Molino Resident Drayton Smith Named Director Of Ministry Village At Olive
January 2, 2022
Molino resident Drayton Smith is the new executive director of the Ministry Village at Olive.
An Escambia County native, Smith grew up in Cantonment. He has served as an associate pastor and lead pastor, and most recently served as the director of major gifts at Waterfront Rescue Mission in Pensacola. Smith will oversee the five programs of Ministry Village at Olive – the Charis House, Tender Hearts Caring Hands, The Most Excellent Way, the Ministry Village Bargain Center, and the Ministry Village Early Learning Center.
Smith said is looking forward to building relationships and sharing the “what” and “why” of Ministry Village with the community.
“When Drayton met with the board, we could sense his passion for serving others and the community. I believe Drayton’s focus on building and cultivating relationships will resonate throughout Ministry Village and our community for years to come,” said Stephen Newsome, board chairman for the Ministry Village.
Drayton and his wife Milissa have five children, one grandson, and two daughters-in-law. They enjoy life on their small Molino farm with their cows, horses, chickens and dogs.
Ministry Village at Olive, Inc. was founded in Pensacola in 2008. The mission of Ministry Village at Olive is to put the words of Jesus into action throughout our community – “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40, NIV)
Pictured: Drayton Smith and his wife Milissa. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
West Florida Hospital Welcomes New Year’s Baby
January 1, 2022
Escambia County’s New Year’s Baby at West Florida Hospital was Alora Ann who arrived at 1:38 a.m. January 1, 2022.
Born to parents Michael Sanchez and Haylie Luberti, Alora Ann weighed in at 6-pounds, 4-ounces.
and she was delivered by Dr. Jack Ricketts.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Melissa Caldwell Named Escambia Westgate Teacher Of The Year
December 31, 2021
Melissa Caldwell was named the Escambia Westgate Teacher of the Year. She is the school’s speech language pathologist.
Here is how Escambia Westgate described Caldwell:
“Her smile is radiant and she is always eager to work with students. She is kind and patient with all students on a daily basis. She is an advocate for students and their voices being heard although the students are considered non-verbal. Non-speaking does not mean her students do not have a lot to say and Ms. Caldwell listens! She trials devices and uses multiple methodologies to improve communication for all students. She consistently works with teachers and parents to create communication partnerships to improve student performance and outcomes. Ms. Caldwell is one of a kind and we are truly blessed to have her on our team.”
Katie Roley Named Ernest Ward Middle School Teacher Of The Year
December 30, 2021
Ernest Ward Middle School named Katie Roley as Teacher of the Year. Roley is the Ernest Ward Culinary Arts instructor. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Two Northview FFA Members Place in Subdistrict Speech Competitions
December 30, 2021
Two Northview High School FFA member recently placed at subdistrict competitions. Audrey Goetter for placed third in prepared public speech, and Judson Lee placed second in extemporaneous public speech. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Mary Rackard Named Bratt Elementary School Teacher Of The Year
December 29, 2021
Mary Rackard was named the Bratt Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Rackard is pictured center. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Amanda Robar Is Jim Allen Elementary Teacher Of The Year
December 28, 2021
Jim Allen Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year is Amanda Robar. She teaches art to all levels from Pre-K through fifth grade. Photos for NorthEsambia.com, click to enlarge.
Happy Ending: Lost Bag Of Child’s Christmas Presents Returned (With Photo Gallery)
December 28, 2021
A Christmas present delivery has now been completed.
On Sunday, we published a story about a large bag of Christmas presents found in the area of 9 1/2 Mile Road and Pine Forest Road on Christmas morning.
The presents were found by not just any old Scrooge, but a special elf. No, a Christmas angel that turned in the gifts to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.
Norman Carlisle read the NorthEscambia.com story about 1:15 a.m. Sunday and knew immediately that the presents belonged to his adult daughter Jaclyn Chattin.
“We wrapped them up off 9 1/2 Mile Road and were returning home,” she said. “They fell out of our truck.”
The presents were intended for Chattin’s 5-year old son Dawson as family gifts for Christmas.
Chattin claimed the presents Monday morning at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office for Dawson, and the Sheriff’s Office chipped in a gift bag full of goodies including a cup and official ESCO football.
“Thanks for the post and especially to that honest person who turned them in,” Carlisle wrote on Facebook.
“It’s a Merry Christmas,” Chattin said.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Karl King Named Tate High School’s Teacher Of The Year
December 27, 2021
Karl King has been named Tat High School’s Teacher of the Year.
King began his career as an educator in 1995 in Edmond, Oklahoma, at Summit Middle School where he taught eighth grade math, Algebra 1, and coached football for two years. He transferred to Edmond Santa Fe High School in 1997 where he spent 6 years teaching Algebra 1 and serving as a varsity baseball coach and freshman football coach. In 2003, he was offered the opportunity to become a head baseball coach and spent six years at Putnam City North High School where he taught Algebra 1 and also served as a freshman football coach. In 2009, he became the head baseball coach at Edmond North High School where he spent the next seven years teaching Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Intermediate Algebra while winning a baseball state championship in 2012 and being named the Oklahoma Coach of the Year.
In 2016, he and his family made the big move to Cantonment where he is now in his sixth year at Tate High School teaching Liberal Arts Math 1 and 2 and serving as an assistant varsity baseball coach.
“Coach Karl King, we are proud to have you represent us as Tate High School’s Teacher of the Year! Thank you for your dedication to our students, school, and community,” the school said in an email.
Shop With A Cop Makes Christmas A Little Brighter For Local Kids (With Photo Gallery)
December 25, 2021
Christmas was a little brighter this year for 42 children across Escambia County, thanks to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office’s annual Shop with a Cop.
The Escambia County School District identified the children with families that need a little extra help.
Each child submitted a wish list, and a deputy shopped for them. Their gifts were wrapped and placed in a winter wonderland at the ECSO. The children rode with their deputies to the ECSO where they met Rudolph, the Grinch, the Escambia County Mounted Posse, and received their gifts.
For a photo gallery, click or tap here.
