Molino Student Awarded National Merit Scholarship
June 1, 2016
A Molino student was named today as a winner of a National Merit Scholarship.
Colby C. Gilley, a 2016 graduate of Trinitas Christian School in Pensacola, was awarded the National Merit Washington and Lee University Scholarship.
Washington and Lee is a private college for men and women devoted primarily to the liberal arts and sciences. Rich in heritage, its steady purpose is to remain one of the nation’s great teaching colleges; it encourages close association between an exceptional faculty and a talented, highly motivated student body–emphasizing the individual’s honor, integrity, and personal and social responsibility.
Gilley is undecided on his future career field.
Jessica Amerson of Walnut Hill was awarded a National Merit scholarship to the University of Alabama. Click here for a previous story.
Molino Park Principal Woodward Retires After 30 Years (With Gallery)
May 31, 2016
Molino Park Elementary School Principal Alice Woodward is retiring after 30 years in local education.
Woodward is proud of her connection to the local community and her connection to three local schools. She started her teaching career in 1986 at Barrineau Park Elementary School. She moved into administration as the curriculum coordinator and then served as a principal intern splitting her time between Barrineau Park and Molino Elementary while the new Molino Park Elementary School was under construction. Molino Park opened in the fall of 2003, and Woodward stepped into the role of principal in the fall of 2006.
“It’s very rare to have a principal who has worked in a single school and then ended up principal in that same school,” Woodward explained. “This is our world and it is wonderful to be in the same community for 30 years. I was very fortunate to have that door open for me.”
During the last five years Woodward has had parents come into the school that are her former students. “As a matter of fact, I signed a yearbook yesterday for a little girl and she was so sweet she came up and said, ‘I love you, Mrs. Woodward, and thank you for teaching my daddy.’ So I signed her yearbook, I love you and you are very special, just like your daddy was.”
She will happily talk about how much she enjoys crossing paths with her students and their families, outside of school at Jimmy’s Grill, or church, or the ballpark where she would go to watch her kids or her grandkids along with her students. “I think I was a coach’s nightmare,” she says with a laugh. “I walked up and the kids were all hollering, ‘Hey. Mrs. Woodward,’ instead of watching the ball game.”
“It’s been a lot of fun. I enjoy getting to see them other places then just the schoolhouse. It makes us a family and a community.”
When she looks back at the beginning of her career, Woodward smiles and says, “I was so happy to be a teacher! I couldn’t believe they were going to pay me to do this job. I remember telling my sister, this is so much fun I can’t believe they pay me to do this!”
When Woodward was first hired by the school district, her first assignment was to teach second grade at Barrineau Park Elementary School. Her daughter was going into second grade and there was only one homeroom. “She was going to have to be in my classroom and I made a promise to myself, and my students’ parents, that I would treat their children like they were mine, instead of treating my child like she were theirs. That means you have to get onto them sometimes, but you love them all the time. I have tried to stay true to that promise.”
“That’s the same thing I told my parents when I became a principal in 2006. By then I had grandchildren here, so I told them I would treat their children like they were one of my grandchildren, instead of treating my grandchild like one of theirs.”
For today’s new teachers Woodward has some words of advice, “Number one you have got to love what you do, and if in your first few years of teaching you don’t love it, go find another job. If you don’t, it will wear you out.”
For teachers who are considering whether or not to make the move into administration, she says, “If you begin to look around and see that you want to affect more people and more children, and you want to hone your leadership skills, then going into administration is a great idea” Woodward explained. “But, if you don’t like to be the leader and be the listener as well, don’t go into administration. It’s a team effort and leading and listening are equally important.”
“Alice Woodward is well respected in the north end of our county, and specifically at Molino Park Elementary School. Her devotion to her faculty and staff, her students, and to her community has never been questioned. She will leave a void as someone else will do her job but no one else can take her place,” stated Superintendent Malcolm Thomas.
Woodward was selected last year as the Escambia County School District’s Principal of the Year. Sara Calhoun, a Molino Park teacher and parent, contributed to the nomination package. She describes Woodward this way, “Although she is quick to always celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of others, she never seeks any recognition for herself for the tremendous gains our school has made. Her desire to strive for excellence as we educate these young minds, while never neglecting to gently shape each precious heart, makes her an exemplary leader. I know that I am eternally grateful for the ‘fingerprints’ she has left on my own children.”
So how did the Molino staff decided they would recognize Woodward’s accomplishments? How would they thank her?
If you visit Molino Park Elementary you will see art on the walls, not hanging on the walls, but painted on the walls. One hallway, in fact, it is painted floor to ceiling with an underwater scene. So, it is not a surprise that they decided to show their thanks in a way that would honor her professional history with a mural.
“We commissioned Loren Miller to create a mural that shows Barrineau Park School, where Mrs. Woodward started her teaching career; Molino Elementary School, where she became a leader; and Molino Park Elementary School where she has served as principal since 2006,” explained Assistant Principal Quinn Evans. “She was involved in every detail when the two older schools were closed and all of the students transferred into the new school.”
“It is humbling,” Woodward says of their gift.
Woodward leaves Molino Park with a message for the community.
“Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for supporting your children and helping them be the best they can be and learn, and thank you for making this community what it is.”
Pictured above: Retiring Molino Park Elementary School Principal Alice Woodward spent the last day of school saying goodbye to students, staff members and volunteers. Pictured below: A cafeteria mural in Woodward’s honor. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Camp Fire Century Holds Graduation; Registration Underway For Summer Camp (With Gallery)
May 31, 2016
The Camp Fire USA Century Youth Learning Center held a graduation program recently.
Registration is underway for Camp Fire’s WILD and WISE Nature Day Camp. Parents can register this children today for a nature adventure offered offered at Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center beginning June 1. Each week campers will explore the outdoors and different environmental themes like WILD Adventure, Gulf Coast Safari and WISE Journey.
The camper’s goal is to complete the Camp Fire Trail to Environment program and earn the emblem during the summer, which includes the Wise Old Willie program; children discover outdoor basics and learn about ecology and the 3 R’s: reduces, reuse and recycle. Campers explore Florida flora and fauna though Project WILD hands-on activities from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Additionally, campers complete a community service project to keep the earth healthy and give service to others. Weekly camps are for ages 5-12 years old and runs through August 5.
“Camp Fire is the first camp both of my kids have enjoyed. They both ask to return year after year. The program has truly mentored my children and helped them grow into mature, responsible young adults. The staff genuinely care about my children and their wellbeing. I cannot thank each of them enough for all of their help, kindness, and flexibility throughout the years,” said parent Sunni Solveson.
Campers may register for one or more weeks of summer program. In Century, weekly rates start at $85 per camper with discounts for a second and third child. A registration fee of $20 is due upon registration of a child. Camp hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center.
For more info, contact Pam Townson, director of the Camp Fire Century Youth Learning Center at (850) 256-0953 or email ptownson@cfgulfwind.org. For more details and registration forms, visit http://www.campfirekidsfl.com/camps_1.
Is Your Church Having VBS?
May 29, 2016
Now is the time to submit your Vacation Bible School announcements to NorthEscambia.com so that we can include them on our events page and let everyone know.
Email your VBS event details to: news@northescambia.com
Please try to submit your information as far in advance as possible.
Barrineau Park 4-H Club Places Flags On Barrancas Graves
May 29, 2016
The Barrineau Park 4-H Club was among the many groups Saturday that placed flags at each grave in the Barrancas National Cemetery in advance of Memorial Day. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Clara Gulsby Retires From Tax Collector’s Office
May 28, 2016
Clara Gulsby retired Friday after 26 years with the Escambia County Tax Collector’s Office.
Tax Collector Janet Holley said Gulsby has been an outstanding asset to Escambia County and will be hard to replace. She first joined the Tax Collector’s Office as a senior accounting clerk in April 1990 and retired as a senior manager. During her career, she managed the Tax Collector locations in Century, Cantonment and, most recently, Molino.
District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry presented Gulsby with a board proclamation in her honor.
“I am going to spend time traveling, and time with my grandkids,” Gulsby said. “I’m really looking forward to being there for my grandkids.”
Pictured top: Escambia County Tax Collector Janet Holley (left) presents Clara Gulsby with a retirement clock Friday afternoon. Pictured inset: Gulsby (left) poses for a photo with Ruby Amerson Wells, who placed Gulsby in her first job while she was attending Century High School. Pictured below: Commissioner Steven Barry presents Gulsby with a retirement proclamation from the Escambia County Commission. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview’s Amerson Awarded National Merit University of Alabama Scholarship
May 28, 2016
Northview High School honors graduate Jessica Amerson has been awarded a National Merit Scholarship sponsored by The University of Alabama.
As a junior, Amerson entered the National Merit Scholarship Competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test which served as an initial screen of program entrants. Last fall, approximately 16,000 Semifinalists were named on a state-representational basis in numbers proportional to each state’s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors. Semifinalists were the highest-scoring program entrants in each state and represented less than one percent of the nation’s seniors.
To compete for Merit Scholarship awards, Semifinalists first had to advance to the Finalist level of the competition by fulfilling additional requirements. Each Semifinalist was asked to submit a detailed scholarship application, which included writing an essay and providing information about extracurricular activities, awards, and leadership positions. Semifinalists also had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, and earn SAT scores that confirmed the qualifying test performance.
Amerson is the daughter of Gary and Kayleen Amerson of Walnut Hill.
Learn How To Purchase AED At Escambia County’s Cost
May 26, 2016
Escambia County will hold a meeting next week to provide more information on how to purchase an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the county’s cost.
District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry and Escambia County Public Safety will host a meeting Tuesday, May 31 at 6 p.m. for groups or individuals interested in purchasing an AED for their church or business at the county’s cost.
The meeting will take place at the Walnut Hill Fire Station at 7760 Highway 97. Escambia County Public Safety Director Mike Weaver will be available to answer questions about purchasing an AED at the same cost the county received during its last bid solicitation and provide information about AED kit options and available warranty programs.
An AED will be available to view at the meeting.
The cost will be $1,317.31 for the AED and associated equipment, according to Mike Weaver. Escambia County Public Safety Director . The vendor is also offering a wall mount cabinet for an additional $99..
“By no means are we trying to ’sell’ this particular AED. It is the same AED that we have chosen for our responders, County Buildings and parks. There are other devices and distributors that may be able to offer a lower price that will be shared,” Weaver said.
An automated external defibrillator is a lightweight, portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart. The shock can stop an irregular heart rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to resume following sudden cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is an abrupt loss of heart function. If it’s not treated within minutes, it quickly leads to death.
According to Escambia County, AEDs are important because they make it possible for more people to respond to a medical emergency where defibrillation is required. Because AEDs are portable, they can be used by anyone who has been trained how to use them – not only by medical professionals. They can be made part of emergency response programs that also include rapid use of 9-1-1 and prompt delivery of CPR. All three of these activities are vital to improving survival from cardiac arrest.
For more information, contact Escambia County Public Safety at (850) 471-6400.
Tate High School Orchestra Makes History At The State Level
May 25, 2016
The Tate High School Orchestra recently made history at the state level.
Tate High School’s orchestra performed The Odyssey by Soon Hee Newbold, Legends by Lorris Chobanian, and Odessa by David Bobrowitz.
“Our music selections really inspired our hard work. The story of Odysseus is musically portrayed in The Odyssey. I was thrilled to discover that a lot of our orchestra members are mythology buffs, who shared with us the details of Odysseus’s long and arduous journey,” said Catherine McConnell, Tate High’s orchestra instructor.
“This background knowledge made the technical details a lot more fun to master: the 16th note chromatic runs that portrayed stormy winds, the col legno bowing (striking the string with the stick of the bow) that built up ominous suspense, and muted sections that made his heartbreaking journey feel very personal.”
Tate musicians also performed three movements of Legends: “Mystic Breeze,” “Leprechauns,” and “The Wishing Well,” a unique piece with moments of intense sadness, contrasted sharply by the fast, amazing pizzicato movement in “Leprechauns,” that makes the fictitious creatures come alive.
Their final piece Odessa, portrayed the bustling port city in Ukraine on the Black Sea.
“Dr. Leonid Yanovskiy, the concert master of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra coached the first violins. He shared with all of us his first-hand knowledge that Odessa is a fast-paced, metropolitan city much like New York City,” added McConnell. “That helped us understand and communicate the lively, energetic music of this exciting piece.”
The months of hard work and the coaching paid off for the orchestra’s members. Fifty-one high school orchestras from across the state competed, and Tate High was one of only nine orchestras who received straight Superior ratings from the judges.
“We could not have done it alone! A lot of work goes into solidifying the musical details of these pieces. The Tate Orchestra has benefited from our partnership with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, which is an educational outreach program that the PSO established with my orchestra programs this year, both at Ransom Middle and Tate High,” McConnell said.
The musicians from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra worked closely with McCaonnell to coach the students in each section of the orchestra, helped them fine tune their musicianship, and gave the students a greater appreciation for the professional musicians in our community.
“Our success at State truly reflects the culmination of time, talent, and financial support from our dedicated Tate High Orchestra students and families, our school district, and our community,” McConnell said.
Learn About Container Gardening At The Molino Library
May 25, 2016
Area residents can learn to grow a container garden Friday with Escambia County Extension and the Master Gardener volunteers.
Adults and youth can learn about containers, soils and plants to make a small, but beautiful living display.
The program will be at 10:30 Friday morning at the Molino Branch Library in the Molino Community Complex, 6450-A Highway 95A. There will be a few plants, while they last, for participants to take home.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
