Cox Recognizes Inspirational Student Heroes From Local Schools
August 4, 2020
Cox Communications once again honored a special group of Escambia and Okaloosa County students this year as Cox Inspirational Student Heroes. Combined, 84 students were celebrated for having overcome extreme hardships in their lives.
The students were chosen by a committee of leaders at their school, due to their resilience in the face of adversity. Whether they have overcome a loss of a family member, medical issue, difficult family situation or other hardship, they did so with a smile on their face and continued to encourage and inspire others around them.
Due to COVID-19, Cox was unable to recognize the students in the usual award ceremonies held at the University of West Florida in Pensacola and Northwest Florida State College in Niceville. Instead, the Heroes received their recognitions in the mail, and a special television show is available in the video above.
This year’s award recipients in Escambia and Okaloosa Counties are:
- AK Suter Elementary School – Stephen Dunn
- Antioch Elementary School – Tristan Murawski
- Baker School – David Legros III
- Bellview Elementary School – Alex Campbell
- Bellview Middle School – Kaleb Donaldson
- Beulah Academy of Science – Christian Hollingsworth
- Beulah Elementary School – Aiden Hollingsworth
- Beulah Middle School – Ja’siya Bender
- Blue Angels Elementary School – Kaitlyn Graves
- Bluewater Elementary School – Austin Smith
- Bob Sikes Elementary School – Temperance Custer
- Bratt Elementary School – Zachary Weaver
- Brentwood Elementary School – Roger Cabrera
- Brown Barge Middle School – Kylee Lovell
- Bruner Middle School – Tristin Blackman
- Byrneville Elementary School – Gabrielle Hawsey
- CA Weis Elementary School – Anthony Mack
- Camelot Academy – Joquan Williams
- Camelot Academy – Joquarise Williams
- Choctaw High School – Keone C. Corpuz
- Crestview High School – Carri Brown
- Davidson Middle School – Tyler Nesmith
- Destin Elementary School – Rickey Schaffer
- Destin Middle School – James Devarona
- Edge Elementary School – Sean Britton
- Eglin Elementary School – Giovanni Alvarado
- Elliott Point Elementary School – Andrew Guity
- Ensley Elementary School – Juan Fernando Zaldivar-Meija
- Ernest Ward Middle School – Brandon Odom
- Escambia High School – Anthony Goodwin
- Ferry Pass Elementary School – Calvin Peoples
- Ferry Pass Middle School – Jeanine Clark
- Florosa Elementary School – Haley Curry
- Fort Walton Beach High School – Sebastian Riker
- Global Learning Academy – Jacob Emrico
- Hellen Caro Elementary School – Trent Henry
- Holm Elementary School – Jaylen Phillips
- Jim Bailey Middle School – Anwyn Butler
- Kenwood Elementary School – Jeremiah Parker
- Kingfield Elementary School – Luca Bradley
- Laurel Hill School – Andrew “Moon” Wiggins
- Lincoln Park Elementary – Ja’Kayline Vickers
- Lipscomb Elementary School – Elizabeth Burdeaux
- Longwood Elementary School – Tatianna Gary
- Mary Esther Elementary School – Jayda Oleson
- McArthur Elementary School – Carlie Rushing
- McArthur Elementary School – Zoe Rushing
- Meigs Middle School – Desi Goble
- Molino Park Elementary – Jonathon Campbell
- Montclair Elementary School – Stormy Golden
- Myrtle Grove Elementary – Kamren Dixon Jr
- N.B. Cook Elementary School – Ryan Kostelnik
- Navy Point Elementary School – Demarious Anderson
- Niceville High School – Katlin Flores
- Northview High School – Tyler Wade Simmons
- Northwood Elementary School – Brenda Gonzalez
- Oakcrest Elementary School – Angela Bessent
- OJ Semmes Elementary School – Carnell Dawson
- Okaloosa STEMM Academy – Brynne Massey
- Pensacola High School – Tiffany Vo
- Pensacola High School – Genevieve Wilhelm
- Pine Forest High School – Jaylen Clausell
- Pine Meadow Elementary School – Dennis Wilson
- Pleasant Grove Elementary School – Nehemiah “Nemo” Perez
- Plew Elementary School – Kayla Norman
- Project Search – Timothy Emanuel
- Pryor Middle School – Kayden Sutton
- Ransom Middle School – Kriseya Wheeler
- Richburg School – Emaun Blackwell
- Riverside Elementary School – Angel Martinez-Rodriguez (Jojo)
- Ruckel Middle School – Joseph Jones
- Scenic Heights Elementary School – Kristina Hinton
- Shalimar Elementary School – Mason Litwiller
- Sherwood Elementary School – Brooke Holland
- Shoal River Middle School – Ahmad Thomas
- Silver Sands School – Dalton Malone
- Southside Primary School – Vincent Bloom
- Tate High School – Tyler Ramsey
- Walker Elementary School – Amanda Andujar
- Warrington Middle School – Logan Ming
- Washington High School – William “Billy” Hoover
- West Florida High School – Antoinette Heno
- West Pensacola Elementary School – Noah Jones
“Unfortunately, we were unable to recognize these great students in person, but Cox still wanted to make sure they knew what an inspiration they are to others around them,” said David Deliman, Cox Gulf Coast market vice president. “These students have overcome so much in their young lives while maintaining positive attitudes and bringing joy to others. They deserve their time in the spotlight for being such an inspiration to us all. We’re glad we were still able to tell their stories.”
In the mail, each student received a personalized engraved medallion and certificates of honor from Cox, United States Congressman Matt Gaetz and Florida State Senator Doug Broxson.
First F/A-18 Super Hornet Delivered To The Blue Angels
July 28, 2020
The latest plane for the United States Blue Angels was delivered to Pensacola Monday.
Capt. Eric Doyle, director of the Blue Angels Super Hornet Transition Team, delivered the first Blue Angels F/A-18 Super Hornet to Naval Air Station Pensacola.
“We would like to especially thank the teams at Boeing, Chief of Naval Air Training Command, Naval Air Systems Command, Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, and Naval Supply Systems Command Weapons Systems Support,” said Cmdr. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels. “The success of this mission was a direct reflection of their hard work.”
The Blue Angels are slated to transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet later this year after using the F/A-18 Hornet for 34 years.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Blue Angels Take Their New Fat Albert On A First Test Flight
July 21, 2020
The Blue Angels took their new Fat Alert for a test flight Monday.
Pilots and crew performed their first functional check flight over England. It’s not brand new; it’s a used Royal Air Force C-130J Hercules. The flight checks are in preparation for the transatlantic trip to the United States.
Blue Angels fans may notice a couple of changes to the paint scheme compared to the previous Fat Albert. The flight surfaces now have yellow tips, similar to the Blues’ F/A-18s, two stripes run down the side of the aircraft and the iconic white top has been changed to a tear drop design.
And the paint scheme also has the Blue Angels team name in gold lettering rather than blue.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Rain Or Shine: Cantonment Food Giveaways Continue
July 8, 2020
For four months now, the volunteers of the Cantonment Improvement Committee have distributed food weekly to those in need. And Tuesday was no different, despite a steady rain.
Hundreds upon hundreds of families have been served, including 276 in need last week.
The CIC accepts food donations each Monday at 3 p.m. for distribution at 3 p.m. Tuesdays at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Local Earns Wings Of Gold At Whiting Field
July 5, 2020
Lt.j.g. Lucas J. Zalar earned his wings of gold at Naval Air Station Whiting Field recently.
“Growing up in Pensacola definitely had an influence on me,” Zalar recalls.
“Between the Blue Angels shows, and the TH-57s that would fly low over Pensacola Beach, it would always make me think about how cool it would be to fly for a living.”
While the influence of his hometown was apparent, Zalar had even more influence at home. “My father who is still active duty was prior enlisted in the Air Force then became a Navy officer. Therefore, growing up I always had a strong affiliation and appreciation for the military.”
Being able to observe the opportunities and camaraderie that come from military service in his father all but assured his own desire to serve. While Zalar knew he wanted to serve, he went back and forth about whether naval aviation was right for him. In the end, he remarks that he was “lucky enough” to be selected as a student naval aviator (SNA) and given the chance to earn his wings of gold as a Navy pilot.
Zalar enrolled in the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in quantitative economics, graduating and commissioning in 2018. His days of being a student would be far from over, however, because after commissioning Zalar went to NAS Pensacola for Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API). API is an intensive ground-school portion of flight training that takes place prior to SNA’s getting inside the cockpit of military aircraft.
Following API, Zalar began primary flight training in Training Squadron Six (VT-6), flying the T-6B Texan II onboard NAS Whiting Field. Zalar continued his training at NAS Whiting Field after being selected for helicopter advanced training, flying the TH-57 Sea Ranger in Helicopter Training Squadron Eighteen (HT-18).
“The experiences that we are able to participate in during flight school and the Navy in general are things that many people dream of doing but never will in their lifetime,” Zalar stated. 2
“Whether it be flying aerobatics in primary, using night vision goggles to fly your own route in advanced, traveling, and the friendships that I have made, these experiences are hard to find in any other occupation. Though these opportunities require a lot of training and are not just given to us, they make the hard work worth it,” he said.
Zalar is headed to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 2 (HSC-2), the “Fleet Angels,” to learn to fly the MH-60S.
“I am excited to be able to use the skills I have been developing as a pilot to actually complete the missions we train for in support of our nation’s goals,” Zalar remarked on his future in the Fleet.
Zalar plans on making a career for himself in the Navy, but one thing that he has become accustomed to in aviation training is the necessity to adapt when life throws curveballs. “Whether it be the flight schedule, a flight plan, or weekend plans, things are constantly changing on short notice and you need to be prepared and adapt.”
While some aspects of the future may be cloudy, there are some certainties for Zalar. “At the end of the day, I just hope to be the best officer and Navy pilot I can be so whenever I walk away from the service, I will leave it knowing I made a positive impact,” he commented.
LEO Wives Hang ‘Hearts For Heroes’ At Escambia, Santa Rosa Sheriff’s Offices
July 4, 2020
The Northwest Florida LEO Wives hung “hearts for heroes” at the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office to show their support and appreciation. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photo Archive: Local Fireworks Shows
July 4, 2020
Happy Fourth of July!
Since most public fireworks shows in the area are canceled or postponed, we decided to share a little fireworks show of our own from the NorthEscambia.com photo archives for you to enjoy.
Here’s a look back at several local fireworks shows:
NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
United Way ‘Born Learning Trail’ Opens In Jay. The Next One Will Be In Century.
July 3, 2020
The first of five Born Learning Trails was opened this week in Jay at the newly renovated Bray-Hendricks Park.. The next one will be in Century.
The Jay Born Learning Trail was made possible through a partnership between the early Learning Coalition, International Paper, the Town of Jay and the United Way of West Florida.
The Born Learning Trail, a United Way Worldwide initiative since 2005, is a series of 10 signs with activities painted on a park trail that offer fun, interactive learning activities for young children and their families. It helps parents, caregivers, and communities create quality engagement opportunities when out on a stroll or while playing at a park.
FOR A PHOTO GALLERY, CLICK HERE.
The next local Born Learning Trail will be installed at Showalter Park in Century, according to Naomi Kjer, market manager for the United Way of West Florida. She said the plans are confirmed and approved. The installation was delayed due to COVID-19, but should happen in near future.
After Century, three more trails will be announced for locations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Cantonment Improvement And Pensacola MESS Hall Team Up For Food, Science Kit Distribution
July 2, 2020
For four months now, the volunteers of the Cantonment Improvement Committee have distributed food weekly to those in need.
Hundreds upon hundreds of families have been served, including last week when 230 cars went through the line as food was distributed to 815 people.
This week, the Pensacola MESS Hall joined in, distributing about 200 takeaway STEM (science, technology, engineer and mathematics) kits. The Mess Hall said it was “like a Happy Meal, but better”.
The CIC accepts food donations each Monday at 3 p.m. for distribution at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Carver Park, 208 Webb Street in Cantonment.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Libraries Served 2,000 Free Meals For Kids Last Week. Here’s How The Program Works.
June 29, 2020
West Florida Libraries served just over 2,000 free curbside meals for youth 18 and under last week in conjunction with Feeding the Gulf Coast.
Meals are available for pickup at all WFPL library locations on Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Library locations are:
- Molino Branch Library, 6450-A Highway 95A, Molino
- Pensacola Library, 239 N. Spring St., Pensacola
- Tryon Beach Library, 1200 Langley Ave., Pensacola
- Genealogy Branch Library, 5740 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola
- Southwest Branch Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola
- Westside Branch Library, 1301 W. Gregory St., Pensacola
- Century Branch Library, 7991 N. Century Blvd., Century
The meal includes lunch. Meals are available on a first come, first served basis. Youth ages 18 and under must be present to receive meals; food will not be given to adults.
“All of our employees have a passion for the community we serve and without feeding the body, a child cannot feed their mind,” Todd Humble, Library Services director said. “We are proud to have been recognized as the leading provider of meals in the Mississippi, Alabama and Florida Gulf Coast region that Feeding the Gulf Coast services.”