Local Students Honored As Inspirational Heroes
May 13, 2009
Forty outstanding Escambia County students were honored Tuesday afternoon at the 15th Annual Cox Inspirational Hero Celebration, including a student from both Northview High and Ernest Ward Middle and Carver/Century K-8 School.
The event honors students that have faced significant challenges, including the loss of their parents, physical illness, handicaps and language barriers.
Dustin Todd Parker from Ernest Ward Middle School was honored as the Cox Inspirational Hero from Ernest Ward Middle School.
Coty Chance of Molino was honored as the Cox Inspirational Hero from Northview High School. Coty was the only one of the 40 student heroes to offer an acceptance speech Tuesday afternoon.
Arkelle Elliot was honored as the Inspirational Hero from Carver/Century K-8 School.
The students received a Hero Medallion and commendations from U.S. Sens. Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez, U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller; state Rep. Dave Murzin and Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp.
The biographical information from both Coty Chance and Dustin Todd Parker is below.
Coty Chance, Northview High
Coty Chance has brought sunshine into Northview High School for the past three and one-half years. Every day he greets everyone with a smile and a loud good morning or hello. His constant energy and dedication to his responsibilities inspires others to do more.
Coty’s outlook is that when he can be nice to others, they in turn will be nice to others. He always goes out of his way to be a gracious helper and to ensure that everyone cares about each other.
Coty feels that his proudest personal success is being able to complete his assigned work. He is also very proud that this year he was able to also teach other students’ the responsibilities that he so carefully and completely does here at school. Coty is an avid Cross Country runner and especially has enjoyed success running for the Northview Cross Country team, winning numerous awards, participating in the charitable run for “Major Jim Ross” and being presented with the Cross Country Coaches Award. Coty will graduate this year with a 2.80 grade point average. He will leave the halls of Northview High where he will be missed, but never forgotten. We are sure he will continue to carry on and make people smile.
Coty has brought smiles to the halls of Northview and into the lives of the school personnel and students. Coty not only has a magnificent voice at the football games, but Coty has shown just how great a positive impact that students with dedication to their school and work can have on others lives and those they meet.
Dustin Todd Parker, Ernest Ward Middle
Dustin is a member of the national Junior Honor Society, President of the Student Government Association and a manager of the football team. He enjoys helping others and recently went door-to-door on his electric scooter in his neighborhood to raise money for the “Honor Flight.”
Dustin’s accomplishments are in spite of a mobility problem know as Pilocytic Astrocytoma. Although he was told he may not walk, Dustin was able to get on the regular school bus the first day of school and is now able to ride a bicycle.
Information for Arkelle Elliot from Carver/Century K-8 was not available.
Homeschooled Kids & Co. Visit North Escambia Ranch
May 13, 2009
Dozens of students from Homeschooled Kids & Co. visited a North Escambia ranch Tuesday to learn about flowers, vegetables horses, cows and more.
The group visited the ranch of Abbie Rolph on Jack Smith Road, just south of Highway 168 between Bratt and Byrneville. The students visited with miniature horses belonging to Jane Breault of Pine Ridge Farms in Molino, enjoyed a hay ride to visit with the cows, learned about flower reproduction from Escambia County Extension Service Agriculture Agent Libbie Johnson, and learned the fine art of ducking for cover from a thunderstorm in barn.
Homeschooled Kids & Co. is a local support group for families of homeschooled children from Escambia counties in Alabama and Florida. The group is based in Atmore.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured top: Students from Homeschool Kids & Co. with a miniature horse Tuesday morning on a North Escambia ranch. Pictured inset: A student learns about the parts of a flower. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Sweet Sounds: NHS, EWMS Hold Band Concert
May 12, 2009
The Northview High and Ernest Ward Middle schools held their annual Spring Band Concert Monday night at Northview High School.
Members of the NHS Alumni Band, made up of former Northview, Ernest Ward and Century high band members, also performed.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the concert, click here.
Pictured above and left: Students perform during the Northview and Ernest Ward Spring Band Concert Monday night at Northview. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Molino Park Students Tops In County Sunshine Math Competition
May 10, 2009
Two fifth grade Molino Park Elementary School students took top honors in Escambia County in Sunshine Math.
Willis Fletcher took first place in the county, and Tristan Barrett won second place in Saturday’s competition.
Overall, Molino Park Elementary took six teams with 22 third to fifth grade students to the tournament.
Other students in the competition from Molino Park included:
- Third grade: Hunter Rogers, Devin Abrams, Sabra Stewart, Sarah Perritt, Trevor Singleton, Jacob White and Carsen Lowery.
- Fourth Grade: Mitchell Singleton, Savanna Calhoun, Ashlyn Fowler, Ian Schneider, Caeley Barrett and Lauren Carnley.
- Fifth Grade: Willis Fletcher, Harmoni Till, Moriah McGahan, Allison Woodfin, Tristan Barrett, Jason Ogle, Kendral Langford and Haley Brown.
Pictured above: Molino Park Elementary School fifth grade students took top honors in the district Sunshine Math tournament Saturday. Tristan Barrett (left) won second place and Willis Fletcher (right) won first place. Pictured below: Another photo from Saturday’s competition. Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Retired North Escambia Educator Releases Second Book
May 10, 2009
Former North Escambia educator Mary Alice Thomas has released her second publication, a new collection of poetry called “A Forgotten People”. It follows last year’s release of “Battle of the Soul”, a collection of religious poetry.
“It’s not hard to find inspiration and a need to write when working with young minds,” Thomas claims. “As an educator I found that my students always wanted more than they found in the textbooks. Realizing that they were gifts from God placed in my care for only a short time, I wanted to feed their hunger for knowledge. I took the responsibility to give to them the best of what I had. My students wanted fresh material for programs and celebrations. It took hours of research; yet, those inquisitive minds and searching eyes, with ears willing to listen and learn made me write poems and speeches from biographical historical facts of a forgotten people, a real people to them, so that they could have a stepping stone for history as these students tried to connect. Little did I know that one day this would become a publication that I felt was worthy of sharing.”
Thomas, who has taught at Northview High School, the former Ernest Ward and Century schools and Carver/Century K-8 School, said “I ask that you share with your classmates from my heart to yours: You are not a forgotten people, for you are still an inspiration to me even though time has had its own will and has gotten away from us, and changes for all of us have crept through the earth as the sun awakens each day. Yet, as I meet you on the byways of life, my heart leaps. You are still that part of me that makes life worth living. You inspired me to write this book. It’s for all of us.”
According to Thomas, this publication has been designed to reach back into the subconscious mind to restore the value for all humanity.
“I have chosen people from all walks of life because it has taken Jews, Blacks, Whites, Native Americans, and all other races and experiences to give this country such a rich history. As I began my research for this publication, I ultimately hearkened to the voice within. I began to drink from knowledge that could only come from the intoxication of wisdom,” she said.
Each piece of material included in this selection carries aphorisms giving a general truth about life. The theme of these works is love for humanity and pain for injustice. In Thomas’ book, “A Forgotten People”, the reader will meet those who opened their ears to the cries of the innocent, like a mother identifying the hunger pains of her young when awakened in the night and refusing to let sleep handcuff her to her bed.
Too often the Civil Rights Movement produces a picture of the African American struggle, where the streets are painted in red with blood of color, and police dogs are forcing black power to its knees while listening to the voice of racism seeking a prey in the night; however, my students of the past and I worked hard to prove that the Civil Rights Movement embraced unity for all American life — regardless of race, creed or color. “Perhaps the greatest indication of this acknowledgment of worth in all humanity is the recent presidential election, realizing that my students had a vision built on Christian love that sprung up from a seed that would not die,” Thomas said.
In the book “A Forgotten People”, the reader will meet some who paid the ultimate price, yet we all enjoy the gift that their lives granted to American citizens. Blood, when mixed with sweat and tears and mingled with God-given love, cannot be called black or white, yellow or red. Yet, society fails to realize that a child who hears God’s voice will answer His call, totally oblivious to color. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples because you have love one for another.”
“A Forgotten People” is available for purchase through iuniverse.com by clicking on “Bookstore,” and then typing in the author’s name or book title. It will also be available at a book signing which will be held at Carver Century School in the Media Center on Tuesday, May 12 at 1 p.m. A supplemental question and answer booklet is additionally available for educators by contacting the author at hannahraya@yahoo.com.
Good Deal: Northview Band, Ernest Ward Hold Yard Sales
May 10, 2009
Groups from two area schools held yard sales Saturday morning to raise funds for their programs. Ernest Ward Middle School held their “Super Yard Sale” at the school (above). The Northview High School Band Boosters held a yard sale (below) at the VFW in Atmore.
For more photos from the two yard sales, click here.
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview, Ernest Ward Hold FFA Banquet
May 9, 2009
Northview High School held their 14th Annual FFA Banquet Friday night, honoring the students and adult leaders that work to provide exceptional agricultural education at Northview and Ernest Ward Middle School.
For a NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from the event, click here.
Pictured above: Northview FFA members Jennifer Lowe, Aimee Clarke and Brittany Thompson at Friday night’s FFA Banquet. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.
Rotary Club Names All Stars
May 8, 2009
The Atmore Rotary Club recognized an outstanding group of area high school students as Academic All-Stars Thursday night, including about three dozen Northview High School students.
The Academic All-Star program is open to students who attend Northview High School, Atmore Christian School, Escambia County High School or Escambia Academy.
To be named an Academic All-Star, a student must have maintained at least a B average in every subject for each grading period of the school year, with at least one A for each grading period.
For those who have maintained this status from the 9th through the 12th grades, they are honored as Four-Year Academic All-Stars. Five Northview High School seniors (pictured above), Gretchen Boughner, Lanie Jeannine Eubanks, Briana Halteman, Luke F. Killam and Chelsea Sims earned that title. (They are profiled at the end of this article.)
Northview High seniors honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Gretchen Denea Boughner
- Kayla Sue Brewer
- Amy Nicole Conner
- Lanie Jeannine Eubanks
- Melissa Nicole Garrett
- Briana Renea Halteman
- Stormy Brooke Hayes
- Luke Fletcher Killam
- Jessica Maria Mothershed
- Chelsea Ellen Sims
- Ashley Arlene Snow
Northview High juniors honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Jessica Nicole Bloodsworth
- Kaitlyn Nicole Caraway
- Kolbi Shae Cobb
- Clinton Eugene Davis
- Bradley James Lowery
- Amber Nicole McMillan
- Mark Allen Shipps Jr.
- Dakota Wayne Stuckey
Northview High sophomores honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Mallory Ann Bell
- Ashley Elizabeth Digmon
- Laneicia Dynette Gomez
- Sarah Malinda Killam
- Michael Todd Lowery
- Megan Juliette Ryan
- Christina Nicole Sepulveda
- Hayley Renee Simpson
- Colton Darryl Sim
- Emily Faith Vickrey
Northview High freshmen honored as Atmore Rotary Academic All-Stars were:
- Holly Nicole Dickson
- Josie Britt Doucette
- Amber Dianne Francis
- Jacob Nathaniel Gibson
- Alexander Dewayne Payne
- Tyler Lindsay Randolph
- Joel Nathaniel Wetzel
Gretchen Boughner
Gretchen, the daughter of Kevin Boughner and Louann Boughner. Gretchen is DCT parliamentarian, is a member of FBLA, is FCCLA historian, and Spanish Club historian. She is a member of Interact and FCA. Gretchen played softball, basketball and was on the weightlifting team. She was also a member of the 2009 homecoming court. She is a Sunday school teacher, volunteered at a nursing home where she entertained and played games with the residents. She also attended FBIA and DCT competition and placed third in each. Gretchen plays to attend Pensacola Junior College and later transfer to the University of West Florida and major in psychology with a concentration in social work.
Lanie Jeannine Eubanks
Lanie, the daughter of Mike and Vickie Eubanks. Lanie was a member of FFA for three years and a member of FBLA for one year. She is currently a member of the Spanish Club and the student government association. She serves as the vice president of Beta Club, president of Rho Kappa and co-captain of the math team. Lanie has been a member of the NHS marching band for five years and serves as assistant drum major. She plans to attend the University of West Florida and major in mathematics.
Briana Halteman
Briana, is the daughter of Lyndon and Norma Halteman. She served as drum major in the Northvew marching band, was on the varsity softball team and was involved in the student government association. Briana was a member of the Beta Club, math team, FCA, Rho Kappa and was on the weightlifting team. She plans to attend the University of West Florida and major in pre-medicine.
Luke F. Killam
Luke is the son of Gary and Melanie Killam. He is the top ranked student at Northview, is class president, Beta Club treasurer, Rho-Kappa treasurer, FCA vice-president, a member of the Spanish Club and a member of the student government association. He served as NHS’s delegate to the Florida Association of Student Council, was selected by his teachers to the Senior Hall of Fame, was named NHS’s Student of the Year, received the Mira Award and was voted Best All Around by the senior class. Luke played varsity football, basketball, baseball and was on the weightlifting team. He served as class vice president, SGA vice president and was a member of the Spanish and Beta clubs, was a member of Rho-Kappa and FCA. He is an active member of Flomaton Baptist Church and sings in the adult and youth choir. He also sang in the local veterans program and spring musical. Luke was chosen as Northview’s representative as one of two high school students to serve in the Escambia County School District’s Student’s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook revision meetings. Luke plans to attend Auburn University and major in civil engineering.
Chelsea Sims
Chelsea is the daughter of Darryl and Ellen Sims. While at Northview, she was a majorette for two years and a varsity cheerleader for two years. She was named Miss NHS 2008, was a homecoming maid as a freshman and sophomore and was homecoming queen her senior year. Chelsea was a member of the student government association for three years, Beta Club for three years and voted Best All Around by the senior class. She is a member of Ray’s Chapel Baptist Church. Chelsea plans to attend Pensacola Junior College for two years and transfer to the University of West Florida. She plans to major in speech pathology.
Pictured: Atmore Rotary Four-Year Academic All-Stars from Northview High School: Gretchen Boughner, Lanie Jeannine Eubanks, Briana Halteman Luke F. Killam and Chelsea Sims. Click to enlarge.
New Golden Eagles: Ernest Ward Middle Holds Orientation
May 8, 2009
Thursday was a day at Ernest Ward Middle School with the school’s annual new student registration. Incoming students had an opportunity to explore the require and elective courses, as well as the extracurricular activities, at EWMS. Earlier in the afternoon, the staff and faculty from Ernest Ward held a reception to welcome new teachers moving to EWMS from the closing Carver/Century K-9 School.
Ernest Ward staff will visit Bratt, Bryneville and Molino Park elementary schools in the next week to register students. Students transferring from Carver/Century have already been registered.
For more photos from the event, click here.
Pictured above: Students and parents learn about girl’s sports at Ernest Ward Middle School during new student orientation Thursday evening. Pictured below: Ernest Ward agriculture teacher Cynthia Wilson explains the “wheel” electives to students and parents. When enrolled in the “exploratory wheel”, students spend nine weeks each in agriculture, family and consumer sciences (the old home economics), integrated science and keyboarding. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Fox 10’s Retiring John Edd Thompson Broadcasts Live From Atmore (With Photo Gallery)
May 7, 2009
Fox 10 meteorologist John Edd Thompson was live from Atmore during the station’s 5:00 news Wednesday afternoon. A sudden downpour sent the crowds, and the retiring weather man, in search of a dry spot during the broadcast.
About 200 people from Atmore, Monroeville, North Escambia and other communities gathered at Heritage Park in Atmore for the broadcast. Thompson interview Atmore Citizen of the Year Tray Smith on-air, along with other locals like Atmore Mayor Howard Shell who presented the forecaster with keys to the city.
Thompson talked about his days at WATM radio in Atmore, his first broadcasting job, with Jerry Gehman who shared his fond memories of Earnestine and Tom Miniard. John Edd, as he is more commonly know, was cheered on by the Escambia Academy cheerleaders and serenaded by the Escambia County High School Band.
The broadcast ended with John Edd being presented a cake that said “Atmore Will Miss You”.
As for North Escambia, John Edd wanted to know if the “honky tonks” were still just across the state line.
Thompson is retiring from WALA after 32 years as a meteorologist.
For a complete NorthEscambia.com photo gallery from John Edd’s farewell tour, click here.
Pictured above: Fox 10’s John Edd Thompson broadcasts live from Atmore Wednesday afternoon. NorthEscambia.com photo, click to enlarge.