Tate High Assistant Principal Austin Courson Soars With The Blue Angels (With Gallery)
July 12, 2024
Tate High School Assistant Principal Austin Courson had the once in a lifetime opportunity Thursday to fly with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Courson was chosen following a selection process as a “key influence rider” while he was an agricultural teacher for his involvement in the Tate FFA program. He was recently promoted to his new position as assistant principal at Tate.
He is looking forward to taking the experience back to share with Tate students this fall.
For a photo gallery, click here.
As for the questions every always asks of someone that flies with the Blue Angels:
Yes, he passed out. 7.5 G’s will do that.
And no, he did not get sick. (His secret breakfast before the flight: Bananas and peanut butter just in case because “the assistant superintendent of the school district says it tastes the same as it goes downs as it does as it comes up”.)
Flight day for Courson began with preparation.
“They took us on base, and they took us up into the public relations office with the Blue Angels and the crew chief for number seven,” he said. “They took us through the safety protocols, the procedures, the aircraft, the safety harness and things like that. Then we learned how we going to breathe properly, the blood flow, tensing the muscles and making sure the blood stays in the top part of your body.”
“When you are flying, you are pulling a lot of G’s, and you want to keep blood pumping through all of that where you don’t pass out.”
“I passed out for about a minute, but it wasn’t very long. The pilot said I did a really good job, better than some.”
“We went out over the Gulf of Mexico, and he was showing me how they perform those maneuvers,” he said. “It’s amazing to think that they are doing what they did with me in a show just 12 inches apart. The margin for error is zero.”
Over the Gulf, Courson was able to experience the top performance of the aircraft, approaching the sound barrier, doing a barrel rolls and other parts of the air show.
He said it was an amazing experience to see the men and women of the Blue Angels team with their dedication and commitment to teamwork. And that’s the key points he wants to make to students.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“It was a unique experience that I’m going to be able to take back to the students at Tate High School and out communities because the team, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are the epitome of the example of teamwork and professionalism for our community and our country. It was just amazing to see the culture of excellence that’s a zero-fail mission. They are going to do everything top notch every single time, and it just brings patriotism to my heart. We don’t get to see the war fighting machine many times because it is in faraway places, but to see what our capabilities are as a nation, it’s just absolutely amazing.”
In case you are wondering, there’s no video of Courson’s flight. We are told the Navy’s GoPro malfunctioned and stopped recording.
Photos for NorthEscambai.com by Austin Courson, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and Visit Pensacola.
Red, White And Blues: Here’s The Pensacola Beach Air Show Schedule
July 10, 2024
Pensacola’s hometown heroes will be front and center at the 2024 Pensacola Beach Air Show, hosted by the Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA), July 10-13. The elite U.S. Navy Blue Angels will headline all events culminating on Saturday, July 13 with the official Air Show.
In addition to the Blue Angels, there will be a host of world-class aerobatic performers, as well as interactive exhibits, military recruitment stations and all types of vendors on the ground.
“Every year we look forward to hosting this world-class air show along our world-class beach to really showcase our hometown heroes, the Blue Angels,” said Robbie Schrock, Director of Administration for the SRIA. “It’s an awe-inspiring tradition that tens of thousands of locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the spectacle every summer.”
The SRIA is requiring the public to suspend all flights of unmanned aircraft, or drones, during the air waiver hours of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. In addition, glass is always prohibited on the beach, and leashed dogs are only allowed at the two designated dog beaches on either side of the island.
Kicking off the air show week is “Breakfast with the Blues,” on Wednesday, July 10 around 7:30 a.m. when the Blue Angels arrive and circle overhead to mark the show’s coordinates and center points along Pensacola Beach.
On Thursday, July 11, at 2 p.m., the Blue Angels hold a practice show over Pensacola Beach.
Friday, July 12, is the Pensacola Beach Air Show dress rehearsal where flight demonstrations and civilian aerobatic performances begin at noon, with the Blue Angels overhead at 2 p.m.
Saturday, July 13, marks the official Pensacola Beach Air Show, and follows exactly Friday’s dress rehearsal schedule.
Prior to the official waivered air space closure signaling the start of the air show on Friday and Saturday, expect to see the following aircraft overhead, announced by radio personality Rob Williams:
- Pilot Julian MacQueen flying his vintage 1943 Grumman Widgeon seaplane overhead.
- Pilot Sheldon Heatherington will be flying his Zenith 75 STOL aircraft named Redbird.
- Navy pilot Tanner Matheny will be flying over in his 1946 North American Navion airplane named Olivia.
- U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) demonstration from the back of a HH-60J Blackhawk helicopter.
- Local wing of the Commemorative Air Force flying WWII and Korean War-era trainer and liaison aircraft.
- Then, at 11:45 a.m., spectators will be cleared from the Gulf waters and the official air space waiver begins.
The show begins precisely at noon with presentation of the colors by the Red Bull Team parachutists jumping from Aaron Fitzgerald’s helicopter over show center, followed by a brief teaser of what’s to come from the Red Bull Air Force team and Kevin Coleman later in the show. The Red Bull Air Force team is assembled from the most accomplished aviation experts on the planet who continually push the limits of human flight.
The Veterans Flight team takes the stage at 12:13 p.m. in their bright yellow, vintage World War II-era biplanes and possibly other WWII vintage aircraft. Organized by Pensacola attorney and pilot Roy Kinsey, around a dozen Stearman pilots from all over the Southeast are flying in the show to pay tribute to all WWII and Korean War vets.
Next up at 12:28 p.m. is a newcomer to the air show, the incredible wingwalker Carol Pilon and the Third Strike Wingwalking team. Pilon is the first, and only, woman to walk on a jet-propelled aircraft. Expect to see Pilon traveling atop a bright red, vintage Stearman biplane with lots of billowing smoke.
At 12:39 p.m., keep your eyes peeled as Redline Aerobatic Team pilots Ken Rieder, Adam Baker, and making his inaugural debut at this air show, Austin Rieder, Ken’s son, perform some exceptional formation aerobatics.
Then, at 12:54 p.m., hang onto your hat as pilot Skip Stewart wows the crowds next with his high-skill passes and jaw-dropping maneuvers from his famous red, white and black-checkered bi-plane, Prometheus. Don’t miss his signature inverted ribbon-cutting pass over the Pensacola Beach Pier.
Next up, at 1:06 p.m., Patty Wagstaff, the first woman to win the title of U.S. National Aerobatic champion and a six-time member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team, will wow the crowds over Pensacola Beach in her Extra 330 aircraft. Her breathtaking performances give airshow spectators a front-row seat view of the precision and complexity of hard-core aerobatics.
The Red Bull Air Force Team with Kevin Coleman and Aaron Fitgerald are back with a full act at 1:21 p.m., creating a visual spectacle like no other. The trio will perform a joint aerial demonstration that will last 25 minutes.
As always, closing out the show at 2 p.m. will be your U.S. Navy Flight Demonstrations Squadron, the Blue Angels. Look to the Gulf horizon as the famous C-130J aircraft, affectionately known as Fat Albert, followed by six signature blue and gold F-18 Super Hornets, make their way over Pensacola Beach.
For the next 45 minutes, spectators will get a glimpse of the Blues’ aeronautic maneuvers like the Diamond Dirty Loop, the Double Farvel, the Vertical Pitch, the Fleur-de-Lis, the Opposing Knife-Edge pass, and the crowd-favorite Sneak Pass. These are just a few of the mind-blowing displays of choreographed precision flying the Navy’s flight demonstration team has perfected over the past 78 years.
Pilot and Announcer Rob Reider will be the voice of the Pensacola Beach Air Show this year and Paul Entrekin, a retired Marine Corps aviator and former full-time air show pilot performer, will mark his 31st year as the Air Boss over the show.
Tate Graduate Matthew Johnson Commissioned
June 27, 2024
Matthew Johnson, a 2020 graduate of Tate High School was commissioned as a U.S. Navy ensign Saturday at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York
Johnson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering. He was commissioned by his mother, Lt. Kendra Smith, U. S. Navy Nurse Corps.
His father, retired U. S. Navy Master Chief Neal Johnson and his grandfather, U. S. Army veteran Ken Moore placed his ensign shoulder boards during the commissioning ceremony.
Matthew Johnson will serve as a Merchant Marine officer with the Military Sealift Command at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Virginia.
Pictured: Matthew Johnson, a 2020 graduate of Tate High School. was commissioned Saturday at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate High FFA Chapter Earns Numerous Awards And Honors At FFA State Convention
June 21, 2024
The Tate High School FFA chapter brought home numerous awards and honors from the 96th Annual Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando recently.
Tate attended with 34 FFA members, chapter advisors, administration, and FFA alumni. Members attended the convention, leadership student workshops, and career show.
Chapter delegates Lawson Theisen and Maegan Coleman and represented the chapter at the Florida FFA business session and District 1 meeting. Tate High Principal Laura Touchstone also attended the convention and shared in the chapter’s accomplishments for the week.
The chapter was received the following awards, honors and accolades::
Florida’s Finest – National Chapter Award – recognizes the top 10% of chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the National FFA organization as they emphasize three components: Growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture while engaging the entire membership.
Florida’s Finest – Premier FFA Chapters – Recognizes superior achievement by FFA chapters as they engaged in agriculture and the FFA. Chapters must be proficient in alumni and community partnerships, financial planning, public relations and models of excellence FFA activities.
Advisor of the Year Finalist – Tate FFA advisor Melissa Gibbs was a top finalist for the Timothy Cribbs Advisor of the Year Award as it recognizes advisors who make a positive difference in the lives of their agricultural FFA members.
Honorary State FFA Degree – Richard Gibbs was chosen by the Florida FFA Association Board of Directors, officers and staff to receive the coveted Honorary State FFA Degree. Gibbs is a charter member of the Tate FFA Foundation and a 1954 Tate High School graduate and FFA member. The Honorary State FFA Degree is the highest honorary award presented by the Florida FFA organization. Its purpose is to recognize those individuals who have greatly contributed to the advancement of agricultural education and who have provided outstanding service to the FFA program.
American FFA Degree Candidates – As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA career. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for the future and have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence. Tate FFA recipients were Dawson Guy and Jaxson Stafford.
State FFA Degree Recipients – The State FFA Degree is the highest degree a state association can bestow upon a member. It is a step in the FFA degree system that encourages premier leadership, personal growth and achievement of career success. The degree is a high and rare honor, in which less than two percent of FFA members earn. It requires commitment and hard work to reach and attain this goal. The State FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the Florida State FFA Association and made significant accomplishments in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).
The following Tate students received the State FFA Degree.
- Sarah Alexander
- Wyatt Allen
- Ryan Grace
- Austin Manning
- Francis Martin
- Alexis Nelson
- Synoma Perea
- Brayden Touchstone
- Lyllian Warne
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP Pensacola Employee Scholarships Awarded
June 18, 2024
The I.P. Pensacola Employees Scholarship Foundation recently announced the recipients of its annual college scholarships. This year, two outstanding high school seniors have been awarded scholarships to support their higher education pursuits.
The foundation awarded two scholarships of $1,000 each to Maggie Godwin who will attend the University of West Florida and Ashlyn Greeson who will attend Auburn University.
“We are delighted to support the educational aspirations of our employees’ children by awarding these scholarships,” said Laura Osborne, president of the I.P. Employees Scholarship Foundation. “Investing in their future not only honors the dedication of our workforce, but also strengthens our community.”
For more than 40 years, these scholarships have been awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence. Eligibility criteria include being a child of a current or retired employee of the International Paper Pensacola Mill, acceptance into an accredited institution of higher learning, and submission of an application accompanied by a qualifying ACT score.
Pictured: Scholarship winners Maggie Godwin (left) and Ashlyn Greeson. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High FFA Chapter, Alumni Earn Numerous Awards And Honors At FFA State Convention
June 16, 2024
The Northview High School FFA chapter and alumni brought home numerous awards and honors from the 96th Annual Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando
The accolades included:
- 1st Place Outstanding Alumni Chapter Award
- Top 3 Finalist for Outstanding Young Alumni Member – Stephanie Solari
- Recognition for 2023 National Outstanding Alumni Chapter Award
- 2nd Place Chapter Advocacy Award
- Named one of Florida’s Finest Chapters
- Premier Chapter
- Five State Degree Recipients – Jayden Franklin, Judson Lee, Cody Pugh, Tyler Riggs, and Skylar Williams
- One American Degree Candidate – James Gruenwald
- 3rd Place Horse Evaluation Team
- Convention Talent Performer – Hunter Manning
- Area 1 State Vice Presidential Candidate – Tyler Riggs
- Sponsor Brandon Korichak’s graduation from the FDACS Agricultural Educators Leadership Program
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Middle FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team Wins First Place In Florida
June 15, 2024
The Beulah Middle School FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team won first place in the state Friday at the Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Recognizes Outgoing President Craig Exner
June 13, 2024
This week, the Barrineau Park Historical Society recognized outgoing president Craig Exner.
Exner was the group’s president for the last 14 years and served for a total of 24 years.
He was presented with an award by club member Don Dixon, Jr.
Exner said that it was a labor of love to be able to serve in such a worthwhile organization. He will still be active but as newly elected president Lynn Welch leads the historical society.
Photos: Incoming Northview Seniors Paint Their Parking Spaces
June 13, 2024
Members of the Northview High School Class of 2025 had a chance to paint and personalize their parking spaces Tuesday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Lady Aggies Present $25K From Strike Out Cancer Game, Surpassing $200,000 For The Fight Against Cancer
June 12, 2024
The Tate Lady Aggies softball team presented a check for over $25,000 to the American Cancer Society on Tuesday.
The Lady Aggies, along with the West Florida Lady Jaguars, raised the $25,185.28 during the 2024 Strike Out Cancer Game hosted by Tate last spring.
For a Strike Out Cancer photo gallery fro April 2024, click here.
The first year, they raised $2,550 and didn’t know if they would ever beat that mark.
Now 14 years later, the game has now raised over $200,000 for cancer awareness and research.
Also Tuesday, the Lady Aggies took on Navarre in summer softball action. Click here for more.
Submitted and NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
