Mother’s Day: Meet Several Local Moms
May 8, 2011
Happy Mother’s Day! NorthEscambia.com invited our readers and Facebook fans to submit stories about their mothers. We’ve selected a few and included them below.
If you would like to tell your mom’s story, or just wish her a Happy Mother’s Day, please do so in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
“Mama Leigh”
submitted by Samantha Bryant
My mother is special because she is always herself. She is never afraid to be just that. She is my best friend and someone that I can tell anything to. I trust her and I really don’t know what I’d do without her.
On March 22, 2009, we were in a bad car accident and she suffered some major injuries. However, she has yet to let the long term effects of her injuries slow her down. She still works just as hard as she ever has to make sure that the family is happy. She supports me in everything that I do.
She is the mother of four kids — Amanda, Curtis, Jessica and Samantha. Also, she is a mother to many of my friends. Everyone knows her as “Mama Leigh”. She is also a wonderful wife to my dad, David. She is a truly beautiful woman inside and out. This is why she is special to me.
Jeanette Cawthon, Molino
submitted by Chris Cawthon
My husband’s mother is the best mother-in-law ever. Jeanette Cawthon has been a mom to me for 30 years now and, of course, to her son, Jeff, for almost 50.
Jeanette has three children — Doug, Jeff, and Sandy. We all grew up in Molino. Now, however, we all live slightly south of our old hometown. Jeanette has been my cheerleader all the years that I’ve been married to Jeff. She has encouraged me as I raised my own three children and is teaching me how to be an awesome grandma now that I have my first grandchild. Jeanette is a prayer warrior for our family and for that I’ll always be grateful. This year she blessed me for Mother’s Day by accompanying me to the Annual Mother/Daughter Banquet at my church, Heritage Baptist.
Becky Sepulveda, Molino
submitted by Christina Sepulveda
My name is Christina Sepulveda and I would like to share my story of why my mother, Becky Sepulveda, is a very special woman to me.
The Sepulveda family consists of my father, Scott Sepulveda, me, my younger siblings, Michael, Rebekah, and Rachel Sepulveda, and of course our mother. We live in Molino and have now for a little over eight years.
This year is my senior year at Northview High School, but right before my senior year started I found out that I was pregnant. My fiance, Dustin Yuhasz, and I had our beautiful baby girl, Bailey Nicole Yuhasz, on March 11, 2011. Many others have been so helpful the three of us, but my mother has been especially helpful. She has been there for us every single step of the way and helps in whatever way she can.
She supports us, loves us, and is there for us every day. I would like to give her a day of recognition, a day to herself, a day where everyone can see what a wonderful mother, grandmother (Meme), and person she is. She’s amazing in every way and I love her so much. Happy Mother’s Day Mom!
Martha McCann, McDavid
submitted by Tammy McCann
I have the best mother in law in the whole world. She has been the best influence in my life. When my husband and I got married 29 years ago, she took me in as her own child.
She loved me as her own. She is a very special person to me she helps all she can. She helped to show us what was right and what was wrong. She tried to tell us what God would want us to do.
She has 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren and she loves each and everyone of them. She spends Sundays after church playing with them, and she cooks a Sunday dinner every Sunday for her family not because she has to — it’s out of love. That’s how she is, a very loving and giving person.
Mrs. Moye
submitted by Shaun Moye
Our mother was the best of the best. Though she lived a hard life, if you were to meet her you would have never known it. She lived the last several years of her life confined to a wheelchair. Night after night in pain, but yet you wouldn’t know it.
If it wouldn’t have been for her I would not be what I am today. Her kids and grandkids were her whole world, as long as they were happy, she was. Many times I know she would do without as we were growing up just to make sure we had stuff we wanted or needed. Though I would have liked to keep her around, I know now she is painless and happy as ever in heaven..and she can actually walk again! I love you and miss you with all of my heart Mom. Happy Mothers Day!
Sinde Smith
submitted by Jacke Johnston
June 4, 2010 will be a day I never forget. My mom had been battling a bad pain in her abdomen which we thought was a stomach bug that was going around. My dad had taken her to the doctor a couple of days before and they determined she had a UTI and sent her home, antibiotics in hand. Little did we know that a huge war was waging in her body.
I got the phone call at lunch time from my dad. Mom was still hurting badly and he had taken her to ER at Whiting Field. They did an xray and determined that she had air escaping. Immediately she was being sent to the Pensacola Naval Hospital for surgery. We loaded up and went to the hospital. I will NEVER forget the surgeons faces when they came out. It was worse than what they thought. It would not be just a quick fix. My mom had a ruptured colon that had been leaking waste for days. Her body was so infected that they couldn’t even close her wound. We rode the elevator up to ICU with the doctors telling us that it was touch and go at this point.
I remember begging and pleading to one of the surgeons to save my momma…I couldn’t get the tears to stop. I needed her. My baby girl needed her. I remember praying to God. I remember asking everyone who would listen to pray for my momma. I prayed that my mom would fight. And fight she did. She battled a blood clot, lower lung function, and 3 more additional surgeries….all in two weeks time. We were told it would be a long recovery, and it was. Due to the blood clot, even after she was released from the hospital, mom had to make daily trips to the hospital for blood checks and to have her surgical site (which still wasn’t all the way closed) checked. Not one time did she complain. That’s simply not her nature. As a matter of fact, in true “mom” fashion, all she worried about was us.
As we approach the year mark of this life changing event, I want to tell my mom how much I love her. I am so proud of how she fought and never even thought of giving up. My mom is now back at work, off of her blood thinners, and will be going back in for a final surgery sometime in the near future. Looking at her now, you would never know what she went through. I thank God every day that He gave us more time with her. I thank the people who lifted us up and covered us in prayers during that time. I will be forever grateful.
So, Happy Mother’s Day, Momma. I love you…to the moon and back….with all my soul.
Nadine McCaw, Century
submitted by Felicia McCaw Jones
My mom is such a giver. She has always given freely of herself to others and to the town of Century. I want her to know that Me and the kids all love her with all of our hearts. It is because she chose to have a family that we are all here today. I hope her day is extremely special, as she sure does deserve it! I love you Nadine McCaw!
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I just want to wish my mom Effie Lambeth of Jay a very Happy Mother’s Day. I’m not able to be there with her because I’m in Mexico, but I hope that she knows how much she means to me. She worked hard her whole life to take care of us. It was hard for her because she also took care of my disabled dad until he passed away in 2004. She did a great job! Happy Mother’s Day!
The person that deserves the best Mothers Day is Sharon Freeman. She is my sister but she is the best. My mother past away 21 years ago and is dearly missed. But my sister has stepped in and become my next to best mother. She is the back bone of the family even though her health has declined some what through the years. But she never complains. She is a strong person with a lot of love. She is always there to remember birthdays, and the specials occasions that a mother always remembers. Sharon is the best mother to her four children, seven grandchildren and a great on the way. She is the light at the end of the tunnel, she is the most precious voice to hear at the end of the day. I just want to say I love you and hope you have the best day ever. Love your sister Sherry Caraway
Well, my story isn’t exactly about my mother. But it is about my mom — my grandmother Linda Ward. She is the most amazing woman I know. Without her, my sisters and I would be completely lost. When things turned for the worse, she was the one who took us in and raised us as her own. She’d already dealt with her fair share of teenage angst, raising her own two daughters.
And at 58, she’s doing it again with me, Chelsea, and soon, Emily. She’s put up with a lot from the three of us, me especially. And even though we give her a hard time, she returns the strong emotions in the form of love and understanding. She’s given us the world and more, and given up so much for herself in the process. She’s done her best to give us a normal childhood and has done a dang good job of it. She’s raised us to always be thankful for everything, to help people when we’re capable of it, to say yes ma’am and no ma’am, and how a lady is supposed to sit in a dress. She’s my hero, my role model, and the kind of woman I pray everyday I hope I can be. She’s my Nana, but more than that, she’s my mom. I love you, Nana. And thank you. — Dezarae Turner
Photo Gallery: Northview Presents ‘Bye Bye Birdie’
May 7, 2011
Northview High School presented their senior class play Bye Bye Birdie Saturday evening at the school.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from Friday afternoon’s Bye Bye Birdie practice, click here.
Bye Bye Birdie is one of the most captivating musical shows of our time with lots of golf old-fashioned fun. It is a satire done with the fondest affection, and tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army.
Pictured top: Josh Scott, Colton Sims and Sarah Killam in Northview High School’s production of Bye Bye Birdie. Pictured below: The entire cast. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Join NorthEscambia.com On Facebook (Including A Second, Brand New Page)
May 6, 2011
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William’s personal Facebook page will, over time, include behind-the-scenes information about stories that William has covered (or will cover) and other information that you won’t find on the NorthEscambia.com fan page. Plus he will throw in some surprises from time to time.
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National Day Of Prayer Observed (With Photos From Century, Atmore)
May 6, 2011
The National Day of Prayer was observed across the area Thursday.
In Atmore, churches and the faithful from across the Atmore and North Escambia region gathered at an Atmore park for a prayer service. Following prayers for the community, leaders, businesses, government, the media and others, the entire Bible was read in 30 minutes with each of about 200 people reading a different portion of scripture out loud.
In Century, community leaders gathered to prayer for their community, business and government.
Similar services were held in Pace, Pensacola, Brewton and Molino.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery with nearly 100 pictures from the Atmore National Day of Prayer event, click here.
For a submitted photo gallery from the Century National Day of Prayer event, click here. (Photos courtesy Cesar Gonzalez for NorthEscambia.com)
Pictured: Scenes as the entire Bible is read in 30 minutes during a National Day of Prayer service in Atmore. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Dozens Of Rotary Academic All-Stars Named From Four Area Schools
May 6, 2011
The Atmore Rotary Club recognized an outstanding group of area high school students as Academic All-Stars Thursday night, including over 40 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.
Those who have maintained this status from the 9th through the 12th grades, were honored as Four-Year Academic All-Stars: Mallory Anne Bell, Ashley Elizabeth Digmon, Laneicia Dynette Gomez and Sarah Malinda Killam from Northview High; Dallas Brown from Atmore Christian School; Kristen Gehman, Corleia McGinnis and Morgan Nichols from Escambia County High School.
The following students were recognized Thursday night as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars:
Northview High School
9th Grade
Madison Brooke Arrington, Kasie Lee Braun, Kira Nerys Cartwright, Lana Leigh Clayton, Morgan Nicole Digmon, Anna Elizabeth Donald, Anna Elizabeth Fischer, Tamara Maria Green, Jessica Nicole Lowery, Tiffani Nichole Pritchett, Mikaela Lynn Santos, Courtney Yvonne Solari, Danielle Nichole Steadham, Courtney Alexandra Weaver, Victoria Anne Wright
10th Grade
Alison Danielle Bardin, Hannah Elizabeth Fiellin, Jazzlyn Shanece Franklin, Ashton Brooke Gibbs, Georgia Anna Goetter, Marcus Trey Johnson, Zachary Sean Johnson, Skyler Ashton Macks, Ashley Nicole Mooney, Maranda Danielle Moye, Sandy Michelle Rainwater
11th Grade
Jamila Akilah Codrington, Holly Nicole Dickson, Josie Britt Doucette, Amber Dianne Francis, Cory Robert King, Joel Nathaniel Wetzel, Elizabeth Ashley Wright
12th Grade
Mallory Ann Bell*, Sara Lynn Conner, Ashley Elizabeth Digmon*, James Tyler Garrett, Laneicia Dynette Gomez*, Jocelyn Marlese Gould, Sarah Malinda Killam*, Jessynia Christina McCall, Christina Nicole Sepulveda, Emily Faith Vickrey, Dustin Brooks Yuhasz.
Atmore Christian School
9th Grade
Travis Smith
10th Grade
Jacinda Stahly, Narisa Wiggins, Hannah Ziglar
11th Grade
Casey Freeman, Tessa de Jongh
12th Grade
Dallas Brown*, Deidre Smith.
Escambia Academy
9th Grade
Abby Akins, Noah Coon, Megan Duncan, Brice McGhee, Sarah Weatherford
10th Grade
Caitlyn Bruley
11th Grade
Branden Goddard
12th Grade
Jordan Colbert, Nycole Thompson.
Escambia County High School
9th Grade
Tristen Boothe, Kevin Brown, Dakota Goins, Yamilex Gutierrez, La’Shandra Hartley, Austin Johnson, Cedric Kyles, Dy’rosia Lee, Alexis Moorer, Annah Nichols, Larry Pugh, Matthew Quimby, Sabrina Rivers, Moeshia Salter, Megan Stabler
10th Grade
Mariah Hinton, Scarlet Martin, Jazmine McGinnis, Tiffany McReynolds, Bria Willis
11th Grade
Jazmine Adams, Quinston Ephraim, Marie Gonzalez, Amber Hubert, Keierikai James, Rainy January, Ta’Kia Johnson, Brianna Martin, Jamieka North, LaRose Powell, Taniecha Richardson
12th Grade
Ardelia Barnes, Ebony Bowman, Jasmine Chafin, Amanda Ferguson, Kristen Gehman*; Cody Johnson, Dominique Knight, Alexus Lee, Danielle Lyles, Corleia McGinnis*, Meghan Moye, Morgan Nichols*, Robert Wilkins, Brooke Woolard.
Pictured top: Atmore Royar Four-Year Academic All-Stars Mallory Anne Bell, Ashley Elizabeth Digmon, Laneicia Dynette Gomez and Sarah Malinda Killam from Northview High. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cox Inspirational Heroes Named
May 4, 2011
A student from Escambia Escambia County School has been named an inspirational hero.
When Tammie Brown started her high school career in 2006 at Northview High, she was a young mother of a little boy. In that same year, the family suffered a devastating fire in which they lost almost everything.
Despite her hardships, Tammie has always striven to do her very best, maintained the best possible grades while working a job through the school’s DCT program. She will graduate this year and has been accepted to Bishop State College.
Tammie was named an inspirational hero by Cox Gulf Coast during their 17th annual Inspirational Student Hero Celebration Tuesday night. The event honors students that have faced significant challenges, including the loss of their parents, physical illness, handicaps and language barriers.
Other North Escambia area students that received the Cox Inspirational Hero award were:
- Latoya Williams – Jim Allen Elementary
- Haven Rae Shores – Bratt Elementary
- Anna Belle Barberee – Byrneville Elementary
- Nicolas Parrish – Molino Park Elementary
- Lauren Brianna Barnes – Ernest Ward Middle
- Serena Schwerdfeger – Ransom Middle
- Tammie Renea Brown – Northview High
- William Thomas Gilbert – JM Tate High
The award was also presented to:
- William Betchy – Jim Bailey Middle
- Dwayne Louis Jr – Bellview Middle
- Jacob James – Blue Angels Elementary
- Tyrone, Tydreka and Tyronaisa Walker – Brentwood Elementary
- Sam Barker – Brown Barge Middle
- Michele Orkisz – Hellen Caro Elementary
- Jeremiah Lin – NB Cook Elementary
- Miranda Jennings – Cordova Park Elementary
- Trinnon Maurice Wright – Ensley Elementary
- Heather Yasment – Escambia High
- Skye Cogan – Ferry Pass Elementary
- Rahkeem D Cox – Ferry Pass Middle
- Jaylen Moore – Hallmark Elementary
- Destiny Thornton – Holm Elementary
- Tavares Nichols – Lincoln Park Elementary
- Daniel Erick Dillard – RC Lipscomb Elementary
- Aman Hussain – Longleaf Elementary
- Jaylen Smith – Myrtle Grove Elementary
- Nakiya Holmes – Oakcrest Elementary
- Sam Waz – Pensacola High
- Matthew Money – Pine Meadow Elementary
- Olivia Christine Whatley – Pleasant Grove Elementary
- Makayla Rankins – Scenic Heights Elementary
- A’Darius Adams – Sherwood Elementary
- Forest Skyler McCormick – Warrington Middle
- Tennessee Lewis – Booker T Washington High
- Lindasha Williams – CA Weis Elementary
- Jonathan Bish – West Florida High
- Tyler Lee Hamilton – West Pensacola High
- Justin McKenzie – Woodham Middle
- Alec Crumpler – Workman Middle
- Justin Cassels – Allie Yniestra Elementary
Pictured top: Northview High School’s Cox Inspirational Hero Tammie Brown. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Tate Student Florida FFA’s Best Tractor Operator
May 4, 2011
A Tate High student really knows how to operate a tractor.
Jeff Hansford of Tate High School won first place in the recent Florida FFA 2011 State Tractor Operations Event held in Polk County. He competed against 12 other FFA members from across Florida.
The purpose of the FFA Tractor Operations Career Development Event (CDE) is to stimulate student interest and allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and ability related to the maintenance and safe operation of tractors.
NJROTC Cadets Recognized (With Photo Gallery)
May 3, 2011
Northview High School’s NJROTC cadets were recognized last week during the annual awards ceremony at Escambia High School.
Numerous national and local organizations presented medals, ribbons and even savings bonds and cash to the cadets that have excelled in the NJROTC programs at Northview, Pine Forest, Escambia and Washington high schools. The cadets were recognized for exhibiting outstanding leadership, commitment and dedication to their unit, school and community.
For a photo gallery, click here.
“The awards ceremony wraps up a year that has been the busiest in several years. The returning cadets have their sights on higher goals and sustaining the momentum begun this year,” said Charlie Code, Capt. USN (ret), senior naval science instructor at Northview.
Northview NJROTC students receiving awards were:
American Veterans ROTC Award
- PO1 Tim Rackard
Order of the Daedalians JROTC Achievement Award
- CPO Jonathan Moretz
National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Award
- PO3 Victoria Wright
CAPT James O. Haughton Memorial Award
- LCDR James Garrett
Military Order of the Purple Heart Leadership Award
- MCPO Kiani Okahashi
Military Order of the World Wars Award
- LT Melissa Moretz
Women of the Sea Services (WAVES) NW Florida Unit #52 Award
- PO3 Alanna Johnson
The Reserve Officers Association ROTC Medal
- CPO Nathan Waters
Navy League Award
- CPO Arron Mccants
- PO1 Kayla Miles
- SN Casey Godwin
National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution JROTC Award
- PO2 Aaron Rausch
Scottish Rite Award
- SN Amber Francis
The National Sojourners ROTC Award
- PO3 Johnny Robbins
Military Officers Association of America ROTC Medal
- ENS Jody Day
Stephen Decatur Award
- Jr. – PO1 Lantz Jones
- Fr.- SN Kasie Braun
Shining Stars Are Named
May 3, 2011
The Greater Escambia Community Foundation and WSRE, PBS for the Gulf Coast, presented the Shining Star Award to 36 Escambia County elementary students in a ceremony Sunday afternoon at WSRE’s Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio on the main campus of Pensacola Junior College.
Area principals and teachers selected the winners based on good citizenship, community service and adherence to the core values of the Escambia County School District: equality, responsibility, integrity, respect, honesty and patriotism. Each winner was awarded a certificate of achievement and a new bicycle and helmet.
North Escambia area Shining Star Award winners are:
- Celeste North, Bratt Elementary School
- Peyton Lane Newsome, Byrneville Elementary School
- Ataylor Carter, Jim Allen Elementary School
- Sabra Stewart, Molino Park Elementary School
Former Florida State Representative DeeDee Ritchie and former Pensacola Mayor Mike Wiggins were the Masters of Ceremonies. Escambia County Superintendent Malcolm Thomas spoke at the festivities. Principals and teachers from each school, as well as the winners’ families and friends, were invited to attend.
The complete list of Shining Star Award winners is as follows:
AK Suter — Kyra Clark
Allie Yniestra — Chelsea D McGhee
Bellview — Jordyn Bennett
Belauh — Alexandria Boles
Blue Angels — Jahriel Griffin
Bratt — Celeste North
Brentwood — Tyra Smith
Byrneville — Peyton Lane Newsome
C A Weis — Tyrese Washington
Cordova Park — Mariah Brady
Ensley — Roseanna Reber
Episcopal Day — Emily Johnson
Escambia Christian — Tannier Rogers
Ferry Pass Tyler Michael Greene
Hallmark — Aleshia Odom
Hellen Caro — Alexis Lowery Waller
Holm — Olivia Johnson
Jim Allen — Ataylor Carter
Little Flower Catholic — Alexandra Cajigal
Longleaf — Joshua Ellenberger
McArthur — Keyana Danielle Norman
Molino Park — Sabra Stewart
Myrtle Grove — Joseph Jackson
NB Cook — Peyton Schmelzenbach
Navy Point — LaDaizjhia Burnett
OJ Semmes — Starletta Fountain
Oakcrest — Bad-Tien Duong
Pensacola Beach — Meredith McCurdy
Pensacola Christian — Justin Schubeck
Pine Meadow — Lindsey Crawford
Pleasant Grove — Samantha Nichole Dean
RC Lipscomb — Riley Orr
Redeemer Lutheran — Samuel Schelling
Scenic Heights — Alana Rodriguez
Sherwood — Jayla Brenson
Spencer Bibbs — Avian Sanders
St Paul Catholic — Matthew Harmon
Warrington — Tyrez Porterfield
West Pensacola — Norma Guillen
Pictured above and below: WSRE’s Shining Star Award winners. Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Not About The Catch: Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo Held In North Escambia
May 1, 2011
“I think I got a big one!”
The sounds of excitement were all around Saturday for the 37th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo in Walnut Hill.
Over the history of the fishing rodeo, it has been held at locations ranging from Ft. Pickens to the Three Mile Bridge in Pensacola. Since 2001, it has been held at Jantz’s Catfish Pond on South Highway 99, just off Highway 97.
Dozens of volunteers stood ready Saturday to help the disabled. They baited hooks, tossed a line and offered words of friendly encouragement.
Dozens of disabled people were registered in Saturday’s fishing rodeo. They were from around the area, including Pensacola and Century. Several residents from the Century Care Center participated. The Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo is provided to the disabled for free as a project of the Pensacola Fiesta of Five Flags organization. Escambia Grain in Walnut Hill supplies the cold drinks, Escambia River Electric Cooperative supplies the ice, the Walnut Hill Mennonite Youth Group supplies and serves the lunch, and the Masons from Milton volunteer to set up the fishing tackle and help clean the fish.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured: Scenes from the 37th annual Pen Wheels Fishing Rodeo in Walnut Hill Saturday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
