Ernest Ward Middle Names March Students Of The Month
April 24, 2012
Ernest Ward Middle School has named March Students of the Month. They are: Rhayeshawanna Davidson, sixth grade; Hunter Kite, seventh grade; and Blake Green, eighth grade .
Pictured: March Students of the Month at Ernest Ward Middle School (L-R) Rhayeshawanna Davidson, Blake Green and Hunter Kite. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
The Informant: Subject Of Matt Damon Movie Speaks
April 23, 2012
His life story was so compelling that Matt Damon portrayed him in a 2009 Warner Brothers movie. He was one of the top executives at one of the largest companies in the world. Making $3 million per year, living in a huge house with his wife. He was on top of the world.
Until his wife called the FBI.
Then, he discovered his real happiness behind bars in a federal prison — making not millions, but $20 a month.
Mark Whitacre, now 54, made history as the highest level corporate whistleblower ever, working undercover with the FBI for years to expose a price fixing scheme at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), a massive global food processing corporation.
“Society will give you a second chance and they will forgive you,” Whitacre said as he addressed a group of GED graduates and their fellow inmates at Century Correctional Institution. Whitacre is no stranger to being in prison; he spent nine years in federal prison after ADM accused him of embezzling $9 million while he was working as a FBI mole. “It is about redemption and second chances.”
In the early 1990’s, Whitacre’s wife began to notice that something was wrong with him. He fessed up, telling her about the price fixing scheme.
“I told her that it effects everyone that goes to the grocery store,” he said, “that we were stealing from them.” ADM makes food additives such as high fructose corn syrup and other products found in most of the processed foods in the average grocery store. “It was wealthy people taking advantage of poor people.”
“She turned me in,” Whitacre said, “within an hour to the FBI.”
In federal prison, he knew things had to change.
“I knew I had to come out different than I went in,” he said. “I came out better.”
A few months into his prison sentence, Whitacre said he made the decision to help his fellow inmates. Whitacre helped inmates obtain their GED certificates and their correspondence course college diplomas. He finally felt he was earning his keep in life, while making $20 a month behind bars — a far cry from that $3 million a year ADM salary.
“Helping people…I will continue that until I am gone,” he told the Century Correctional inmates.
There are three steps that all inmates need to take, he said….steps that can also be applied to those on the outside.
The first is taking personal responsibility and not blaming others for being in prison.
“I got everything I deserved; the 9.5 years were my fault,” he said. “I had a catch me if you can attitude. It took a stay at home mom to start the probe into the largest price fixing scheme in U.S. history….but it was all my fault.”
The second step is surrounding yourself with positive influences.
“Show me your friends, and I will show you your future,” he said.
The third step, he said, is giving back.
“There is nothing more rewarding than giving back in your community, even in prison.
Once released from prison, Whitarce went to work for the biotech company Cypress Systems, Inc., a company that is heavily involved in cancer research. He started at the bottom of the employment ladder and eventually worked his way up to his current position of chief operation officer and president of operations. He often speaks at FBI events and was the guest speaker in 2011 at the Quantico FBI Academy where he told his story of second chances.
As for his wife…they couple is still married. She is a recent teacher of the year at Warrington Middle School in Pensacola.
“I stand here as living proof,” he said to Century Correctional inmates, “that America does forgive and give you second changes. You can get your life back.”
Whitacre’s story was later made famous in the Warner Brothers movie “The Informant!” with Matt Damon was Whitacre.
For a previous story about the Century CI graduation, click here.
Pictured top: “The Informant” Mark Whitacre addresses GED graduates at Century Correctional Institution. Pictures top inset: Century Correctional inmates listen to Whitacre speak. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Miss Century Care Participates In NWFL Senior Pageant
April 23, 2012
The Annual Miss Senior Northwest Florida Pageant was held Friday, with Sally Kenney from Uni-Health of Santa Rosa taking the crown.
Miss Dorothy Roper was the Century Care Center entrant in the annual event. “She didn’t win, but she still feels like a princess,” Century Care Activities Director Mae Hildreth said.
In the question and answer portion of the pageant, Roper was asked “What is your favorite time of the year and why?”. Her response was “Summer, ’cause it’s hot, hot, hot!”.
Pictured top: Miss Century Care Center Dorothy Roper at the Miss Senior Northwest Florida Pageant Friday with program host Sue Straughn of WEAR. Pictured below: Pageant contestants. Pictured bottom: Century Care Center staff work to get Dorothy Roper ready for the pageant. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: CrossFaith Church Holds Molino SpringFling
April 22, 2012
CrossFaith Church in Molino held a Spring Fling on Saturday, featuring live music, crafts, vendors, horse rides, a petting zoo, inflatables and more.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Pictured: The annual Spring Fling was held Saturday at CrossFaith church in Molino. Submitted photos by Katelyn Garrison for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Births: Tripp Shiver Gilly, Riley Erin Chancery
April 22, 2012
Two local couples that are close friends are celebrating births just hours apart.
Tripp Shiver Gilly
Billy and Ashley Gilly of Molino are proud to announce the birth of their son, Tripp Shiver Gilly, born April 10, 2012, at 4:18 p.m. He weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces and was 18 inches long. Tripp is the grandson of Greg and Lorri Clary of Byrneville, Johnny Bonner of Pace, Alex and Felicia Amerson of Enon, and Bill Gilly of Molino.
Riley Erin Chancery
Aaron and Britany Chancery of McDavid are proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Riley Erin Chancery, born April 10, 2012, at 6:24 p.m. She was 7 pounds, 6.7 ounces and 19.5 inches long. Riley is the granddaughter of Richard and Lisa Chancery of McDavid, Loretta Floyd of Pensacola and James Ford of Molino.
Pictured on the left are Aaron and Britany Chancery with their daughter Riley Erin Chancery, while Billy and Ashley Gilly are on the right with their son Tripp Shiver Gilly. Pictured below: Riley Erin Chancery (on left) and Tripp Shiver Gilly. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Lamberts Celebrate Silver Anniversary
April 22, 2012
Aaron and Kim (Thortis) Lambert recently celebrated their silver wedding anniversary.
They were married on April 4, 1987, in Walnut Hill at the Walnut Hill Assembly of God. Aaron works at Reichhold Chemical as the purchasing and plant scheduler. He has been there for 17 years. Kim works at Escambia River Electric Cooperative at their Walnut Hill office. She has been there for 12½ years. They have four children, Brittany, A.J., Courtney and Brady. They also have three grandchildren.
Their parents are Ervin and Carolyn (Spence) Thortis and Douglas and the late Nellie (LaField) Lambert.
They enjoy family vacations and taking trips together, especially to watch any Alabama Crimson Tide sporting event. They are planning a trip in the fall to celebrate the occasion.
Pictured: Aaron and Kim (Thortis) Lambert celebrated their silver anniversary. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Century CI Inmates Graduate With GED, Ready To Work Certificates
April 21, 2012
Century Correctional Institution held a graduation ceremony Friday morning for inmates receiving their GED diplomas while behind bars.
“I began to challenge my thoughts, feelings and beliefs,” said Century CI Class of 2012 Salutatorian Shawn Ashe, earning his GED at age 30. “I am able to receive my diploma today because I made a choice.”
Ashe is about six months away from finishing a two-year prison sentence for cocaine possession, passing forged bills, trafficking in stolen property and grand theft in St. Johns County. He readily admits that he made very bad choices that landed him in prison, but he said his newly earned GED will open a whole new world of opportunity once he is released.
“I can and will make a difference in my community when I leave out of here,” Ashe said. He thanked God for the opportunity to earn his GED behind bars, and he acknowledged Florida’s tax payers for funding what he called a worthy program.
Henry Jordan, class valedictorian, is serving a 3.5 year sentence for a weapons and felony driving without a license charges from Duval County. His said his days at Century CI were once filled with working out “to look good at the beach” upon his release. But then, he said, he got his priorities straight.
“I decided to join the GED program instead of working out,” Jordan said. “I decided to focus on my GED…a GED increases my odds of making something of myself.”
Four other inmates received their GED diplomas during a graduation Friday morning inside Century Correctional Institution. They were: Joshua Moynihan, Alex Lichtenberger, Karey Murphy and Dachua Oliver. Earning the GED meant passing a five-part test consisting of reading/language and writing (including an essay), math, social studies and science.
“I watched another guy get up and walk out of the GED test because he thought the essay was too hard,” Jordan told fellow inmates at the graduation ceremony. “Don’t y’all give up. Everything is worth it.”
For a photo gallery from the prison’s graduation ceremony, click here.
Also Friday morning, 11 Century Correctional inmates received their Florida Ready to Work certificates. Florida Ready to Work is an innovative state-funded workforce education and economic development program that provides student job-seekers with a standard credential that certifies their workplace readiness and ability to succeed on the job.
Inmates receiving Ready to Work certificates were: Shawn Ashe, Steven Kelly, Robert Brantley, Jraron Lasseter, Vonsha Marshal, Joshua Monynihan, Erving Rogers, Brandley White, Timothy Curd, Alex Lichtenberger and Dachua Oliver.
Century CI Warden Richard Comerford said 16 more Century Correctional inmates will take their GED tests in next few days.
Guest speaker for event was Mark Whitacre, the highest corporate-level executive to ever become a FBI whistleblower, uncovering a massive price fixing scheme at Archer Daniels Midland (AMD) in the 1990’s. He served nearly a decade in federal prison. Whitacre was the subject of the 2009 movie “The Informant!” in which he was portrayed by Matt Damon. Monday morning on NorthEscambia.com, we will bring you Whitacre’s story.
Pictured top: Century Correctional Class 2012 Salutatorian Shawn Ashe addresses fellow inmates Friday morning. Pictured top inset: Ashe and Valedictorian Henry Jordan. Pictured below: GED graduates in their “class photo” with Century Correctional staff members. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Escambia Honors Outstanding High School Seniors
April 20, 2012
The Escambia County Public School Foundation hosted the 2012 Senior Academic Awards program Thursday night, honoring 88 of Escambia County’s outstanding high school seniors.
Honorees included the top five students in each graduating class as well as one student from each of the following disciplines: English, Foreign Language, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Career & Technical. The five National Merit Finalist from Escambia County were also honored.
Recognized Thursday night were:
Northview High School: Top Five – Holly Dickson, Josie Doucette, Amber D. Francis, Joel Wetzel, Elizabeth A. Wright; Subject Areas – Melissa Moretz, English; Chelsea Parham, Foreign Language; Brian Ross, Math; Caleb Leonard, Science; Lauren McCall, Social Studies; Lydia Weaver, Career and Technical.
Tate High School: Top Five – Seth Nathaniel Ammons, Emily Kailyn Creahan, John Wesley Lynn McDaniel, Daniel Pierce, Wendy Stradley; Subject Areas – Cheyenne Ryan, English; Crista Anne King, Foreign Language; Matthew Warren, Math; Breanna Renee Harrison, Science; Antonio D. Odom II, Social Studies; Courtney Graves, Career and Technical.
West Florida High School: Top Five – Nathan Andrews, John William Arnold, Tyler Ray Bryant, Dena Ngoc Le, Robert Mines; Subject Areas – Lauren Cleary, English; Dylan Lopez, Foreign Language; Kathryn Paige Disher, Math; Katie Lynn Nelson, Science; Jeffery Alan Grosso, Jr., Social Studies; Brigitte Beaulieu, Career and Technical.
Escambia High School: Top Five – Megan Beebe, Lauren Ashley Burns, Allison Kane, Kenny Nguyen, Jessica Reid; Subject Areas – Andria Quinlan, English; D.J. Fontenot, Foreign Language; Steven Ray Honeycutt, Math; Alana Lami, Science; Sawyer Cross, Social Studies; Dimitri Baptiste, Career and Technical.
Pensacola High School: Top Five – Sang Choi, Michael Joseph Johnson, Latesa Brielle Jones, An Tu, Yong Zhang; Subject Areas – Deidre Evans, English; Niña Rickka A. de Guzman, Foreign Language; Brandon Phuong Anh Tran, Math; Jin Lin Zheng, Science; Carlos Espinoza, Social Studies; Daniel Robar, Career and Technical.
Pensacola High School IB Program: Top Five – Sami Alsheikh, Wade Ingram, Sophia Liu, Kelly Mamelson, Mary-Grace R. Reeves; Subject Areas – Angelle Notaro, English; Peter Mahaffey, Foreign Language; Benjamin Greydanus, Math; Sarah E. Woods, Science; James Ryan Lengyel, Social Studies; Zachary Decker, Career and Technical.
Pine Forest High School: Top Five – Giselle Collie, Marissa Alana Frangione, Amber Lee Lane, Christina M. Nabity, Anthony M. Schmoll; Subject Areas – Katlyn Fryer, English; Markesha C. Brown, Foreign Language; Kati Mae Andrews, Math; Kalena DeVilla Hammond, Science; Alexañder Edgar Peña, Social Studies; Tyrell I. Jackson, Career and Technical.
Washington High School: Top Five – Haley Anderson, Luke Bosso, Alexa Carter, Tuong-My Nguyen, Patricia Taylor; Subject Areas – Bianca Bari Lurate, English; Colin Mitchell, Foreign Language; Hayden Adams Bell, Math; Ryan Larson, Science; Danielle Robinson-Pierre, Social Studies; Tina Nguyen, Career and Technical.
National Merit Finalists: Sami Alsheikh, Benjamin Greydanus, Samuel Martin Hitt, Sophia Liu, Mary-Grace R. Reeves; all from Pensacola High School IB Program.+
Pictured top: Northview High Senior Academic Award winners Thursday night at New World Landing (front, L-R) Amber Francis, Melissa Moretz, Lauren McCall, Lydia Weaver, NHS Assistant Principal Deborah Ray, (back, L-R) Holly Dickson, Josie Doucette, Joel Wetzel, Elizabeth A. Wright and Caleb Leonard. Not pictured: Chelsea Parham and Brian Ross. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Dance Group Places In Birmingham Competition (With Gallery)
April 19, 2012
Brewton Dance took part in the Legacy Dance Competition recently at the Alabama Theater in Birmingham, with girls from across the area bringing home several awards.
The mini competitive team placed fifth and sixth overall. Team members were: Alonna Bedsole , Lauren Thompson, Clair Hart, Bronwyn Patterson and Maegan Bondurant.
The middle competitive team placed placed third and fourth overall, received two elite gold medals and a special judge’s award for “smile and entertainment”. Team members were Peyton Barns, Aaliyah Bedsole, Daisy Canty, Lexi Clark, Sarahann Devers, Emma Grace Harris, Ella Hart, Madison Lambeth, Sydney Lucas, Taylor Peters and Kathryn West.
An older competitive team comprised of Donnavia Williams, Ariell Fain and Mykeicia Collins also performed.
The group, under the direction of Ann Peevy, will take part in a competition next month in Mobile. If they place again, they will head to a national competition in Orlando.
Pictured: Brewton Dancer performs at the Alabama Theater in Birmingham. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
First Redbox Comes To The Flomaton/Century Area
April 18, 2012
Flomaton and Century have been abuzz the past few days over a new Redbox movie rental kiosk that is now up and running in Flomaton — the first in that immediate area.
The kiosk is located in front of the Dollar General Store on Sidney Manning Boulevard. That is just a few feet from, somewhat ironically, the former location of Movie Gallery and a subsequent independent movie rental business.
When the bankrupt Movie Gallery closed two years ago, industry analysts said the company’s demise was due to the popularity of the online rental service Netflix the standalone Redbox kiosks.
Movie rentals at a Redbox kiosk are $1.20 per day, $1.50 for Blu-ray and $2 per day for games.
Pictured: A new Redbox movie rental kiosk outside the Dollar General in Flomaton, Ala. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.