl Pearson officiating.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Wahoos Drop Road Trip Opener
May 29, 2012
Jackson used a pair of extra-base hits in the bottom of the first inning to claim a 2-0 lead, and they never looked back as the Blue Wahoos opened their road trip with a 5-0 loss to the Generals at Pringles Park in Jackson, Tenn.
The Generals got on the board when Denny Almonte doubled home Nick Franklin who had tripled in the previous at bat. Almonte came home later in the inning on a base hit by Jesus Sucre.
Almonte struck again in the fifth with a two-run home run off of Blue Wahoos starter Tim Gustafson (2-2). Gustafson was charged with all five Generals runs after working 5.2 innings. Despite striking out a season-high seven batters, the Blue Wahoos starter was still tagged with the loss.
Offensively Ryan LaMarre, Didi Gregorius and Yordanys Perez all collected two-hit games. The Wahoos matched the Generals with nine hits but went 0-for-10 collectively with runners in scoring position.
Danny Hultzen (5-3) worked six shutout innings in the win. He walked two, struck out five and matched his season high allowing five hits.
The two teams continue the series on Tuesday when Pensacola sends right-hander J.C. Sulbaran to the mound against Jackson lefty Steve Garrison (2-1, 3.00). First pitch is set for 7:05 from Pringles Park in Jackson, Tenn.
By Tommy Thrall
Pictured top: Tim Gustafson struck out a season high eight batters Monday night. NorthEscambia.com photo by Chris Nelson, click to enlarge.
Northview Class Of 2012 Holds Baccalaureate Service (With Photo Gallery And Video)
May 28, 2012
The Northview High School Class of 2012 held their Baccalaureate service Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
“Pray to withstand the temptations of life,” senior Savannah Singleton told her class members. “No matter what we do in life, we need to keep God in focus.”
Bro. Tim Hawsey of the First Baptist Church of Bratt echoed the need for the seniors to stay focused on the right things in life, including the Bible.
“The Bible is the most important book,” Hawsey said. “He wants you to know it, he wants you to apply it to your life.” Hawsey also offered words of encouragement for the future for the graduating seniors.
“God has a dream for you; God’s dream may no be the same dream you have for yourself,” Hawsey said. “There’s no greater calling that serving God wherever you are.”
For more photos from the Baccalaureate service, click here.
For a video of the Senior Ensemble performance of “White Flag”, click here.
Music for the service was provided by the Northview Senior Ensemble, including Austin Albritton, Taylor Dukes, Tyler Hester, Caleb Leonard, Blake Luker, Lauren McCall, Charleigh McPherson, Melissa Moretz, Abby Odom, Alex Payne, Darwin Robin, Savannah Singleton, Charla Stark, Mallory Turner and Elizabeth Wright.
Graduation for the Northview High School Class of 2012 will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 2 at the school.
Pictured top: Abby Odom (center) sings a solo during a Senior Ensemble performance of ” I Stand Amazed”, surround by (L-R) Taylor Dukes, Lauren McCall, Charleigh McPherson and Lisa Mortez. Pictured inset: Senior Savannah Singleton reads her favorite scripture to her classmates. Pictured below: A hundred people attended the service at the First Baptist Church of Bratt. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Memorial Day Events Planned
May 28, 2012
Here’s a look at Memorial Day programs planned across the area:
At 6 p.m. Monday, a Community Memorial Day Service will be held at the Mount Carmel United Methodist Church on Mount Carmel Church Road in Jay. Speaker will be Bro. Matt Dobson. Video tribute to those that have served from the Jay area and white table ceremony honoring POW’s and MIA’s.
Programs were held earlier today as follows:
At 9 a.m. Monday, there was a Memorial Day Service at The Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel aboard NAS Pensacola. Guest speaker was Ron Sepulveda, Veterans Administration assistant secretary for Human Resources and Administrations.
At 10 a.m. Monday, a Memorial Day program was held at the Atmore Memorial Monument in front of Atmore City Hall, presented by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7016 and the American Legion Post 90. Keynote speaker was Brigadier General (Ret.) Wendell B. McLain.
At 11 a.m. Monday, a Memorial Day Ceremony was held at the Santa Rosa County Veterans Memorial Plaza located at 5131 Willing Street in Milton. The event included a keynote address by Colonel James C. Slife, Commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing located at Hurlburt Field, a rifle salute, and a casting of the wreath on the water rite.
North Escambia Memorials Honor Those That Served
May 28, 2012
People across North Escambia and the country paused Monday to remember the brave men and women that have served our country as we celebrated Memorial Day.
In North Escambia, there are several memorials that honor those that have served in the military:
Walnut Hill Veterans Wall of Honor
The largest such memorial in the North Escambia area, the Veteran’s Honor Wall has stood in front of the Walnut Hill Community Center since its dedication in 2003. There are nearly 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.
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, even visiting the Wall South Memorial in Pensacola to get an idea what size the letters on the plaques should be.
On the Walnut Hill Veteran’s 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.
It is estimated that about one-fourth of the veterans listed on the wall are now deceased.
The Walnut Hill Veteran’s Wall is located in front of the community center at 7850 Highway 97.
(Article continues below photo)
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.
(Article continues below photo)
Atmore Veterans Memorial
The new Veterans Memorial in Atmore stands proudly on the lawn of the Atmore City Hall to pay tribute to those have served from around Atmore and North Escambia. Names of the fallen are on the spire, while commemorative bricks around the base of the spire name those that have served in the military past and present.
Those honored on the bricks date back to the Revolutionary War with a brick with the name of Benjamin Sasser, 1755-1840. His relative, Federick Sasser, 1794-1846, is also honored for his service in the War of 1812.
.
.
.
(Article continues below photo)
Barrineau Park Wall of Honor
The Wall of Honor inside the Barrineau Park Community Center honors scores of area residents that have served in the military. The wall was a project of the Barrineau Park Historical Society. (Pictured above.)
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. (Pictured below.)
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.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.