the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (Part Two)
January 26, 2012
Today, it’s part three of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2012.
Today we introduce you to the second of three sets of contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the third set of contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Ashley Renea’ Cunningham
Ashley is the 16-year old daughter of Andy and Christina Cunningham. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for three years and currently serves as treasurer. She was also elected by her peers as vice-president of the freshman class, as well as, vice-president of the junior class. Ashley has been a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and was the recipient of the prestigious Spirit Award. She has been on the varsity cheerleading team for two years and currently holds the title of co-captain. She is also the recipient of the 2011-2012 Best All Around award.
Last year, Ashley was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court, where she was chosen Sophomore Class Maid. This year, she was again selected to represent her junior class on the Homecoming Court. She has been a member of the track team for three years, the Science Club for one year, and a member of the Future Farmers of America for two years. She has been a member of the dance team for one year, the weightlifting team for one year, and a member of S.W.A.N.S for two years. In track, Ashley was awarded the “Do it for the team” award and the “Heart” award. In her community, she is a member of the 4-H Club and won the title of 2011 Grand Champion in Steer and Heifer.
Her hobbies include showing cattle, playing tennis with her family, watching Harry Potter DVD’s, and going to Pensacola Beach with her amazing friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and obtain her degree in education and become a teacher. She also hopes to one day coach cheerleading.
Miss Hannah Elizabeth Gibson
Hannah is the 14-year old daughter of Steve and Kristy Gibson. In eighth grade, she was a member of the National Junior Honor Society and a member of the Ernest Ward Middle School cheerleading team where she held the title of captain. She was also the recipient of the “Best all around cheerleader” award for two years.
She was the 2011-2012 Poarch Creek Indian Junior Princess first alternate.
At Northview, Hannah is a junior varsity cheerleader and a member of the Spanish Club. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Her hobbies include cooking, gymnastics, boating, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and earn her degree to become an orthodontist.
Miss Morgan Nicole Digmon
Morgan is the 15-year old daughter of Mark and Tina Digmon. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, a member of the dance team for one year, and a member of the softball team for two years.
Last year, she was an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-star and was awarded the Miss Poise and Appearance award in the 2011 Miss NHS pageant. She has taken dance at Heather Leondard’s Danceworks for seven years and helps teach ballet as an assistant teacher. In her community, Morgan is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church, where she takes part in the youth group program and choir.
Her hobbies include dancing, shopping, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend college at Auburn University. After earning her degree, she hopes to one day start a family.
Miss Abigail Christie-Anne Odom
Abby is the 17-year old grand-daughter of James and Mildred Windham. She has been a member of the NHS drama department for two years and played “Susan” in their production of “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.” This year, she was chosen to be the heroine, “Wendy March,” in their production of “The Dastardly Dr. Devereaux.” She has been a member of the Art Club for two years and took first place at the Pensacola Art show. Abby was a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and held the title of captain. This year, she is on the varsity cheerleading team.
She has been a member of the Future Business Leaders of America for one year, the dance team for one year, and chorus for one year. Last year, Abby was selected to represent the junior class on the Homecoming Court. In the 2011 Miss NHS pageant, Abby was among the top ten contestants. She has taken dance for 15 years at Studio 43 in Mobile and volunteers her time as an assistant coach of the Northwest Escambia Mites cheerleaders. In her community, Abby is an active member of Enon Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include making jewelry, photography, taking dance, spending time with her cheer family, as well as, spending time with other loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College and then later transfer to a major university to pursue a degree in photography.
Miss Brittany Danyel Thompson
Brittany is the 18 year old daughter of Anthony and Alicia Thompson. She has been a member of the Student Government Association for four years, a member of the Interact Club for three years, and a member of S.W.A.N.S. for three years. Brittany has been a member of the Future Farmers of America for four years and has held the office of historian and treasurer. She was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team her sophomore year and has been on the varsity cheerleading team for two years. She was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Most Improved award.
She has been in the Spanish Club for one year, on the weightlifting team for one year, and in the Future Business Leaders of America for one year, where she held the office of treasurer. She participated in the Chief Challenge 5K run and also volunteers her time building houses with the Habitat for Humanity in Atmore, Alabama. Brittany has also volunteered her time working with children at Camp E.D.G.E. for Aldersgate Church.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, dancing, photography, spending time with family and friends, and watching her favorite television program: “American Horror Story.”
Her future plans are to attend Pensacola State College for two years and then transfer to Florida State University. While in attendance, she hopes to join an academic sorority.
Miss Ashley Nicole Mooney
Ashley is the 16-year old daughter of Scott and Sandy Mooney. She was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year, the junior varsity softball team for one year, and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, where she currently serves as treasurer. She was also voted freshman class treasurer and is currently the president of the junior class. Ashley has been a varsity cheerleader for two years, a varsity softball player for one year, and a member of the track team for one year.
She has been a member of Rho Kappa for one year, where she currently serves as treasurer, a member of the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Beta Club for one year. She was an Academic All-star for the 2010-2011 school year. Ashley was selected to represent her class on the Homecoming Court her sophomore and junior year. In her community, she is an active member of Healing Waters Church and a member of the Panhandle Allstar Cheerlading Team. She has volunteered her time with the Relay For Life foundation and was also awarded the “Take Stock in Children” scholarship.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, softball, running track, riding horses, photography, going to the beach, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend Florida State University and cheer while pursing her bachelor’s degree.
Miss Melissa Jayne Martinez Moretz
Melissa is the 18-year old daughter of James and Lisa Moretz. She has been a member of the track team for two years and a member of the NJROTC program for four years, where she held the position of executive officer for one year. Melissa has been a member of the Tribal Beat Marching Band for four years and has held the title of drum major.
As a cadet for the NJROTC, she has received the American Legion Military Excellence award, the Military Order of the World Wars award, the Theodore Roosevelt Youth medal, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart award. Melissa was also recognized by the Pensacola Suburban West Rotary Club and was awarded for exhibiting core values.
Her hobbies include writing short stories and poems, painting, reading, singing, and playing various instruments including the piano, the clarinet, and the saxophone. Melissa also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend several different universities so that she can expand her knowledge in a broad range of subjects. She also intends on traveling and living in places that are out of her comfort zone. When she is done traveling, she hopes to open a jazz café with live music and delightful food.
Tiffany Nichole Pritchett
Tiffany is the 15-year old daughter of James Pritchett and Debbie Lee. She has been on the junior varsity volleyball team for two years and this year she was moved up to varsity at the end of the season. Tiffani has also been on the junior varsity softball team for one year. She was the recipient of the “Best Offensive Volleyball Player” award for 2011 and was also an Atmore Rotary Club Academic All Star.
In her community, she has played softball for the Molino Ballpark team for seven years. She also volunteers her time to help coach the younger girls in softball. Tiffani is an active member of Pace Assembly of God Church.
Her hobbies include playing volleyball, playing softball, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend Auburn University and pursue a medical degree. She hopes to one day become a pediatrician.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
the road to the crown: Meet The Girls (With Photos)
January 25, 2012
Today, it’s part two of our multi-part series “the road to the crown” as we follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2012.
Today we introduce you to the first few contestants. Their biographies, as submitted by the girls, are below along with their photos. You can click any photo below to enlarge.
Our series “the road to the crown” will continue tomorrow with biographies and photos of the second set of contestants. The pageant is Saturday night at 7:00, and NorthEscambia.com will have the new Miss Northview High School and all the photos here Sunday morning.
Miss Lauren Ashley McCall
Lauren is the 17-year old daughter of Joey and Robin McCall. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a varsity cheerleader for three years and is currently co-captain of the team. She has been a member of the softball team for four years, the golf team for one year, the Future Farmers of America for one year, and a member of the Interact Club for one year. She was voted sophomore class president and was chosen to represent her peers on the Homecoming Court her freshman and sophomore years.
This year, Lauren was crowned Homecoming Queen for 2011. She was selected by the Suburban West Rotary Club as the grand prize winner in the Rotary International Four Way Test essay contest. Lauren has received the “Miss Physical Fitness” award two years in a row and was one of the Top 10 contestants in Miss NHS for two years. In her community Lauren is an active member of Bratt First Baptist Church, where she participates in the youth group. She is also a member of Team David, which is a youth leadership group within her church, and the Random Acts of Kindness team. She volunteered with the Century Relay for Life team and has helped with “Operation Christmas Child”.
Her hobbies include dancing, swimming, going to the beach, watching Auburn football, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of West Florida for two years and then transfer to Auburn University to obtain her degree in sports medicine.
Miss Charleigh Victoria McPherson
Charleigh is the 18-year old daughter of Larry and Mary McPherson. As a freshman, she was on the junior varsity cheerleading team and was the recipient of the 2008-2009 Spirit Award. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for three years and was co-captain her junior year. This year, Charleigh holds the title of captain. She has been a member of the junior varsity softball team for one year, a member of the golf team for one year, a member of the Art Club for one year, and a member of the Interact Club for one year. Charleigh has been a member of Rho Kappa for one year and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year. As a sophomore, she was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court. I
n the 2009 Miss NHS pageant, Charleigh was hand selected by the judges as the recipient of the Miss Hospitality award. She was also one of the top ten contestants in the 2010 and 2011 Miss NHS pageants. In her community, Charleigh has played on the Northwest Escambia softball team for six years and has played on the Molino softball team for one year. She is an active member of St. Robert’s Catholic Church where she sings in the choir. Last year, Charleigh was chosen to participate in the Youth Leadership Program in Atmore and this year she serves as a Chamber Ambassador of Atmore.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, baking, listening to music and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend a junior college and then transfer to a University to obtain her bachelor’s degree. She then wants to be accepted into law school.
Miss Ariel Kaye Holland
Ariel is the 17-year old daughter of Wayne and Amy Holland. As a freshman, she was a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team. She has been a member of the varsity cheerleading team for two years, where she was the recipient of the prestigious 2011-2012 Spirit Award. She has been a member of the weightlifting team for one year, the golf team for one year, and the track team for three years. She has been a member of the softball team for three years, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, and was voted junior class treasurer. As a freshman, Ariel was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court and was voted Freshman Class Maid.
In both the 2010 and 2011 Miss NHS pageant, Ariel was among the top ten contestants. In her community, she is an active member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt and participates in the Team David program. She also volunteers her time with the Northwest Escambia Cheerleaders.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, softball, spending time with friends, and having “girl” days with her mom.
Her future plans are to receive a cheerleading scholarship and pursue a degree in pediatric nursing.
Miss Kendal Brooke Cobb
Kendal is the 14-year old daughter of Jamie and Becky Cobb. As an eighth grader, she was on the cheerleading team, as well as, the competition squad. She was first runner up in the 2010 Miss EWMS Pageant and was Miss Bambino 2009. At Northview, she is a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team, the Student Government Association, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Kendal was selected by her peers as freshman class vice-president and was also selected to represent them on the Homecoming Court. In her community, she has played softball for the Northwest Escambia softball team for four years and was on the Northwest Escambia All-Star team for three years. She is an active member of Faith Bible Baptist Church.
Her hobbies include cheering, playing softball, hunting, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend a major university and pursue a degree in nursing.
Miss Katelynne Nicole Calloway
Katelynne is the 15-year old daughter of Tommy and Tammy Calloway. At Northview, Katelynne was a junior varsity cheerleader for one year and held the title of co-captain. This year, Katelynne is on the varsity cheerleading team.
She has been a member of the Spanish Club for one year and was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court. In her community, Katelynne is a member of the First Baptist Church of Bratt.
Her hobbies include cheerleading, fishing with her Dad, dancing, shopping, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama and obtain her degree. She hopes to become a pediatric nurse.
Miss Courtney Alexandra Weaver
Courtney is the 16-year old daughter of Michael and Deana Weaver. She has been a member of the junior varsity cheerleading team for one year and was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Most Improved award. Courtney has been on the Northview softball team for two years, a member of the Interact Club for one year, and was voted by her peers as historian of the sophomore class.
She has played softball for the Northwest Escambia league for seven years and has received the “Top Gun” award for the past three years. In her community, she is an active member of St. Robert’s Catholic Church and sings in the choir.
Her hobbies include reading, going to the beach, cooking, and spending time with loved ones — especially her baby brother.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree to become a pharmacist.
Miss Anna Elizabeth Fischer
Anna is the 15-year old daughter of Jerry and Ramona Fischer. She has been a junior varsity cheerleader for one year, where she served as co-captain, a member of the dance team for one year, and a member of the yearbook staff for one year. She has been a varsity cheerleader for one year and was the recipient of the 2011-2012 Squad Strength award. Anna was also a 2010-2011 Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-star. She is a member of the All-Girls Club and was selected by her peers to represent them on the Homecoming Court as freshman class maid. In her community, Anna has taken dance with Heather Leonard’s Danceworks for 12 years. She is an active member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church and participates in the youth choir. She also volunteers with the church nursery and at vacation bible school. Anna has volunteered her time as a “Coastal Clean-up” participant.
Her hobbies include drawing, dancing, scrapbooking, shopping, and spending time with family and friends.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Florida and study fashion design.
Miss Hilery Danielle Scott
Danielle is the 15-year old daughter of Christopher and Cathy Scott. At Northview, she is a member of the dance team. She has been a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year, the Science Club for one year, and the Spanish Club for two years. As a freshman, Danielle was selected to represent her class on the Homecoming Court. This year, she was voted sophomore class secretary.
In her community, Danielle is an active member of Walnut Hill Assembly of God Church where she is a part of the youth ministry. She holds the title of secretary and sings every Sunday morning and Sunday night for praise and worship. She also spends time singing for different events such as Red Cross, Relay for Life, Mayfest in Atmore, and church revivals. This past summer, Danielle received a one year contract with American Mall Model Search and participated in several shows at Pensacola’s Cordova Mall. She has been taking voice lessons for one year, dance with Heather Leonard’s Danceworks for one year, and piano for six years.
Her hobbies include singing, playing piano, dancing, volunteering, making her own music videos, having special shopping days with her mom, and spending time with loved ones.
Her future plans are to attend college and pursue a degree in music.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
NHS Plants Live Oak For Arbor Day
January 25, 2012
A live oak tree was recently planted at Northview High School’s FFA as part of an Arbor Day celebration.
Escambia County, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (UF/IFAS) Extension, and Florida Forestry Service also took part in the event.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Road To The Crown: Miss Northview High 2012 Contestants
January 24, 2012
Join NorthEscambia.com this week for our annual multi-part series “the road to the crown”.
We will follow 24 young ladies at Northview High School in their quest for the crown and the title of “Miss Northview High School” for 2012. We’ll introduce you to each girl and go behind the scenes with exclusive photos for a look at the annual Northview High School pageant.
A new installment of “the road to the crown” will be posted each morning this week. Then on Sunday morning, we’ll introduce you to the new Miss Northview High School.
The annual Miss Northview High School Pageant will be held on Saturday, January 28 at 7:00 in the school auditorium. The pageant is sponsored by the Northview High Varsity Cheerleaders.
Today, we begin with a group photo of all the young ladies participating. Their names are listed below.
Pictured top: Participants in this year’s Miss Northview High School 2012 are: (front, L-R) Charleigh McPherson, Danielle Scott, Courtney Weaver, Lauren McCall, Katelynne Calloway, Logan Wainwright, Melissa Moretz, (middle row) Cheyanne Garnett, Morgan Digmon, Ashley Mooney, Ariel Holland, Ashley Cunningham, Erica Wiggins, Brittany Thompson, Tiffani Pritchett, (back row) Misty Doran, Ali Martin, Hannah Gibson, Rebekah Sepulveda, Anna Fischer, Abby Odom, Kendal Cobb, Ashlynn McCall, Morgan Ward. Front: Miss NHS 2011 Haley Simpson. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
It’s Celebrate Literacy Week At Jim Allen, Bratt, Byrneville, Molino Park
January 23, 2012
It’s “Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida!”, and North Escambia elementary schools will celebrate will a variety of activities this week.
The goal of the week is to promote literacy by raising awareness of programs and projects offered by the Florida Department of Education and partner groups, and to promote the enjoyment of reading for adults and children of all ages.
The following events are planned at North Escambia elementary schools this week:
Jim Allen Elementary
- All students will read for an additional 20 minutes each day as part of the Million Minute Marathon.
Bratt Elementary
- All students will read as part of the Million Minute Marathon.
- Students will create story character puppets from the Jan Brett books The Mitten and The Hat.
- On Wednesday, it’s Buddy Reading as students from the upper level grades read to students in the lower grades.
- Thursday is book character dress up day.
- During the week, book report posters will be presented by fourth grade students. Mrs. Cassady’s fifth grade students will present shoe box reports.
- Daily announcements will include information about Sunshine State readers each day.
Byrneville Elementary
- Students will read as part of the Million Minute Marathon.
- On Tuesday, upper grade students will read to younger students.
- Wednesday is Teacher Swap Day — teachers will read to a different class than the one they teach.
- Thursday is Parent Literacy Day with programs at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Guest readers will read to students on Friday.
Molino Park Elementary
- “Reading, Writing and Rover” presentation on Monday.
- Additional activities and reading throughout the week.
10 Volunteer Firefighters Complete Certification Training
January 22, 2012
Ten Escambia County volunteer firefighters completed their Firefighter I training on Saturday.
The newly certified volunteers firefighters, and their station of service, are:
- Cody Brown – Beulah
- Jeremy Chabot – West Pensacola
- Travis Darr – Ensley
- Ian Forrester – Bellview
- Brian Gossett – Ensley
- Ryan Kaderly – Molino
- Nick McCullough -Molino
- C.J. Parker – Molino
- Johnathon Stack – Warrington
- Kevin Winingar – Ferry Pass
Cantonment Trumpet Player One Of Nation’s Best
January 22, 2012
A trumpet player from Cantonment has been selected as one of the best high school players in the nation.
Chris Snyder has been selected as a semifinalist in the National Trumpet Competition held in Washington, DC. Each year, candidates from across the nation submit a video audition of themselves performing a difficult classical composition. He is one of 30 high school students selected out of hundreds of applicants who audition for the opportunity.
As a semifinalist, Snyder will be able to attend Master Classes led by artists the likes of Doc Severinsen, longtime band leader for the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and various other trumpet professional players from top symphonies across the United States.
Snyder, the son of Mark and Sonya Snyder, is a member of the Celebration Orchestra at Olive Baptist Church. For the past six years, he has studied trumpet privately from Darryl Evans and Tom Savage, both faculty members at Olive’s School of Performing Arts.
The OBC School of Performing Arts offers a variety of vocal and instrumental music lessons for all ages. For more information on the school, call (850) 475-1932 or visit www.olivebaptist.org.
Pictured: Chris Snyder practices at the Olive Baptist Church School of the Performing Arts. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Bride-To-Be Misses Dream War Eagle Wedding
January 21, 2012
A North Escambia area woman won’t get the free complete wedding package of her dreams this spring on Samford Lawn on the campus of Auburn University.
Jennifer Coleman, a Flomaton High School graduate, and her groom-to-be, Wes Sinor, fell short of first place in the War Eagle Wedding contest.
“Not the perfect ending, but still a very successful run at the War Eagle Wedding,” Coleman said. “Thanks everyone for your votes and support. Although we did not win, Auburn University has generously gotten us this much closer to our dream wedding.”
The couple of Katie Oliver and Slade Ponder were announced as winners on Friday of the May 26 wedding of their dreams including the dress, tuxedos, flowers, photos, cakes, limousine, entertainment, reception — a complete wedding package worth thousands. Oliver and Ponder received 9,992 votes for the win. The other two couples received 7,181 votes and 3,352 votes, but contest officials did not name which couple was second and which was third.
For an earlier story about Jennifer and Wes, click here.
Pictured: Wes Sinor and Jennifer Coleman of Flomaton, pictured here at the 2011 Auburn-Mississippi State game, are huge Auburn football fans. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
White House To Honor Man For Leading Century, Escambia County Disaster Prep
January 18, 2012
The executive director of the Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE) will be recognized at the White House on Thursday for his efforts in Escambia County and Century.
Greg Strader, founder of BRACE, will be one of the 17 local leaders who will be honored at the White House as Champions of Change who help prepare their communities for disaster and build a more resilient nation.
“These men and women have demonstrated significant innovation and creativity in working to get their communities ready for the unexpected and embraced the approach of involving all members of their communities in emergency preparedness and response, reaching out to faith-based, tribal, non-profit, private sector and community-based organizations, as well as individual citizens,” according to the White House.
The Champions of Change program was created as a part of President Obama’s Winning the Future initiative. Each week, a different issue is highlighted and groups of Champions, ranging from educators to entrepreneurs to community leaders, are recognized for the work they are doing to better their communities.
BRACE works to prepare educate and train local communities in disaster preparedness, response and recovery.
According to Kermit Housh, chairman of the board for BRACE, Strader will meet with administration officials to discus how the public private partnership model used by BRACE to prepare local for disaster can be a model for other communities.
“This past year we’ve been reminded that disasters can strike at any time and that preparedness is critical,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. “We commend the innovative practices and achievements that these individuals bring to the field of emergency management in order to make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared.”
Through Strader and BRACE, Century recently held CERT — the Community Emergency Response Team — training, including mock disaster drill, for over two dozen local citizens.
Pictured top: Century town council member Sandra McMurray Jackson (left) and another CERT volunteer held a disaster “victim” during a CERT disaster drill. Pictured inset and below: CERT volunteers search for tornado victims during a drill. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
Bratt Elementary Holds Math Madness Night (With Gallery)
January 17, 2012
Bratt Elementary School recently held their 2012 Math Madness Night. About 200 students, parents and teachers took part in an evening on math activities and games. The evening ended with refreshments and door prizes.
“We would like to thank all of the teachers and parent volunteers who helped make this night a success,” teacher Linda Jackson said.
Pictured: Bratt Elementary’s 2012 Math Madness Night. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.