Dollars For Doers: Navy Federal Employees Help Give $100,000 to Nonprofits
October 5, 2021
Navy Federal Credit Unit has donated $100,000 through its Dollars for Does program.
Based on nominations from the credit union’s employees, the annual grant program awards 100 nonprofits with $1,000 grants as a way of recognizing employees’ volunteer efforts with the causes they care about the most.
“One of our core values is ‘Championing Community,’ and our team members continue to live this by how they show up when it matters most – for our members, each other and our communities,” said Jennifer McFarren, Navy Federal’s manager of corporate social responsibility. “Dollars for Doers is a program that gives us a chance to celebrate the volunteer service of our team members and the positive impact they make in our local communities.”
For the 2021 program, over 80% of the grants are going to nonprofits in Virginia and Florida, where Navy Federal has its largest concentration of employees. The remainder of the grants will be spread across the country to recognize how Navy Federal’s branch employees give back.
“It’s great being a Dollars for Doers recipient, and I love that Navy Federal does give back and gives us this opportunity,” said Emily Kennedy, one of Navy Federal’s 2021 Dollars for Doers grant recipients who nominated Autism Pensacola.
Nonprofits from Escambia and Santa Rosa counties being awarded grants include:
- A Place of Hope Small Dog Rescue
- Achieve Escambia
- Autism Pensacola
- Ballet Pensacola
- Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida
- Chain Reaction of Escambia County
- Cokesbury United Methodist Church – Boy Scouts Troop 3
- Council on Aging of West Florida
- Emerald Coast Veterans Alliance
- End of Watch Foundation
- Feeding the Gulf Coast
- Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge
- Genes of Joy
- Gulf Coast Kid’s House Inc
- James B. Washington Education & Sports
- Keep Pensacola Beautiful
- Krewe du YaYas – Keeping Abreast Foundation
- Krewe of Vixens – Ovarian Cancer Awareness
- Liberty Sertoma Club
- My Brothers and Sisters
- New Generation Pink Corporation
- Northwest Florida Community Outreach
- Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue
- Open Books
- Pensacola Children’s Chorus Inc
- Pensacola Delta Enrichment Center
- Pensacola Humane Society
- Pensacola LGBT Film Festival
- Tate High School Future Business Leaders of America
- The Seven Project
Since the start of the Dollars for Doers program, Navy Federal has donated $850,000 to organizations in the communities where its employees live and serve.
Three Bratt Elementary Students Earn Perfect Scores On State Math Assessment
October 5, 2021
The Bratt Elementary School students are being recognize dfor earning a perfect score on the 2021 state math assessment.
Audrey Franklin, Olivia Garrett and Trevor Knighten each received a certificate of achievement and a letter from the governor recently.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Byrneville Elementary Names Students Of The Month
October 4, 2021
Byrneville Elementary School recently named students of the month for August.
They are:
Look At Those Eyes! Check Out Moth Watching.
October 3, 2021
Bird watching. Butterfly watching. Moth watching.
Moth watching? Yeah, it’s thing, and it’s moth season. There are are than more than 10,000 species of moths in the United States, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They’re not wildlife, but they are often tasty snacks for Florida wildlife.
A little more science…moths display what is called a “startle display”. When they are startled and feel threatened, several of moths unfold to reveal what looks like large eyes. It gives the little guy a chance to frighten a would-be predator.
One such moth is the Polyphemus moth (pictured above and below, except the yellow/rust colored one). It is a tan-colored moth that looks rather benign at rest. But when started, it opens its wings to reveal two large purplish “eyes”. With a wingspan that reaches six inches, it was named for the cyclops Polyphemus in greek mythology.
Many people think of moths as pests, but they are actually important pollinators for native wild plants and agricultural crops. according to FWC.
Moths can be seen in the daytime in the North Escambia area, buy many varieties can be seen after dark.
Pictured above and below: The Polyphemus moth, which has a wingspan that reaches six inches. Pictured first below is an imperial moth, about 4.5 inches wide, on a window screen. Pictured bottom: More photos of a Polyphemus moth. All photos were taken locally. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Good Grilling: Escambia 4-H Members Place At State Tailgating Contest
October 2, 2021
Five Escambia County 4-H members placed at the state 4-H tailgating contest at the University of Florida.
The winners from Escambia County 4-H were:
- Aubrie Dillon — first place, shrimp
- Taylor Anderson — third place, pork
- Kailee Dunlap — first place, pork
- Madelyn Goss — second place, beef
- Tucker Padgett — first place, beef
The top two individuals in each protein category earned college scholarship money — $1,500 for first place and $1,000 for second place. Each participant from Escambia County placed in the competition, earning a total of $5,500 in college scholarships.
Participants created table displays to show off their recipes and were judged on their grilling abilities. In addition, their knowledge was put to the test with questions from judges on food and fire safety as well as meat selections.
“4-H helps our youth gain the knowledge and skills they need for their future,” said UF/IFAS Extension Escambia Director Nick Simmons. “Whether they are interested in science, technology, food or public speaking, we have projects that will benefit everyone and help them give back to their community. The tailgating contest allowed them to think outside the box, but also taught them important food and fire safety rules. All Escambia County participants have learned so much from this competition and have taken home new skills to share with their families.”
Photos: Northview High School Homecoming Parade
October 2, 2021
A large crowd line Highway 4 Friday afternoon in Bratt for the annual Northview High School Homecoming Parade.
For a photo gallery, click to tap here. (Make sure to share and tag!)
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Northview Announces Homecoming Court
September 30, 2021
Northview High School has named their 2021 homecoming court.
Court members are (front, L-R) seniors Grayson James, Nevaeh Brown, Kaitlin Gafford, Kayla Dixon, Anna Adams; (back, L-R) juniors McKenna Simmons, Emma Gilmore, Jessica Stabler; sophomores Ty’Deasia McKenzie, Ava Gurganus, Carsyn Dortch; and freshmen Maddie Mae Driskell, Lacey Sapp, and Payton Daw. (They are dressed for homecoming’s Wild West Wednesday.)
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Discovery Of Nearly 200 Civil War Cannonballs Closes Portion Of Perdido Key Area
September 29, 2021
An area of Perdido Key is closed after the discovery of nearly 200 Civil War era cannonballs.
Following Hurricane Ida, military munitions were discovered near the far end of seashore’s Perdido Key Area. It’s a remote area that would be accessible only by boat, ATV or on foot. The discovery led to a temporary closure of the area, just in case more munitions are still buried.
The area where the munitions were found is closed and marked with signs. Visitors walking or boating in this area are prohibited from entering. Staff will be monitoring and patrolling the area regularly.
More than 190 cannonballs were detonated recently within park boundaries with help from other federal agencies. No more unexploded ordnances have been found so far.
“The park continues to monitor the area for newly discovered munitions and will secure the site(s) should any be found in the future,” said Darrell Echols, Gulf Islands National Seashore superintendent. “Our goal is to ensure that the area is safe for the visitors and staff, and that cultural resources are protected.”
Munitions found within national park boundaries are considered cultural artifacts and are protected by law. It is illegal for the public to harm, deface, damage, or remove these item
Gulf Islands National Seashore is working closely with the National Park Service, Southeast Archaeology Center, and Florida State agencies to conduct the cultural survey of a large area on the eastern end of Perdido Key.
Photos: Gulf Islands National Seashore
Escambia Public Schools Foundation Awards $158,566 in Grants to Local Schools
September 29, 2021
The Escambia County Public Schools Foundation has awarded Grants for Excellence totaling $158,566 to 20 local school projects.
The grants are intended to support innovation in the classroom and enhance the quality of education for students.
Jim Allen Elementary School’s Amanda Hall, Rene Johnson, Chip Coleman, Anne Fillingim and Rachel Cooley (pictured above, L-R) hope to score big with a grant-funded project they are calling “NBA ‘22″.
“NBA ‘22 is a catalyst for change in attendance and tardiness rates. An environment of encouragement and accountability will create change for our students and coaches will mentor their teams to victory,” Hall said.
Here is the complete list of Grants for Excellence recipients for the 2021-2022 school year:
Jim Allen Elementary School, Amanda Hall, Chip Coleman, Rene Johnson, Anne, Fillingim, Rachel Cooley
NBA ‘22
Bailey Middle School, Dr. Roberta Wetzel, Rachel Bryans, Mona Rust Michelle Schick, Madison Fowler, Amanda Breaux, Galen Ringo, Grace Bonsall, Sara Ratliff
Brighten Up Your Reading and Writing with Watt Key: An Author’s Visit
Ensley Elementary School, Regina Smolensky
Surf’s Up for Learning
Escambia High School, Kourtney Hayhurst
DNA Gel Electrophoresis
Ferry Pass Elementary School, Cathy Melton, Ginger Maggiore, Paula McAndrews, James Benny, Dorie Nickerson, Jessica Bryan, Bill Waters
Drummers with Dignity
Fine and Performing Arts, Angela Barberi, Tanya Broom, Sarah Kelly, Elerene Walters, Sarah Ingram, Catherine Roberts, Sarah Stubbs, Brandi Zanthos, Jennifer Rodriquez, Lauralee Best, Andrea Cain, Alicia Gifford, Rachel Pongetti
STEM Art Collaborative: The Future is Ours to Make
Gifted Program (3 sites), Cassie Mense
Eat, Sleep, Code: Programming a Passion for Coding
Holm Elementary School, Sabra Kuhlman
Walking through Walls of Learning
Holm Elementary School, Patricia Swanz-Reiners, Linda Sweeting, Taryne Smith, Michelle Ingram, Jojeana Jernigan, Michelle Davison
Mission: Possible with LEGO
Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, Mary O’Connor, Adam Bretschneider
Growing STEM in a Greenhouse
Kingsfield Elementary School, Erica Minchew
Learning with All of Our senses
Media Services, Michelle White
Creating an Oasis of E-Books in Book Deserts
Navy Point Elementary School, Stephanie Gaffney, Jana Arnettt, Ryan Suero, Tanya DeGrucchio, Elizabeth Kennedy, Brittany Turner
Stories in Action
Pensacola High School, Karen Bruening
What Goes Up Must Come Down
Pine Meadow Elementary School, Michelle Williams, Cassi McGee, Patricia Stroud, Kelly Harris, Melissa Broadwater, Courtney Merson
Taking Our Learning to the ExSTREAM
Pine Meadow Elementary School, Vanessa Taylor, Karen Potter, Julie Kendall, Casey Harrison, Amber McCraney, Maxine Mathis
Making Math Count
Booker T. Washington High School, Nancy Barger
How to Care for Your Patients
West Florida High School, Matthew MacGregor
Fish Tank “Pour” No More
West Florida High School, Sarah Ingram
Small Parts Making a Big Difference
West Florida High School, John Dittmar
Teaching the Future “UAVs & CTE”
Grants for Excellence are funded by the Escambia County Public School Foundation and matching grant funds from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations through their School District Education Foundation Matching Grant Program. Grants were available for teachers of students in grades K-12. Grants for 2021-2022 were awarded in the priority areas of career/technical education, increasing graduation rates, literacy, low-performing students, STEM education, or teaching quality.
Pictured: (L-R) Jim Allen Elementary School’s Amanda Hall, Rene Johnson, Chip Coleman, Anne Fillingim and Rachel Cooley will use their grant for a project they are calling “NBA ‘22″. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview Football Team Members Recreate ‘Varsity Blues’ Photo For Homecoming Week
September 28, 2021
In Bratt, Florida, football reigns supreme. Much like the fictional town of West Canaan, Texas, in the 1999 movie Varsity Blues.
And for Northview High School’s homecoming week movie character day, five members of the Chiefs football team recreated an iconic photo from the movie.
Pictured are: (L-R) John Michael Ward, Wyatt Scruggs, Kaden Odom, Luke Bridges and Jamarkus Jefferson.
Northview’s homecoming parade will travel from Bratt Elementary School to Northview beginning at 1 p.m. Friday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. against the Jay Royals.
Top photo courtesy Varsity Blues/Paramount. Bottom photo courtesy Mandy Griffis for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.