The Magic Of Summer Reading Comes To The Library
June 9, 2016
The magic of the annual Summer Reading program entertained children in Century Wednesday morning.
The summer of free events features a variety of performers, including a balloon artist, musician, gymnastics team, magician, theatre group, reptile handler and juggler. And the more children ages 0-17 read, the more prizes they can earn.
The June schedule for the remainder of the Summer Reading Club is as follows:
Mr. Bob’s Magic Show
Mr. Bob’s magic show includes mind blowing magic, music and lots of hilarious audience participation.
- Thursday, June 9, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 9, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Musician: Roger Day
Roger Day’s skilled musicianship combines with his wit and wordplay to create a musical experience that parents will enjoy as much as the kids.
- Tuesday, June 14, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 15, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 15, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 16, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 16, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Pensacola Gymnastics
Enjoy the Pensacola Gymnastics team as they demonstrate agility, flexibility, self-confidence, teamwork, dedication, and determination.
- Tuesday, June 21, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 22, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 22, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 23, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 23, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Dr. Magical Balloons
Enjoy amazing balloon sculptures and original stories as Dr. Magical Balloons captivates and astounds readers of all ages.
- Tuesday, June 28, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 29, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 29, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 30, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
Pictured: Bob the Magician at the Century Branch Library Wednesday morning. NorthEscambia.com photos by August Whorff, click to enlarge.
Summer Reading Program Begins This Week At The Library
June 7, 2016
The Summer Reading Club begins this week at the West Florida Public Library and continues through the last week of July.
The summer of free events features a variety of performers, including a balloon artist, musician, gymnastics team, magician, theatre group, reptile handler and juggler. And the more children ages 0-17 read, the more prizes they can earn.
The June schedule for the Summer Reading Club is as follows:
Mr. Bob’s Magic Show
Mr. Bob’s magic show includes mind blowing magic, music and lots of hilarious audience participation.
- Tuesday, June 7, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 8, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 8, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 9, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 9, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Musician: Roger Day
Roger Day’s skilled musicianship combines with his wit and wordplay to create a musical experience that parents will enjoy as much as the kids.
- Tuesday, June 14, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 15, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 15, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 16, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 16, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Pensacola Gymnastics
Enjoy the Pensacola Gymnastics team as they demonstrate agility, flexibility, self-confidence, teamwork, dedication, and determination.
- Tuesday, June 21, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 22, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 22, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 23, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
- Thursday, June 23, 4 p.m. – Tryon Branch Library
Dr. Magical Balloons
Enjoy amazing balloon sculptures and original stories as Dr. Magical Balloons captivates and astounds readers of all ages.
- Tuesday, June 28, 11 a.m. – Southwest Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 29, 11 a.m. – Century Branch Library
- Wednesday, June 29, 4 p.m. – Pensacola Library
- Thursday, June 30, 11 a.m. – Molino Branch Library
‘Ocean Commotion’ At Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church
June 7, 2016
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church kicked off their “Ocean Commotion” Vacation Bible School Monday night. The VBS continues nightly through Friday from 6 until 8:30. A light supper will be served each night. The church is located at 140 Bogia Road, just off Highway 29, in McDavid.
For a list of other area Vacation Bible Schools, click here. To submit photos from your church’s VBS, email news@northescambia.com.
NorthEscambia.com photos by Delaney Reynolds, click to enlarge.
Two Tate Graduates To Be Featured On Times Square Billboard
June 6, 2016
On Wednesday, The Get Schooled Foundation and partner Taco Bell Foundation will honor 300 students, including two from Tate High School.
Their pictures and stories will be featured on a six story digital yearbook in the heart of Times Square. Each of the applicants were asked to detail their life passion and how they used education to further their passions and dreams this school year.
Two J.M. Tate High School Class of 2016 graduates being honored are Devon Ledbetter and Miranda Nock. Their featured stories are as follows:
- “My dream career is being an editor for a publishing company. I have had a passion for reading and writing from a very young age, and I have had the opportunity to explore my interests through being the Editor-in-Chief of my school’s yearbook for two consecutive years now. This position has allowed me to grow and learn so much before I even start college, and has secured my sense of belonging in this career path. There is nothing I desire to pursue more, and I cannot wait to study at FSU!” — Devon Ledbetter
- “I’ve always know I wanted to work with animals since I can remember. I joined the vet academy at my high school helping me gain knowledge of the career and to confirm further my passion to work with animals. For a year now I have been working in a vet clinic being very hands on. I get to give shots, take care of animals, and even assist in surgeries! I even achieved getting my Florida State Veterinarian Assistant certification taking me a step closer to becoming a veterinarian! ” — Miranda Nock
Each of the honorees will also receive a $1,000 scholarship.
Ernest Ward Middle Presents 6th Grade Awards
June 5, 2016
Ernest Ward Middle School recently presented the following awards:
ERNEST WARD MIDDLE SCHOOL 6TH GRADE AWARDS
A Honor Roll
Mackenzie Sims
Anna Adams
Jaden Lewis
John Bashore
Jason Gurganus
Hunter Borelli
Kileigh Lundy
Shelby Cotita
Mia Starns
Grayson James
Ethan Kilburn
A/B Honor Roll
Ashton Ray
James Loftis
Kailyn Watson
Makayla Ramsey
Shelby Rice
Gracie Godwin
Sarah Hetrick
Taylor Levins
Torka Mills
Kenzy McLaney
Clayton Kittrell
Kaitlin Gafford
Michayla Kent
Steven O’Leary
Jace Gifford
Trevor Wood
Madelyn McAnally
Kinzey Powell
Adeniza Fennell
Lakyn Bodiford
Rebekah Stilwell
Bailey Stuckey
Payton Gilchrist
Xavier Carter
Science Fair Winners
Anna Adams
Shelby Rice
Mia Starns
Paige Gibbs
Jonathan Gibbs
Louis Crabtree
Gracie Godwin
Kara Hawkins
Noah Harigel
Highest GPA
Anna Adams
Language Arts (Roley)
Highest Academic Average, Anna Adams
Most Improved, Haiden Seals
Reading (Lowery)
Highest Academic Average, Ethan Kilburn
Most Improved, Sarius Davis
Math (Hendricks, McCall)
Highest Academic Average, Mia Starns
Most Improved, Braxton Peebles
Science (Butler)
Highest Academic Average, Anna Adams
Most Improved, Dathan Church
History (Martin/Chavers)
Highest Academic Average, Anna Adams
Most Improved, Michael Mabire
PE (McCall/Greenwell)
Most Outstanding, John Bashore
Most Outstanding, Kaitlin Gafford
Manufacturing (Sellers)
Most Outstanding, Jacob Daw
Business I (McMorris)
Most Outstanding, Hunter Borelli
Most Outstanding, Lindsey Kimmons
Band/Chorus (McAllister)
Most Outstanding Band, Xavier Carter
Most Outstanding Chorus, Shelby Cotita
Jim Allen, Molino Park Students Raise $4k For Clean Water In Africa
June 5, 2016
Jim Allen Elementary School Enrichment classes in grades K-5 and Molino Park Elementary School Enrichment classes in grades K-2 presented a $4,082.42 donation to the non-profit Maji:Hope.
Maji:Hope works to be bring clean water to rural villages in Africa. Students sold candy bars, bracelets, shirts, and devised individual fundraising projects to donate to this worthy cause. The idea came about after students studied Africa in their enrichment classes and learned of the water crisis and its negative affects.
Working together, students learned that anyone can make a difference.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Vacation Bible School Scheduled at Many Area Churches
June 5, 2016
Vacation Bible School is a summertime tradition for many area children. Here is a list of upcoming VBS events in the North Escambia area. To add a VBS to this list, email news@northescambia.com.
Oak Grove Baptist Church VBS
Oak Grove Baptist Church will hold their VBS June 6-10 from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Dinner will be provided. The church is located at 2600 North Highway 99 in Oak Grove.
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church VBS
Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church will hold VBS “Ocean Commotion”, June 6-10 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. each evening. Light supper will be served. A The church is located at 140 Bogia Road in McDavid.
First Baptist Church of Cantonment VBS
The First Baptist Church of Cantonment will hold their VBS, June 6-10 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for ages four years through fourth grade. There will be a VBX class for 5th-8th grades. This class must be preregistered. The church is located at 118 Morris Avenue in Cantoment. For more information call (850) 968-9135.
Plainview Baptist Church VBS
Plainview Baptist Church will hold their VBS, June 6-10 from 9 a.m. until noon. The theme is ‘Submerged: Finding Truth Below the Surface’. The church is located at 1101 West Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. For more information call (850) 476-3845.
Pine Forest Estates Baptist Church VBS
Pine Forest Estates Baptist Church will hold VBS “Ocean Commotion”, June 6-10 from 6:15 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for ages three through 12. Transportation provided. Call Alex at (850) 206-6188 for questions or registration. The church is located at 2550 W 9 Mile Rd in Pensacola.
Oakfield Union Missionary Baptist Church VBS
Oakfield Union Missionary Baptist Church will hold their VBS, The Ultimate Climb: Hiking Up to Meet God, June 13-17, 2016, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Ages four years to adults. The church is located at 459 Hancock Lane in Pensacola. For more information call (850) 476-9127.
First Baptist Church Cottage Hill VBS
First Baptist Church Cottage Hill will hold VBS “Ocean Commotion”, June 13-17 from 6 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The church is located at 230 Williams Ditch Rd in Cantonment.
New Faith Missionary Baptist Church VBS
New Faith Missionary Baptist Church will hold VBS June 20-24, from 5:45 p.m. until 8 p.m. The church is located at 223 Massachusetts Avenue in Pensacola. For more information call (850) 469-0205.
Highland Baptist Church VBS
Highland Baptist Church will hold VBS ‘Cave Quest’, June 20-24, from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for ages three through 5th grade. Family night will be June 26. Registration forms available at the church office or request an online registration form at hbcubs2016@gmail.com. The church is located at 6240 County Hwy 95A in Molino.
Charity Chapel VBS
Charity Chapel will hold their VBS June 27-July 1, from 9 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. Register online at www.charitychapel.org. The church is located at 5820 Montgomery Avenue in Pensacola. For more information call (850) 944-5520.
Poplar Dell Baptist Church VBS
Poplar Dell Baptist Church will hold VBS July 11 – 15, 2016, from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. The theme will be Submerged with Motto being Jesus Sees, Jesus Knows, and Jesus Saves. The church is located at 2631 Highway 4A, Century.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church VBS
Aldersgate United Methodist Church will host Surf Shack VBS from July 18-22nd ; 5:30-8:30pm. All children from 3 yr old through rising 5th graders are welcome to join us. Online registration is located at www.aumcmolino.org. For more information contact Sandra at (850) 587-2489 or the church office at (850) 587-5294.
Pine Forest Assembly of God VBS
Pine Forest Assembly of God will hold VBS Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, from 5:30 until 8 p.m. and Sunday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m. The church is located at 3125 Pine Forest Rd in Cantonment. For more information call (850) 476-1378.
Take Stock In Children Awards $215K In Scholarships To Local Students
June 4, 2016
Take Stock in Children and the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation awarded $215,000 in scholarships at the June 2 “Graduation & Unsung Hero Celebration”. The event honored 17 graduating seniors who received four-year tuition scholarships. In addition, each graduate received a laptop computer.
The 2016 Take Stock in Children graduates are:
Escambia High: Ashleigh Bell, Shelby Butts, Austin Travis:
Northview High: Ureil Codrington, Amber Freeman, Carly Ward;
Pensacola High: Destinee Brundidge, Savion Henderson, Jazmin Womack;
Pine Forest High: Tara Vanderburg;
Tate High: Brianna Holmquist, Alicia Presswood;
Washington High: Alyssa Barnes, Courtney Greene, Donald Vaughan;
West Florida High: Nikita Babkin, Mariah McMullen
Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida that provides a unique opportunity for deserving low-income students to escape the cycle of poverty through education. Students receive college scholarships, caring volunteer mentors, and hope for a better life. Students are selected through a need-based application process in middle school and comprehensive services continue through high school and include the students’ transition into college. Scholarships are funded through a unique public-private fundraising model in which local scholarship donations are matched by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation when scholarships are purchased each year. Each student is matched with a volunteer mentor who meets with the student weekly at school.
Pictured: 2016 Escambia County Take Stock in Children graduates (front, L-R) Carly Ward, Courtney Greene, Nikita Babkin, Savion Henderson, Ureil Codrington, Destinee Brundidge, Jazmin Womack, Shelby Butts, (back, L-R) Donald Vaughan, Alyssa Barnes, Ashleigh Bell, Austin Travis, Tara Vanderburg, Mariah McMullen, Alicia Presswood and Amber Freeman. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Moretz Named Escambia Social Studies Teacher Of The Year
June 2, 2016
James Moretz of Northview High School has been named the Escambia County School District High School Social Studies Teacher of the Year. He will officially receive the award Thursday, and he has been invited to attend the Florida Council for Social Studies Conference in October.
Moretz earned a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice from the University of West Florida and two associate degrees from Pensacola State College. He holds a professional educator’s certificate in social science for grades 6-12. He previously worked with the Escambia County School District as a school resource officer.
Moretz retired from the U.S. Navy as a limited duty officer lieutenant commander in 2004.
One Cowboy, One Horse And A 48 State Ride For Children
June 1, 2016
Tye Sturgeon is just one cowboy in this old world, but with his horse he is on a major mission to help children.
He’s riding solo through 48 states with the goal of raising at least $30,000 for children’s charities, although he admits a million dollars would be good.
Tuesday morning, rode into Century, marking his 13th state as he continued on to Jay by afternoon.
Sturgeon, 20, dreamed of being a cowboy, horseman and a Pro Bronco rider. Even though he did not make it to the pro circuit he did get to rodeo for awhile. Sadly due to injuries he had to give that dream up. Yet, he said he feels blessed that God gave him the chance to live it at all and helped him create a new dream.
Knowing that there are so many young people out there who are not blessed enough to live their dreams, Sturgeon was inspired to make his 48-state ride to earn money for Western Wishes, a charity that “since 1994 helps turn dreams into lasting memories for countless kids faced with adversity who love the western way of life.”
As he rides, Sturgeon is collecting pledges to be paid to Western Wishes once his ride is complete.
Born and raised in North Central Arkansas, Sturgeon is a quiet, soft spoken young man with a quick smile and big warm heart. He claims he never meets a stranger and goes out of his way to make people feel at ease.
When asked about where his respect for horsemanship began, he said, “I learned a love of horses and mules from my father and grandfather. I grew up watching them train horses and mules. They also competed in (and still enjoy attending) chuck wagon races which were especially fun because my family was the first to ‘drive 4 Up’ at the Clinton Arkansas Chuck Wagon Races.”
Sturgeon graduated from Batesville High School where he played football for the Pioneers. He was also a member of the FFA and showed steers in the All Star Steer program.
As a small kid, he rode sheep at local rodeos, and as a young man, moved on to his beloved broncs. But concussions and a warning from his doctor changed Sturgeon’s rodeo path from competitor to fan.After his Ride is over Sturgeon plans to settle down on a piece of land to train horses and mules and continue his outreach for children’s charities.
“I really respect and look up to Tuff Hedeman and Chris Cox and the other great American Cowboys who make up an elite group. I feel their honesty, hard work and integrity make them someone to emulate and to look up to. I absolutely love the American Cowboy lifestyle and code of living and greatly admire the honest simple way of life that is being lost to a digital age.”
To donate to Sturgeon’s ride or Western Wishes, click here.
Pictured top: Cowboy Tye Sturgeon rode into Century Tuesday morning, his 13th state on a 48 state ride. Pictured inset: Sturgeon meets a young man at The Panhandle Restaurant in Century. Pictured below: Sturgeon made it to Jay on Tuesday. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
