Navy Federal Gives The Gift Of Christmas To 120 Local Families
December 23, 2020
Navy Federal Credit Union team members put on their Santa hats to give the gift of Christmas to a record 120 local families in need. The spirit of giving supports Project Neighbors, the credit union’s 17th annual employee-driven holiday giving program.
“Our team looks forward to Project Neighbors every year,” said Sonya Cain, assistant supervisor at Navy Federal. “It’s our way to give back together and support the communities where we live and serve. This year especially, with the pandemic and Hurricane Sally, many families need the extra help.”
Sonya and the team adopted the Jones family, which included a recently widowed mother, Amanda, and her two children who lost their father to a massive heart attack in October. Amanda’s wish list, like many of the other families, asked for standard household items, toys and clothes for the children. Her major need was a new set of tires. Sonya and her team got to shopping, using their own personal funds, to cross off the items on the list.
When the Navy Federal team showed up to the Jones home to deliver the gifts, Amanda and her children were smiling from ear to ear. They had no idea of the surprise in store for them.
“One thing I love about our community is how we care for each other,” said Sonya. “When I called Vannoy’s Tires and told them about Amanda’s need for new tires, there was no hesitation in making it happen.”
Clayton Vannoy, regional manager of Vannoy’s Tires, shared the happy news with Amanda and tears came to her eyes.
“Since losing my husband, I’ve had to hit the ground running and haven’t processed it all,” said Amanda. “This is a true blessing. I can’t say thank you enough for caring for my family.”
Families selected for Project Neighbors were identified in partnership with teachers across Escambia and Santa Rosa County school districts.
In addition to the Project Neighbors program, Navy Federal’s Pensacola team also gave back this holiday season through gathering toys and donating $2,000 to the local Toys for Tots program lead by the United States Marine Corps.
Jim Allen Elementary Names Students Of The Month
December 21, 2020
Jim Allen Elementary School has named their Students of the Month. They are Trenton Hetherington (pictured left) and Kaitlyn Stefanko. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Christmas Parade Held Sunday
December 21, 2020
Santa Claus was the star attraction in the Beulah Christmas Parade Sunday afternoon.
The parade rolled from the Escambia Equestrian Center and traveled through Beulah, including down Mobile Highway, Nine Mile Road and Beulah Road.
Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Rudolph, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, Beulah Fire Department and others took part in the parade.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Principal Wrapped Up After Big School Fundraiser
December 17, 2020
The Byrneville Elementary School PTO far exceeded its fundraising goal on Wednesday, and Principal Dee Wolfe-Sullivan was all wrapped up in the excitement.
Literally wrapped up. As in Christmas wrap. With a bow on top.
The PTO at the small school had set a modest goal of $250 to see the principal gift-wrapped, but the finally tally from the event was $2,050.
Since the school topped their goal, Mrs. Sullivan kept her promise of being wrapped from head to toe in Christmas wrapping paper.
The top students were able to help wrap their principal, while the remainder of the students watched live video in their room or at home for virtual students.
Photos: Tate High Students Throw Drive-by Christmas Party For Miracle League Kids
December 14, 2020
Tate High School students traditionally hosts an annual party for Miracle League of Pensacola players. But due to the pandemic, that could not happen this year.
Tate club sponsors and their students thought out of the box and decided to hold a Santa drive-by partu Saturday. The big event was complete with decorations, candy, elves, Christmas carols and presents delivered to each vehicle by Santa Claus himself.
The Tate High School Chorus, Beta Club and Drama Club took part in the festive event.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Escambia County’s First School Resource Officer Retires From ECSO
December 11, 2020
The first school resource officer in Escambia County has retired.
Commander Dale Tharp retired from the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office after 39 years. On Thursday, family members and friends honored him for his nearly four decades of service.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo: Tate High Agricultural Mechanics Students Learning Real World Skills
December 9, 2020
Tate High School agricultural mechanics students are learning skills to be successful in the local and national workforce. The students cut and fabricated three different fire pit designs in Tate’s agricultural mechanics shop. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Ransom Middle School Names Students Of The Month
December 8, 2020
Ransom Middle School has named their Students of the Month for November. They are Zanuela Otabil (pictured left) and Donivan Alexander. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Rotary Club Presents Culinary Scholarships
December 5, 2020
The Cantonment Rotary Club recently awarded Amber “AJ” Gill and Patrick Newburn with the Cantonment Rotary Club Culinary Endowed Scholarship.
“It is an honor to be a student at PSC (Pensacola State College) and I cannot wait to see what the semesters ahead of me hold. With the support you have provided, I can continue toward a career as a chef that will help me provide for myself and my family,” Newburn said.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rachel Venable Named Molino Park Elementary Teacher Of The Year
December 2, 2020
Rachel Venable has been named the Teacher of the Year at Molino Park Elementary School. She currently teaches language arts and social studies to students in the fourth grade. Venable has been at Molino Park since 2007. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.