Godwin and Hernandez Named EREC Scholarship Winners
April 17, 2024
Maggie Rose Godwin and Anna Marie Hernandez have been named as the winners of Escambia River Electric Cooperative’s 2024 Herman D. Johnson Scholarship Awards.
Godwin (pictured left) is a senior at Northview High School.
Hernandez is a senior at Central School.
Godwin and Hernandez will receive $1,000 each for four years providing they continue to meet the scholarship criteria. The scholarships will be formally presented at the EREC annual meeting on April 27 at Ernest Ward Middle School.
In the past, capital credits issued by EREC that were unclaimed had to be turned over to the state. But state legislation now allows such funds to be deposited into a qualified, educational charity fund. The EREC membership voted to use these funds in the form of scholarships.
Courtesy photos.
Ernest Ward Middle School Names Students Of The Month
April 16, 2024
Ernest Ward Middle School recently named their Students of the Month for March. They are (L-R) Wyatt Jones, Natalie Rogers and Emma Reynolds. They are pictured with Principal Tyvanna Boulanger. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Middle FFA Team Named 2024 Florida FFA Aquaculture State Champions
April 16, 2024
The Beulah Middle School FFA team was named the 2024 Florida FFA Aquaculture state champions last weekend at the University of Florida/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin, Florida. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Flomaton Military Dad Surprises Kids, His Sister After Long Deployment
April 14, 2024
The Dove family received a really sweet surprise last week in Flomaton as a military dad returned from his deployments.
Flomaton High School graduate Tyler Dove is a father of four that has been stationed in Hawaii for quite some time.
Friday, he came home and visited Flomaton Elementary School, surprising his daughters McKinley and Paislee, and his sister Shelbi Hines, who is a Flomaton Elementary teacher.
And as if that’s not sweet enough of a story, it gets better with a birthday surprise. Friday was his young sister Raegan’s sweet 16.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
EREC Holds Lineman Camp For Local Students (With Gallery)
April 14, 2024
Fifteen students from area schools recently embarked on an electrifying journey at the first-ever Escambia River Electric Cooperative Power Up Lineman’s Camp.
Hosted by EREC, the camp not only equipped participants with essential skills in pole climbing and line repair but also delved into the intricacies of underground lines, bucket truck operations, right of way importance, and transformer functionality.
Under the guidance of experienced professionals, these budding linemen immersed themselves in hands-on activities, gaining practical knowledge that could potentially shape their future careers in the electrical industry. From mastering the art of ascending a pole to understanding the critical role of transformers in power distribution, each session was designed to empower the next generation of utility workers.
Ryan Campbell, CEO of EREC, emphasized the importance of camaraderie and safety within the industry, echoing the sentiment of a tight-knit family at EREC. “We are family here at EREC, and if there is any takeaway from this camp, it is to be safe at all times and take care of your brothers,” remarked Campbell.
Beyond technical skills, the camp fostered a sense of community and responsibility among the participants. Through teamwork and collaboration, students not only tackled challenging tasks but also forged bonds that transcended the boundaries of the camp.
With their newfound skills and the spirit of camaraderie instilled by EREC, these students are poised to become the linemen of tomorrow, ensuring that communities remain powered and connected for generations to come, EREC said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Lodge Holds Educator Appreciation Event
April 10, 2024
Cantonment Masonic Lodge #322 recently held an educator appreciation event.
They invited multiple educators from the community to join them for dinner just to say thanks for all that they do for our children and youth, according to organizers. District Deputy Grand Master Juanito Augustin joined the event.
“The brothers are always looking for ways to give back to their community and what better way than to join hands with those reaching the youth daily, tell them thank you, and find more ways to partner together in the future,” Robert Mann said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview And Beulah Middle FFA Chapters, Tate FFA Advisor Finalists For State Awards
April 9, 2024
Two local FFA chapters and one advisor were announced Monday as finalists for state FFA awards.
Beulah Middle School and Northview High School FFA chapters have been named finalists for the 2024 Chapter Agriculture Advocacy Award. Formerly the Food for America program, this program is designed to encourage FFA members to participate in agricultural literacy and awareness projects on the local level.
Melissa Gibbs of the Tate High School FFA has been named a finalist for the Timothy H. Cribbs Advisor of the Year. The purpose of the FFA Advisor of the Year award is to recognize educators who have made a positive difference in the lives of their students. Individuals nominated must have taught for at least three years and have provided outstanding service to their FFA chapter, agricultural industry, and agricultural education.
State winners will be announced during the 96th annual Florida FFA state Convention in Orlando this June.
Pictured: The recent Fresh from Florida event at Northview High School. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: Bratt Elementary Students View Solar Eclipse
April 9, 2024
Students at Bratt Elementary School had a chance to watch the eclipse Monday peering through clouds for a glimpse.
Escambia County Public Schools canceled all outdoor activities that were not approved by school principals. Students were instructed on safety protocols before viewing in organized activities such as the viewing at Bratt.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Jay Native Earns Navy Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Qualification Aboard USS Russell
April 7, 2024
Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Shook, a native of Jay and 2016 Central High School graduate, recently earned the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification while serving aboard USS Russell.
Shook joined the Navy four years ago. Today Shook serves as an information systems technician.
According to Navy officials, the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification signifies that a sailor has achieved the highest level of expertise in surface ships and in surface warfare.
“Being recognized for my knowledge of my craft is an honor and a great professional achievement for me,” said Shook.
Russell is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer named for Rear Admiral John Henry Russell Sr. and his son, John Henry Russell Jr. John Henry Russell Sr. served during the Mexican-American War and the American Civil War and John Henry Russell Jr. was the 16th Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments.
A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.
More than 300 sailors serve aboard USS Russell. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.
Photo: U.S. Navy for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia Schools Career Academy Awards Presented
April 3, 2024
The Escambia County Public Schools Career Academy Awards luncheon was held Tuesday, honoring the recognizing CTE students, teachers and programs.
Winners were:
- High School Career Academy Student of the Year: Carsyn Dortch, Culinary Arts Academy, Northview High School (pictured top)
- High School Career Academy of the Year: Skilled Trades Academy, Northview High School (pictured first below)
- High School Career Academy Scholar: Chase Gray, Game, Simulation and Animation Academy, Tate High School (pictured second below)
- Middle School Career Academy of the Year: Digital Discoveries Academy, Ransom Middle School (pictured bottom)
- High School Career Academy Student Intern of the Year: Michael Kleback, Agriculture Biotechnology Academy, West Florida High School
- High School Career Academy Teacher of the Year: David “Bryan” Dawson, New Media Academy (Digital Video), Pine Forest High School
- Middle School Student of the Year: Adrianna Kearbey, Digital Discoveries Academy, Ferry Pass Middle School
- Middle School Career Academy Teacher of the Year: Shawn Platt, We Build It Better Program, Workman Middle School
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.