Student Spotlights – September 2026

Each summer, Aletheia Christian Academy leadership students have the opportunity to participate in Student Leadership University (SLU), a nationally recognized leadership development program designed to equip young people to think critically, lead courageously, and influence their world for Christ. The journey begins with SLU 101 in Orlando, continues with SLU 201 in Washington, D.C., and culminates with SLU 301, an unforgettable educational tour throughout Europe.
Throughout each conference, students hear from nationally respected speakers, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and explore places of historical and cultural significance. From studying the foundations of American government in our nation’s capital to walking the streets where pivotal moments in world history unfolded across Europe, students gain a deeper understanding of leadership, faith, and their responsibility as Christian citizens.
More than just a series of trips, Student Leadership University challenges students to grow in character, strengthen their biblical worldview, and develop the confidence to lead with wisdom and integrity. The lessons learned, relationships formed, and experiences gained will continue to shape their lives long after the journey ends.

Success looks like leading by example and building a culture where character matters just as much as competition. Northview High School Athletic Director Obreonne Parker is one of just four athletic administrators in Florida to receive the 2026 Chris Hixon Exemplary Sportsmanship Award.
With more than two decades of impact at Northview, Ms. Parker continues to show our students what leadership and success truly look like. Congratulations, Ms. Parker!

Grace Oliver, of the Northview FFA Chapter, was recently selected by Florida FFA to represent the state as a delegate at the National FFA Convention and Expo in late October.
Twenty-six past and current state FFA Officers, as well as current district officers, were selected to represent Florida in the delegation process. These delegates will create, debate, and vote on policy for the entire organization, consisting of over one million students.
In recent years there have only been two other delegates selected from our area: Isabelle Jenkins of the Virtual School FFA Chapter and Ona Spinks of the Northview FFA Chapter.
Grace Oliver has been a member of the FFA since her 8th grade year at Ernest Ward Middle and has been on the executive committee of the Northview FFA Chapter for four years. She currently is serving as the District 1 FFA President and the Northview FFA President. Recently she competed at the state level in both Parliamentary Procedure and Livestock Evaluation. A great representation of Northview High School and our District.

On Saturday, August 8, Derrick Brooks Charities and a host of community partners gathered at OJ Semmes Elementary School for the annual Back to School Bash.
Derrick Brooks Charities provided brand-new backpacks for all students and volunteers from some of our most generous community organizations came together to offer a time of fun and information, welcoming our Semmes families back for the 2026-2027 school year.
PPD Chief Eric Winstrom was on-site, as were dozens of volunteers who gave up their Saturday in service of our families. There were bounce houses, food, supplies, and an expo of community services made up of local organizations.
While we are making great strides in Escambia County Public Schools, we know for certain that these gains would not be possible without the support of our community and the generosity of the numerous volunteers who marshal their time, talent, and treasure investing in the future of Escambia County.
We appreciate all those involved and are committed to continuing to work together to ensure bright futures for our students, their families, and this community!

Brentwood Elementary launched ReadingPals program at the school for the first time, thanks to support from Escambia Children’s Trust and its C.A.R.E.s grant. The program is driving major gains in kindergarten readiness by pairing young students with one-on-one literacy mentors. Teachers and staff noted substantial improvements in student confidence, communication skills, social-emotional development, and classroom engagement.

Escambia County Public Schools administrators and department heads met at Beulah Middle School for the annual ECPS Administrative Conference. The group heard high-energy presentations from Superintendent Leonard and Deputy Superintendent Payne and received updates about educational law.

Summer is officially over and the halls at St. Paul are once again full of students, faculty and staff. These Spartans are sure to enjoy a school year of growth in both knowledge and faith.

The Escambia County Public Schools system has earned an “A”, according to school grades released on Wednesday morning by the Florida Department of Education. Overall, 83% of ECPS schools upheld or exceeded past years’ performances. Overall, 19 ECPS schools earned an “A”, 16 schools earned a “B”, 17 schools earned “C”. No Escambia County School earned a grade of D or F. This marked a third year of increases in the number of A and B schools in the district.
“We are proud of our schools and their dedicated efforts,” said ECPS Superintendent Keith Leonard. “These excellent school grades reflect the commitment of our students, teachers, administrators, and support staff. In addition to the progress we have made, we remain focused on continuous improvement. Thank you to our students, staff, parents, community members, and our actively engaged school board. Achieving our goals requires the collective effort and collaboration of all stakeholders.”
Mathematics scores increased at rates surpassing the recently announced state increases, with the Middle school Algebra pass rate now leading the state average increases by 6% and 9th grade algebra pass rate matching the state average for the first time.
Escambia County Public Schools’ middle school acceleration rate was again among the highest in the state, increasing from 87% to 89%. The middle school acceleration rate measures proficiency on high school level courses taken by middle school students, such as Algebra and Biology, as well as high school level industry certifications earned by middle school students. For the first time, the middle school Algebra EOC pass rate exceeds the state average.

Creative Learning Academy is pleased to announce the expansion of its PrePrimary program, increasing enrollment from 48 to 64 students. To make room for 16 additional little ones, CLA repurposed its former Middle School science classroom into a bright, welcoming Montessori environment designed for exploration, independence, and discovery. The new space expands access to CLA’s early-learning community while preserving the intentional, hands-on experiences that define a Montessori education.
The addition also welcomes two exceptional new members to the CLA team. Anna Navarro joins CLA as the lead PrePrimary Teacher, bringing an extensive background in Montessori education and early childhood development. Originally from Ireland, Anna trained in the Montessori method in London and has led her own Montessori preschool as well as taught students through eighth grade. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with children and families while creating a classroom where every child feels safe, loved, and excited to discover new skills, friendships, and a lifelong joy of learning.
Natalie Kimball will serve alongside Ms. Navarro as PrePrimary Assistant. With years of experience as a Sunday School teacher and as an assistant cross-country and track coach at the collegiate level, Natalie brings enthusiasm, energy, and a nurturing spirit to the classroom. She is excited to deepen her knowledge of Montessori teaching methods and support children as they grow in confidence and abilities. Outside the classroom, Natalie is a professionally trained chef, long-distance runner, and weightlifter. Her interests reflect the excitement and dedication she will bring to CLA’s expanding PrePrimary community.

Claire Perez, a senior at Pensacola State College Charter Academy, is a longtime advocate for children and families affected by scoliosis. Her journey began when she was diagnosed with scoliosis as a child and received a Higgy Bear, a teddy bear that wears a scoliosis brace or has scoliosis surgery scars.
In 2018, Claire started her first fundraiser to provide Higgy Bears to other children with scoliosis. Her story was first featured in Parents magazine, and what began as a childhood fundraiser has continued for eight years. Since then, Claire has raised more than $30,000, donated Higgy Bears to hospitals and orthopedic units, and personally connected with hundreds of scoliosis patients and families across the world.
Claire has expanded her mission beyond fundraising by speaking to patients and families, traveling to share her story, and organizing events that bring children with scoliosis together. She has participated in speaking engagements at the world’s largest scoliosis gathering, Higgy Con, for the past two summers in Dallas, Texas and Grand Rapids, Michigan. At her most recent Higgy Con, Claire connected and inspired 800 attendees.
From her first fundraiser to her eighth annual campaign, Claire has continued using her own experience to give back to the scoliosis community. Her work demonstrates how one childhood experience can grow into years of philanthropy, leadership, and meaningful support for others. She is excited to bring a scoliosis event to the Pensacola area this spring. If you are interested in more information about supporting or participating in Claire’s work, please visit her website at www.clairebear.net