Rotary Club Names All Stars
May 8, 2009
The Atmore Rotary Club recognized an outstanding group of area high school students as Academic All-Stars Thursday night, including about three dozen Northview High School students.
The Academic All-Star program is open to students who attend Northview High School, Atmore Christian School, Escambia County High School or Escambia Academy.
To be named an Academic All-Star, a student must have maintained at least a B average in every subject for each grading period of the school year, with at least one A for each grading period.
For those who have maintained this status from the 9th through the 12th grades, they are honored as Four-Year Academic All-Stars. Five Northview High School seniors (pictured above), Gretchen Boughner, Lanie Jeannine Eubanks, Briana Halteman, Luke F. Killam and Chelsea Sims earned that title. (They are profiled at the end of this article.)
Northview High seniors honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Gretchen Denea Boughner
- Kayla Sue Brewer
- Amy Nicole Conner
- Lanie Jeannine Eubanks
- Melissa Nicole Garrett
- Briana Renea Halteman
- Stormy Brooke Hayes
- Luke Fletcher Killam
- Jessica Maria Mothershed
- Chelsea Ellen Sims
- Ashley Arlene Snow
Northview High juniors honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Jessica Nicole Bloodsworth
- Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway
- Kolbi Shae Cobb
- Clinton Eugene Davis
- Bradley James Lowery
- Amber Nicole McMillan
- Mark Allen Shipps Jr.
- Dakota Wayne Stuckey
Northview High sophomores honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Mallory Ann Bell
- Ashley Elizabeth Digmon
- Laneicia Dynette Gomez
- Sarah Malinda Killam
- Michael Todd Lowery
- Megan Juliette Ryan
- Christina Nicole Sepulveda
- Hayley Renee Simpson
- Colton Darryl Sim
- Emily Faith Vickrey
Northview High freshmen honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Holly Nicole Dickson
- Josie Britt Doucette
- Amber Dianne Francis
- Jacob Nathaniel Gibson
- Alexander Dewayne Payne
- Tyler Lindsay Randolph
- Joel Nathaniel Wetzel
Gretchen Boughner
Gretchen, the daughter of Kevin Boughner and Louann Boughner. Gretchen is DCT parliamentarian, is a member of FBLA, is FCCLA historian, and Spanish Club historian. She is a member of Interact and FCA. Gretchen played softball, basketball and was on the weightlifting team. She was also a member of the 2009 homecoming court. She is a Sunday school teacher, volunteered at a nursing home where she entertained and played games with the residents. She also attended FBIA and DCT competition and placed third in each. Gretchen plays to attend Pensacola Junior College and later transfer to the University of West Florida and major in psychology with a concentration in social work.
Lanie Jeannine Eubanks
Lanie, the daughter of Mike and Vickie Eubanks. Lanie was a member of FFA for three years and a member of FBLA for one year. She is currently a member of the Spanish Club and the student government association. She serves as the vice president of Beta Club, president of Rho Kappa and co-captain of the math team. Lanie has been a member of the NHS marching band for five years and serves as assistant drum major. She plans to attend the University of West Florida and major in mathematics.
Briana Halteman
Briana, is the daughter of Lyndon and Norma Halteman. She served as drum major in the Northvew marching band, was on the varsity softball team and was involved in the student government association. Briana was a member of the Beta Club, math team, FCA, Rho Kappa and was on the weightlifting team. She plans to attend the University of West Florida and major in pre-medicine.
Luke F. Killam
Luke is the son of Gary and Melanie Killam. He is the top ranked student at Northview, is class president, Beta Club treasurer, Rho-Kappa treasurer, FCA vice-president, a member of the Spanish Club and a member of the student government association. He served as NHS’s delegate to the Florida Association of Student Council, was selected by his teachers to the Senior Hall of Fame, was named NHS’s Student of the Year, received the Mira Award and was voted Best All Around by the senior class. Luke played varsity football, basketball, baseball and was on the weightlifting team. He served as class vice president, SGA vice president and was a member of the Spanish and Beta clubs, was a member of Rho-Kappa and FCA. He is an active member of Flomaton Baptist Church and sings in the adult and youth choir. He also sang in the local veterans program and spring musical. Luke was chosen as Northview’s representative as one of two high school students to serve in the Escambia County School District’s Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook revision meetings. Luke plans to attend Auburn University and major in civil engineering.
Chelsea Sims
Chelsea is the daughter of Darryl and Ellen Sims. While at Northview, she was a majorette for two years and a varsity cheerleader for two years. She was named Miss NHS 2008, was a homecoming maid as a freshman and sophomore and was homecoming queen her senior year. Chelsea was a member of the student government association for three years, Beta Club for three years and voted Best All Around by the senior class. She is a member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. Chelsea plans to attend Pensacola Junior College for two years and transfer to the University of West Florida. She plans to major in speech pathology.
Pictured: Atmore Rotary Four-Year Academic All-Stars from Northview High School: Gretchen Boughner, Lanie Jeannine Eubanks, Briana Halteman Luke F. Killam and Chelsea Sims. Click to enlarge.
New Golden Eagles: Ernest Ward Middle Holds Orientation
May 8, 2009
Thursday was a day at Ernest Ward Middle School with the school’s annual new student registration. Incoming students had an opportunity to explore the require and elective courses, as well as the extracurricular activities, at EWMS. Earlier in the afternoon, the staff and faculty from Ernest Ward held a reception to welcome new teachers moving to EWMS from the closing Carver/Century K-9 School.
Ernest Ward staff will visit Bratt, Bryneville and Molino Park elementary schools in the next week to register students. Students transferring from Carver/Century have already been registered.
For more photos from the event, click here.
Pictured above: Students and parents learn about girl’s sports at Ernest Ward Middle School during new student orientation Thursday evening. Pictured below: Ernest Ward agriculture teacher Cynthia Wilson explains the “wheel” electives to students and parents. When enrolled in the “exploratory wheel”, students spend nine weeks each in agriculture, family and consumer sciences (the old home economics), integrated science and keyboarding. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Chipotle Chicken? School Menus Changing Next Year
May 6, 2009
Chipotle chicken wrap and Kung Pao chicken could be on the menu next year at Escambia County’s public schools.
The Escambia County School District’s Food Services department will unveil new menu items Thursday that include honey turkey salad, chipotle chicken wrap, stir fry, Kung Pao chicken, and a significant fresh fruit selection. The menu items will be test for three weeks at Pine Forest High, Tate High and Ransom Middle schools.
The school district says the initiative is an effort to provide more student-driven menus and healthier choices in school cafeterias. The effort is largely in response to results of Superintendent Malcolm Thomas’ climate survey late last year. Food service was the overwhelming concern expressed by students throughout the survey period.
Food service was the ninth biggest concern for all persons taking Thomas’ survey. But for students, it was number one with 16.6 percent of students concerned about lunchroom food. Second was school start/stop times at 14.52 percent followed by curriculum at 11.2 percent.
The students at the pilot schools will be surveyed prior to the district finalizing the menu choices for next school year.
Final Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Held At Carver/Century
May 6, 2009
Teachers at Carver/Century K-8 School were treated to the school’s last ever Teacher Appreciation Breakfast Tuesday morning. The teachers were fed a complete breakfast by Carver/Century’s School Advisory Council and Abundant Life Assembly of God. It was announced at the breakfast that all of the teachers at the closing school have been offered jobs at other schools next year. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
North Escambia Area Residents Graduate From UWF
May 3, 2009
The University of West Florida held their Spring Commencement Ceremony Saturday. The following students from North Escambia were among the graduates:
Century
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Robert Best, Robinson Hallford, Brittany Levins, Erin Pritchett
- Master’s Degree: Paul Chason
Molino
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Jason Amnott, Frank Amnott, Larshielle Banks, Frederick Bryant, Jennifer Connor, Nicholette Floyd, Robert Myrick, Kristen Smith, William Tanner
- Master’s Degree: Rebecca Hatch
McDavid
- Bachelor’s Degree: Kimberly Jones
Cantonment
- Associate of Arts Degrees: Tiffany Arrazola, Casey Gilbert
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Brittny Abrahamson, Jennifer Amigh, William Andrews, Sara Anthony, Leidy Arias, Stacey Barnes, Sherry Bell, Crystal Boyd, Crystle Ellis, Arthur Fletcher, John Fortuna, Katelyn Geri, Stephanie Godfrey, Jason Grusenski, Nicole Haubrich, Matt Hawkins, Kristin Johnson, Nikolaus Johnson, Derek King, Ashley King, James Long, Daniel Martin, Kelley McDowell, Wayne Meligan, Scott Miller, Natalie Ollinger, Jessica Perkins, Chelsea Pipkins, Kelly Poley, Lee Poppe, Alisha Preston, Brianne Reid, Crayton Ronso, Danyel Smith, Charlotte Somerville, Barbara Stefani, Joseph Tarnecki, Kaitlin Teets, Jamie Vail, Lea Williams
- Master’s Degrees: Wayne Abrahamson, Brian Ball, Michael Knight, Candice Knowles, Kristian Lapata
Jay
- Bachelor’s Degrees: Kristopher Head, Jessica Ivey, Alana Morrison, Lauren Pennell, Carrie Penton, Trey Settle, Ashley Slade
- Master’s Degrees: Kimberly Campbell, Aaron Lowry, Lauren Nevels
Flomaton
- Doctoral Degree: Valerie Smith
Northview FFA’s Food For America Program Named One Of Florida’s Best
May 1, 2009
The Northview High FFA was named Thursday as one of ten finalists for Florida’s best Food For America program.
The local Food for America Program, sponsored the National FFA Organization and conducted by the Northview FFA in March, gave the students a chance to learn about agriculture firsthand as they got up close and personal with farm animals, farm equipment and more. About 800 elementary school students and 200 volunteers took part in the program.
The program is designed to encourage FFA members to participate in Agricultural Literacy and Awareness projects on the local level. The overall program winner will be awarded on stage during the 6th General Session of the 81st Florida FFA State Convention on Thursday, June 11.
The Northview FFA has participated in the program for 14 years, placing second in the state two years ago. Northview has placed in the top five in the state for the last ten years.
Pictured above: Students from Jay Elementary School learn about grinding corn meal at Northview High School’s FFA Food for America program. NorthEscambia.com file photo, click to enlarge.
FCAT Writing Scores Released: North Escambia Schools Get Good News
April 30, 2009
The Florida Department of Education released writing scores from the FCAT test Thursday morning, and the scores were good news for North Escambia schools.
The writing FCAT is administered to fourth, eighth and tenth grade students.
“I am proud of all of our teachers, students, and administrators,” Superintendent Malcolm Thomas said. “And I am particularly pleased with those at the elementary level for what they have achieved this year. We look forward to building on this success.”
At Bratt Elementary, 87 percent of fourth graders scored at level three or above on the writing FCAT. Last year, it was 85 percent.
Byrneville Elementary fourth graders students held steady at 71 percent at level three plus.
Carver/Century K-8 fourth grade students posted their best score in three years, raising last year’s percentage scoring at three or above from 20 to 65 percent this year. Of the eighth grade students at Carver/Century, 40 percent scored a grade level three or above on the writing FCAT. That was about the same as last year’s 40 percent.
Molino Park fourth graders improved from 75 percent last year to 86 percent at level three or above this year.
At Ernest Ward Middle, 91 percent of the eighth graders scored at level three or above on the Writing FCAT, the exact same percentage as last year.
Northview High School had 83 percent of tenth graders scoring level three or greater, down slightly from last year’s 86 percent.
Across the Escambia School District, the percentage of fourth grade students scoring a grade level three or above went from 68 last year to 81 percent this year. Eighth grade students held steady at 85 percent, and the tenth grade numbers decreased slightly from 81 to 77 percent.
Entire Staff At Escambia Middle School Is Removed
April 30, 2009
One Escambia County middle school will have a totally new staff next school year after Superintendent Malcolm Thomas cleaned house Wednesday.
Thomas is replacing the entire staff at Warrington Middle School — the principal, assistant principal, counselors and teachers. The 75 employees are not necessarily out of a job. They may be shuffled to other schools, or they may reapply for their jobs at Warrington.
The move comes after the school failed once again to make adequate yearly progress and being taken over by the state. It’s a fate that Carver/Century K-8 School would have faced if the school’s FCAT scores had not been weighted due to a low student population to make a “B”. The Escambia School Board voted to close Carver/Century at the end of this school year.
Extra stimulus funds will go into Warrington to make it a pilot school, all in hopes of bringing the school’s grade up to a “C”.
If the school district had not reorganized the school, the state would have taken a similar action prior to next school year.
Carver/Century, Ernest Ward Students To Get Health Letters
April 29, 2009
Parents and guardians of sixth grade students at Ernest Ward Middle and Carver/Century K-8 schools will receive a letter today outlining the need to obtain a Tdap shot before the student can attend seventh grade.
“Students will not be allowed to start the 2009-2010 school year until they have received the shot and submitted their blue card ,” according to Rebekah Fore, RN from Ernest Ward Middle School.
The tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis shots are available from the student’s doctor or free of charge from the Escambia County Health Department. The requirement to have the Tdap shot prior to seventh grade pertains to all students in Florida public schools.
If you have questions about the requirement, call the EWMS clinic at 327-4283 ext. 225
To read the letter from EWMS and see Florida’s immunization requirements, click here (pdf).
Carver/Century Parents Visit Ernest Ward
April 29, 2009
Ernest Ward Middle School hosted a Parent’s Night Tuesday for parents and guardians of incoming students from Carver/Century K-8 School. The event, hosted by the EWMS PTSA and School Advisory Council, gave the parents and guardians of students being transferred from the closing Carver/Century a chance to tour Ernest Ward and meet the faculty and staff. An orientation for all incoming sixth grade students will be held at 6:00 on May 7. Pictured above: EWMS Principal Nancy Gindl-Perry shows parents and students the school media center. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.