Tate High FFA Chapter Earns Numerous Awards And Honors At FFA State Convention
June 21, 2024
The Tate High School FFA chapter brought home numerous awards and honors from the 96th Annual Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando recently.
Tate attended with 34 FFA members, chapter advisors, administration, and FFA alumni. Members attended the convention, leadership student workshops, and career show.
Chapter delegates Lawson Theisen and Maegan Coleman and represented the chapter at the Florida FFA business session and District 1 meeting. Tate High Principal Laura Touchstone also attended the convention and shared in the chapter’s accomplishments for the week.
The chapter was received the following awards, honors and accolades::
Florida’s Finest – National Chapter Award – recognizes the top 10% of chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the National FFA organization as they emphasize three components: Growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture while engaging the entire membership.
Florida’s Finest – Premier FFA Chapters – Recognizes superior achievement by FFA chapters as they engaged in agriculture and the FFA. Chapters must be proficient in alumni and community partnerships, financial planning, public relations and models of excellence FFA activities.
Advisor of the Year Finalist – Tate FFA advisor Melissa Gibbs was a top finalist for the Timothy Cribbs Advisor of the Year Award as it recognizes advisors who make a positive difference in the lives of their agricultural FFA members.
Honorary State FFA Degree – Richard Gibbs was chosen by the Florida FFA Association Board of Directors, officers and staff to receive the coveted Honorary State FFA Degree. Gibbs is a charter member of the Tate FFA Foundation and a 1954 Tate High School graduate and FFA member. The Honorary State FFA Degree is the highest honorary award presented by the Florida FFA organization. Its purpose is to recognize those individuals who have greatly contributed to the advancement of agricultural education and who have provided outstanding service to the FFA program.
American FFA Degree Candidates – As the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA career. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for the future and have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence. Tate FFA recipients were Dawson Guy and Jaxson Stafford.
State FFA Degree Recipients – The State FFA Degree is the highest degree a state association can bestow upon a member. It is a step in the FFA degree system that encourages premier leadership, personal growth and achievement of career success. The degree is a high and rare honor, in which less than two percent of FFA members earn. It requires commitment and hard work to reach and attain this goal. The State FFA Degree is awarded to FFA members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to the Florida State FFA Association and made significant accomplishments in their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).
The following Tate students received the State FFA Degree.
- Sarah Alexander
- Wyatt Allen
- Ryan Grace
- Austin Manning
- Francis Martin
- Alexis Nelson
- Synoma Perea
- Brayden Touchstone
- Lyllian Warne
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
IP Pensacola Employee Scholarships Awarded
June 18, 2024
The I.P. Pensacola Employees Scholarship Foundation recently announced the recipients of its annual college scholarships. This year, two outstanding high school seniors have been awarded scholarships to support their higher education pursuits.
The foundation awarded two scholarships of $1,000 each to Maggie Godwin who will attend the University of West Florida and Ashlyn Greeson who will attend Auburn University.
“We are delighted to support the educational aspirations of our employees’ children by awarding these scholarships,” said Laura Osborne, president of the I.P. Employees Scholarship Foundation. “Investing in their future not only honors the dedication of our workforce, but also strengthens our community.”
For more than 40 years, these scholarships have been awarded to high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence. Eligibility criteria include being a child of a current or retired employee of the International Paper Pensacola Mill, acceptance into an accredited institution of higher learning, and submission of an application accompanied by a qualifying ACT score.
Pictured: Scholarship winners Maggie Godwin (left) and Ashlyn Greeson. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Northview High FFA Chapter, Alumni Earn Numerous Awards And Honors At FFA State Convention
June 16, 2024
The Northview High School FFA chapter and alumni brought home numerous awards and honors from the 96th Annual Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando
The accolades included:
- 1st Place Outstanding Alumni Chapter Award
- Top 3 Finalist for Outstanding Young Alumni Member – Stephanie Solari
- Recognition for 2023 National Outstanding Alumni Chapter Award
- 2nd Place Chapter Advocacy Award
- Named one of Florida’s Finest Chapters
- Premier Chapter
- Five State Degree Recipients – Jayden Franklin, Judson Lee, Cody Pugh, Tyler Riggs, and Skylar Williams
- One American Degree Candidate – James Gruenwald
- 3rd Place Horse Evaluation Team
- Convention Talent Performer – Hunter Manning
- Area 1 State Vice Presidential Candidate – Tyler Riggs
- Sponsor Brandon Korichak’s graduation from the FDACS Agricultural Educators Leadership Program
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Beulah Middle FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team Wins First Place In Florida
June 15, 2024
The Beulah Middle School FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team won first place in the state Friday at the Florida FFA State Convention & Expo in Orlando. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Barrineau Park Historical Society Recognizes Outgoing President Craig Exner
June 13, 2024
This week, the Barrineau Park Historical Society recognized outgoing president Craig Exner.
Exner was the group’s president for the last 14 years and served for a total of 24 years.
He was presented with an award by club member Don Dixon, Jr.
Exner said that it was a labor of love to be able to serve in such a worthwhile organization. He will still be active but as newly elected president Lynn Welch leads the historical society.
Photos: Incoming Northview Seniors Paint Their Parking Spaces
June 13, 2024
Members of the Northview High School Class of 2025 had a chance to paint and personalize their parking spaces Tuesday.
Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Godwins Named Santa Rosa County Farm Family Of The Year
May 30, 2024
Steven Godwin and family of Jay have been the 2024 Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family.
Steven and wife Rachael have three daughters: Laryn, Kylei, and Valarie. Laryn, 22, works as a CNA. Kylei, 14 is in the ninth grade at Jay High School. Valarie, 24, currently attends Florida State University.
Steven has been farming since 1995. He has a family history in farming, acquired his skills from his father and grandfather.
Today, he runs a 1,000-acre farm with the help of three family members. The Godwin family actively contributes to the community, supporting Jay High School programs and holding memberships in associations like the Florida Peanut Producers Association and Florida Farm Bureau.
Steven’s focus on cultivating quality crops, particularly peanuts, cotton, and soybeans, spans almost 30 years. He aims to expand the farm while embracing new management techniques.
Pictured: Steven Godwin and wife Rachael were presented with the 2024 Santa Rosa County Outstanding Farm Family award during the recent Santa Rosa County 57th Annual Farm Tour. Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos, List: Northview High Senior Awards
May 28, 2024
Just before the end of the school year, Northview High School presented the following senior honors and scholarships.
For a photo gallery, click here.
Cum Laude graduates by GPA order:
- Hamilton, Kaylee
- Mills, Caden Thomas
- Kennedy, Kallista Grace
- Ferguson, Brandon Lee
- Jay, KayLeigh Anne
- Gaskey, Skielah Marie
- Hooks, Ja’Niya I’Yonna
- Decker, Gloria Elizabeth
- Wilson, Ava McKenzie
- Leatherberry, Darrin Thomas
- Smith, Mandell Levan
- Wright, Joe
- Irby, Amber Lorraine
- Morris, Chloe Layne
- Thomas, Isaiah Jamar
- Peterson, Caden Luke
- Long, Sarah Kate
Magna Cum Laude graduates by GPA order:
- McElhannon, Chance Avery
- Shabazz, Dequan Rashad
- Jones, Allyson Breanna
- Abbott, Rabekah Danielle
- Bush, Olivia Peyton
- Parker, Jackson Johnny Mac
- Helton, Joshlynn Diane
Summa Cum Laude graduates by GPA order:
- Riggs, Daniel Tyler
- Hetrick, Leah Kathryn
- Gurganus, Ava Kate
- Glick, Kaylie Brooke
- Abbott, Raegan Michelle
- Dawson, Riley Elizabeth
- Dortch, Carsyn Laine
- Moorer, Jaquez Keyshaun Gabriel
- Hall, Berklee Savannah
- Parker, Heath Samuel
- Ragsdale, Chloe Adele
- Doyle, Emma Lynn
- Lytton, Brooke Cay
- Beach, Doria Renee
- Minchew, Austin Allen
- Gibson, Raleigh Sienna
- Edwards, Mayson Claire
- Mason, Leila Ann
- Coker, Kinslee Abigail
- Alvare, Kendall Anne
- St Louis, Julius Christian
- Golson, Makayla Jane
- Criswell, Chloe Faith
- Scruggs, Wyatt Alexander
- Spence, Jacob Andrew
- Williams, Skyler Marie
Northview’s 2024 Valedictorian:
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine
Northview’s 2024 Salutatorian:
- Godwin, Maggie Rose
District Academic Awards:
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine: Top 5
- Godwin, Maggie Rose: Top 5
- Riggs, Daniel Tyler: Top 5
- Hetrick, Leah Kathryn: Top 5
- Gurganus, Ava Kate: Top 5
- Scruggs, Wyatt: Career & Technical
- Beach, Doria: English
- Moorer, Jaquez Keyshaun Gabriel: Foreign Language
- Doyle, Emma Lynn: Mathematics
- Irby, Amber: Science
- Smith, Mandell: Social Studies
District MIRA Awards:
- Ferguson, Brandon: Instrumental Music
- Pullen, Jordan: Band
- Criswell, Chloe: Digital & Physical Design
- Scruggs, Wyatt: Photography
- Bailey, Sarah: Yearbook
- Riggs, Tyler: Debate
- Findley, Ar’mya: Culinary Art
- Gibson, Raleigh: Chocolatier Mastery & Cake Decorating
- Hooks, Ja’Niya: Culinary Management
- Dortch, Carsyn: Chocolate Sculpting
Beta Club:
- Abbott, Raegan Michelle
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine
- Dawson, Riley
- Dortch, Carsyn
- Edwards, Mayson
- Gibson, Raleigh
- Glick, Kaylie Brooke
- Godwin, Maggie Rose
- Gurganus, Ava Kate
- Hetrick, Leah Kathryn
- Moorer, Jaquez Keyshaun Gabroel
- Riggs, Daniel Tyler
University of West Florida:
- Ferguson, Brandon
- Beach, Doria
- Shabazz, Dequan Rashad
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine
- Abbott, Raegan Michelle
- Hetrick, Leah Kathryn
- Godwin, Maggie Rose
Coastal Alabama:
- Alvare, Kendall Anne: Golf Scholarship
- Hooks, Ja’Niya I’Yonna: Principal’s Scholarship
- Dawson, Riley Elizabeth: Golf Scholarship
- Criswell, Chloe: Cross Country
Twisted Motorcycle Club Pensacola
- Ava Gurganus
Twisted Motorcycle Club Pensacola
EREC’s Herman D. Scholarship
- Godwin, Maggie Rose
EREC Trade/Vocational Scholarship:
- Mason, Leila Ann
Take Stock in Children:
- Jones, Allyson Breanna
- Shabazz, Dequan Rashad
PHP Realty:
- Gurganus, Ava Kate
Atmore Community Hospital:
- Mason, Leila Ann
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine
- Beasley, Kendal Brooke
- Dortch, Carsyn
- Hall, Berklee Savanna
Lil Angels Development Center:
- Kelly, Devin
Daniel’s Mission Scholarship:
- Dortch, Carsyn
- Hall, Berklee Savanna
Kara Santorelli Memorial Scholarship:
- Criswell, Chloe Faith
Jim/Jumi Ross Memorial Scholarship:
- St Louis, Julius Christian
- Parker, Jackson Johnny Mac
FFA Awards:
- Franklin, Jayden
- Pugh, Cody
- Riggs, Tyler
- Williams, Skyler
- Judson Lee
Bright Futures FAS:
- Raegan Abbott
- Gurganus, Ava Kate
- Hetrick, Leah Kathryn
- Parker, Heath Samuel
Bright Futures FMS:
- Bailey, Sarah Elaine
- Dortch, Carsyn Laine
- Ferguson, Brandon Lee
- Godwin, Maggie Rose
- Riggs, Daniel Tyler
Bright Futures GSV:
- Dawson, Riley
Bright Futures CAPE:
- Hall, Berklee Savannah
- Jones, Allyson Breanna
- Long, Sarah Kate
- Neal, Allison Kathleen
- Smith, Mandell Levan
- Parker, Jackson Johnny Mac
AA Degrees from PSC:
- Abbott, Raegan
- Bailey, Sarah
- Dawson, Riley
- Godwin, Maggie
- Hall, Berklee Savannah
- Hetrick, Leah
Poarch Creek Scholarships:
- Helton, Joshlynn Diane
- Morris, Chloe Layne
- Gibson, Raleigh Sienna
The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen’s Award:
- Neal, Allison Kathleen
National Society of High School Scholars:
- Jones, Allyson Breanna
- Kennedy, Kallista
- Doyle, Emma Lynn
- Hixon, Saniyah
Barrineau Park Historical Society, Linda Minchew Memorial Scholarship:
- Berklee Hall
Advance Auto Parts and the Institute of International Education–2024-25 OTS Founder’s Scholarship:
- Tyler Riggs
Nova Southern University:
- Jaquez Moorer
Millsaps College, Presidential Scholarship:
Makayla Golson
University of Alabama
Mississippi State University
University of South Alabama:
- Raegan Abbott
Pensacola Charitable Foundation
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Flagler College
Harriet Wilkes Honors College
University of West Florida
University of Alabama
University of South Alabama
Auburn University
University of South Florida
University of Southern Mississippi
University of Mississippi:
- Ava Gurganus
LA Department:
- Williams, Skyler HAA: English 4
- Criswell, Chloe HAA: English 4 Honors
- Smith, Mandell Exemplary: English 4
- Kennedy, Kalista Exemplary: English 4 Honors
Math Department:
- Beasley, Kendal HHA: Math for College Algebra
- Long, Sarah Exemplary: Math for College Algebra
- Stallworth, Shakira Exemplary: ACT/SAT Pre
Science Department:
- Lytton, Brooke Cay: Exemplary: Anatomy and Physiology Honors
Social Studies Department:
- Smith, Mandell Exemplary: Economics
- Gibson, Raleigh Exemplary: Economics Honors
- Shabazz, Dequan Exemplary: US Government
- Parker, Heath Exemplary: US Government Honors
- Hooks, Ja’Nya HHA: Economics
- Criswell, Chloe HHA: Economics Honors
- Parker, Jackson (Mac) HHA: US Government
- Scruggs, Wyatt HHA: US Government Honors
ROTC:
- Neal, Allison Exemplary: Naval Science 4
- Parker, Jackson Jonny-Mac HHA: Naval Science 4
ROTC Cords:
- Holmes, Trystan Joan
- Long, Sarah
- Neal, Allison Kathleen
- Parker, Jackson Johnny Mac
- Seelig, Kaleb James
- St Louis, Julius Christian
Band:
- Holmes, Trystan Exemplary: Eurhythmics
- Decker, Nathaniel Exemplary: Instrumental Techniques
- Abbott, Rabekah HHA: Music Technology & Sound Engineering
Yearbook:
- Bailey, Sarah HAA: Journalism 5 Honors
Ag:
- Riggs, Tyler Exemplary: Ag Directed Studies
- Bossard, Destiny HHA: Ag Directed Studies
- Edwards, Mayson HHA: Agritechnology 2
Ag Program Completer:
- Andrews, Hunter
- Bingham, Ethan
- Bodiford, Jarrett
- Bossard, Destiny
- Decker, Gloria
- Edwards, Mayson
- Leatherberry, Tommy
- Lee, Judson
- Mason, Leila
- Pedicord, Evin
- Peterson, Caden
- Pugh, Cody
- Riggs, Tyler
- Shabazz, Dequan
- Smith, Aydan
- Williams, Skyler
- Wilson, Ava
Building Construction Program Completer:
- Andrews, Hunter Layne Program Completer: Building Construction
- Beach, Doria Renee Program Completer: Building Construction
- Beasley, Kendal Brooke Program Completer: Building Construction
- Mills, Caden Thomas Program Completer: Building Construction
- Wright, Joe Program Completer: Building Construction
Culinary:
- Findley, ArMya Exemplary: Culinary 4
- Wright, Joe HHA: Culinary 3
- Dortch, Carsyn HHA: Culinary 4
Culinary Program Completer:
- Bailey, Sarah
- Courtney, Areonna
- Dortch, Carsyn
- Findley, Ar’Mya
- Gibson, Raleigh
- Godwin, Maggie
- Gurganus, Ava
- Hall, Berklee
- Hixon, Saniyah
- Hooks, Ja’Niya
- Lambert, Quinton
- Moorer, Jaquez
- Mumaw, Flora
- Neal, Allison
- Parker, Heath
- Smith, Mandell
- Thomas, Isaiah
- Wiley, Bailee
- Wright, Joe
Graphic Arts:
- Alvare, Kendall Exemplary: Digital Design 1
- Spence, Jacob Exemplary: Digital Design 2
- Gibson, Raleigh HHA: Digital Design 1
- Scruggs, Wyatt HHA: Digital Media Production
- Jones, Allyson HHA: Career Tech Principle
Graphic Arts Program Completer:
- Abbott, Rabekah
- Criswell, Chloe
- Dawson, Deandre
- Dawson, Riley
- Long, Sarah
- McElhannon, Chance
- Minchew, Austin
- Scruggs, Wyat
Principal’s Award:
- Riggs, Tyler
- Moorer, Jaquez
- Beasley, Kendal
Photos by Mary Catherine Hughes and Colton Criswell for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Take Stock In Children of Escambia County Awards $315,000 In Scholarships
May 24, 2024
Take Stock in Children and the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation awarded $315,000 in scholarships recently during a “Graduation & Unsung Hero Celebration”.
The event honored 23 graduating seniors who received four-year tuition scholarships and a laptop computer. Also recognized were all of the volunteer mentors of our students as well as scholarship donors.
The 2023 Take Stock in Children graduates are:
- Northview High: Allyson Jones, Dequan Shabazz.;
- Tate High: Kaylee Emmons, Eliana Howington, Quentin Lewis-Wright, Nancy Mendez-Rostro, Alex-Marie Tartarilla, Malachi Williams;
- Escambia Virtual: Hana Scully; Escambia High: Ralynn Durant, Kaley Mastrianno, Keyonte Smith, Jayla Stallworth;
- Pine Forest High: Amiya Rudolph, Chaeli Lackey, Chancellor Washington;
- Washington High; Jaden Allen, Ariyanna Cunningham, Brogan Dougherty, Kaitie Johnson, Elizabeth Mendiola;
- West Florida High: Jessica Hatton, Bailey Poston.
Take Stock in Children was established in 1995 as a non-profit organization in Florida operating locally under the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation. The program provides a unique opportunity for deserving low-income students to escape the cycle of poverty through education. Students are selected through a need-based application process in middle school, and comprehensive services continue through high school and include the students’ transition into college. Students receive a college scholarship, a caring volunteer mentor, and college readiness skills.
Scholarships are funded through a unique public-private fundraising model in which local scholarship donations are matched by the Florida Prepaid College Foundation when scholarships are purchased each year.
Photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
‘The Blue Angels’ Premieres On Amazon Prime Video
May 23, 2024
A brand new documentary – The Blue Angels – premiered May 23 on Amazon Prime Video following a one-week run at IMAX theaters.
The Blue Angels have been enthralling people, across the country and around the globe, for more than 75 years. Now, Amazon MGM Studios and IMAX bring a brand new documentary – The Blue Angels – that will take audiences soaring with the Navy’s elite Flight Demonstration Squadron as never before. Filmed for IMAX, the immersive footage puts you in the cockpit for a firsthand view of the Blue Angels’ precision flying, while the aerial shots deliver a spectacular showcase of the breathtaking maneuvers that have made them the world’s premier jet team.
The Blue Angels also takes audiences behind the scenes for a revealing, in-depth look at what it takes to become a Blue Angel—from the careful selection process to the challenging training regimen, and on through the demanding eight-month show season.
The film is a fitting tribute to the extraordinary teamwork, passion and pride of the hundreds of outstanding men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps who have had the honor to serve in the Blue Angels squadron…past, present and future.
Photos courtesy Amazon Prime.
