1980 Reunion meeting today!

The Escambia Class of 1980 Reunion committee is holding a meeting today at the Osceola Country Club at 12 noon.  The committee will discuss and confirm more information pertaining to the June 18th weekend reunion.

Plus there will be extra classmates joining us for fellowship and a good time.

See everyone this afternoon!

Do you remember this day?

How many faces can you name in the crowd?
Remember the 10 year reunion?

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Wayne Hicks

In High School - Drama Club 11; Newspaper 12




Although a late-starter to EHS (I transferred in my sophomore year from a school in Mississippi), I was proud to attend Escambia and learn about the
world of journalism from Betty Sue Wren (now deceased). I went to work at
the Pensacola News Journal while still in high school, and was there during
my time at PJC and UWF. I worked at the News Journal for eight years, then
at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for three. While there, I helped free a man
from prison who had been wrongly convicted, and competed for -- but didn't
win -- the Pulitzer Prize, but left the paper with something better. I met
my future wife Carrie there, and we both moved to Denver (her hometown) in
1990. I've been with the Denver Business Journal ever since, and will mark
20 years here in January. Carrie and I have two daughters: Madeline (12) and
Isabel (9) and a dog, Lulu (14 months).

I graduated EHS at my current height of 6 feet, but only weighed 128 pounds
soaking wet. I haven't grown an inch taller since then, but I'm no longer a
beanpole.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Steve Barroga

In High School - NJROTC 10, 11; Track 11, 12

Now that you are back looking me up in the yearbook. Life after high school took me through the "school of life".  Started out in the Fast Food Business and quickly realized that the public was just too picky when the you put one too many pickles on their burger! That is when I started working in the industrial work force, I have worked in the nylon business, lumber business and now in the paper converting business. I am currently the Supervisor for Oren International in Pensacola. In 1991, I married the former Alice Toussaint (yes Mark's sister) and we have three wonderful children. Since my children have been in school I have been active in each of the school's P.T.O.'s; P.T.A.'s; S.A.C.'s and presently the Pace High School Band Booster President. That is where Peter Broz and I hooked back up and that is how I am involved in the planning of our 30th reunion. I also coach my son's recreation and tournament baseball teams. Look forward on putting together a great party and seeing all of you there!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Shaun Williams

In High School - Baseball 10, 11, 12; Latin Honor Society 10; Soccer 10, 11, 12; French Honor Society 11; Junior Council, Key 11, 12; TFC Mascot 12



Contrary to popular belief I am not dead….just wanted to get that out of the way. After leaving Gator Country in 1980, I graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1984. I served as an officer in the US Army until 1990. While on active duty I met & married my (ex-) wife and in 1989 we had the first of our terrific kids. They kept coming in 1991 and two in 1993! I have travelled and lived all over the world and still love visiting new places. This year I FINALLY got to Key West, St. Thomas and San Diego - all three for the first time. I have been in North Carolina since 1997 and it appears that this will be home for awhile! Other classmates that are in the state that I know of are Dale Kiel and Amy Willhauck. Looking forward to seeing folks at the 30th!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Steve Young

Senior Class Vice President; Who's Who's "Most Athletic"

In High School - All-City Soccer 10. 11, 12; 1st Team State Soccer 12; French Honor Society 10, 11; Key 10, 11, Treasurer 12; Soccer Captain 10, 11, 12; Football 11, 12; Junior Council; Student Council Vice President 12

After our graduation from EHS, I was appointed to the US Naval Academy where I played both Soccer and Football at the Varsity level when not studying (which was not much). Graduated in 1984 and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy. I went through flight school back in P'cola receiving my pilot's wings in 1985. Had a brief tour in San Diego, and a longer one in Jacksonville, FL where I flew off of the Carrier USS Forrestal on deployments to the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and the North Atlantic. After such operations I returned (once again) to P'cola as a flight instructor in 1989. During this period I met and married the former Mary Linda Schabdach. I left the active Navy in late 1992 and began in my present career as a Financial Advisor, moving to the Baltimore area for my first shot at that business. I held FA positions with Legg Mason and Morgan Stanley thru early 2009 until offered a Vice President- Senior Financial Advisor position with Merrill Lynch in Towson, MD in January of 2009. We have 4 children: Ryan age 16, Lauren 15, Connor 12, and Bridget Mackenzie who is 7. We enjoy suburban/country living and our kids are heavily into sports just as their parents were (are). College for them looms in the not-so-distant future and we eagerly anticipate their continued growth and success.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Mark Kochinski

In High School - Worst Hair, 10, 11, 12; Drama 10, President 11, 12; Newspaper 10,11, 12; Interact 12; High School Bowl 11; ICC


After graduating from High School, drifted around several universities,
including Bowling Green State University in Ohio, PJC, and the University of
Houston. I did time as a cook (Darryl's 1821 anyone?) a waiter, and a
bartender before landing a job in Houston doing video production for legal
services. (Eight years of suits and ties and lawyers and courtrooms.)

I moved to Los Angeles and set about applying my knowledge of computer
graphics and got into the film & television industry. Worked on many TV
series and films, and have collected a few statues. Traveled to England,
Thailand, India and Mexico in the course of my work. Currently working on
my own independent film while doing VFX for various projects.

Married Julie Boose (Escambia class of 1980) in 1993, and have two sons, Ian
and Sean. We live in Beverly Hills where Ian is annoying the high school
teachers like his old man did, and Sean is a baseball fanatic.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Kevin Bradley

In High School - SFC Mascot 10

I still reside in Pensacola, I've been a Market Manager at Food World for 24 yrs. I'm married to Lynda(9 yrs) we have a 6 1/2 yr old daughter Brooke. I have two grown stepsons ,and a 17 month old granddaughter Ella. When I'm not at the World working ,You can find me somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico trying to catch the "BIG" one.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Tina (Jeselnik) Sutton

In High School- Color Guard 9, 10, 11, 12, Beta 10,11, 12, Yearbook- 12

After graduation from Escambia High, I earned an Education degree from University of West Florida. Following graduation from UWF, I taught kindergarten and first grade at Molino Elementary School. I met my husband Kent while he was going through flight school and we got married and moved around the world- Mississippi, San Diego, Japan, Virginia Beach, back to Mississippi and Michigan.

We spent twelve years in San Diego where I taught Kindergarten at Del Mar Pines Elementary School and earned a Masters Degree in Educational Technology.

After leaving San Diego, I gave up my teaching career to start my own scrapbooking business, which I still own and LOVE. I currently live in Navarre, Florida with my husband of 22 years, Kent, and our two dogs- Dixie and Daisy.

Side Note- Kathy McDonald wrote in her bio that she ran into me in on her first day in Japan. On my first day in Japan, I ran into Mike Horsefield. (Mike Horsefield- EHS Class of 81). Bottom line- If you want to run into EHS people- looks like Japan is the place to be!

Looking forward to seeing everyone in June!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Kathy (MacDonald) Adams

In High School - Anchor 11, 12; Newspaper 11. Editor 12.

After graduation, I went to PJC for awhile, then spent way too much time "partying" then went to secretarial school and started working for Escambia County at the Tax Collector's office. Met my (ex) husband while he was going through flight training and after marrying him, we moved to California. Spent almost six years in California and then moved to Japan for two years - ran into Tina Jesilnik my first day in Japan!! We moved to Northern Virginia 15 years ago and I finally finished my degree. I have two sons, one is a sophomore at Texas A&M and the other is a sophomore in high school. I've worked for the federal government for the past 13 years in a variety of jobs and enjoy my work very much.

Next reunion meeting December 27, 2009

We're throwing around the date of Sunday, Decomber 27, for another Reunion Meeting. We were thinking about Osceola Golf course club house again, since that seemed to go well for everyone. Any comments?

Please respond to: ehs1980@ymail.com, danielarner@att.net, barroga@bellsouth.net or the Escambia High 1980 FaceBook page if you plan to attend or have any questions.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Becky (Mattox) Gwarjanski

Cheerleading Captain

In High School - Anchor 10, secretary 11, member 12; Beta 10, 11, 12; Spanish Honor Society 10; Cheerleader 11, Captain 12; Yearbook 11, co-editor 12; ICC 12; Senior Council; Teens for Christ 12. 

I graduated in 1984 from Auburn University, got married, and moved to Birmingham. I have lived here ever since, other than three years in Greenville, South Carolina. I had two sons, Jake born in 1988 and Jordan, born in 1991. I really loved being a Mommy! Went back to school at UAB and worked in the Accounting field until making a career change in 2000 to Human Resources. Currently HR Director for a Papa John's franchise. Single again and my two great sons are grown now. Wow, how fast they grow up! Both attend college here in Birmingham. I still love to visit Pensacola, where my parents still live. I can't believe it has been 30 years. Are we old now? I am so excited about the reunion! Here's to 30 more great years!

In Memory of Joy (Davies) Cotton

Written by Becky (Mattox) Gwarjanski

Joy Davies Cotton
1962 - 1997
 

This is in remembrance of a dear friend and classmate, Joy Davies Cotton. Joy was raised in a very loving and lively family, the youngest of six daughters. Joy was a naturally gifted honor student and a born leader. In high school, she was President of Anchor Club, and Editor of the yearbook, a member of National Honor Society and Quill and Scroll, and worked as a tutor and legal secretary. I was always amazed at how she seemed to so effortlessly make straight A's and somehow instantly knew all of the lyrics of a song before I ever even heard it!

Joy married Artie Cotton (EHS '79) and had two beautiful daughters, Aimee and Katie. After graduating from college, she owned her own publishing business. Joy was creative, kind and compassionate. She had a very intelligent sense of humor, astuteness, and human understanding. Her bright smile and positive outlook still have an influence on me today. I am grateful for that she was a part of my life. She would be all over this 30-year reunion planning! I wish she could have been here to enjoy it.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Jacquie (Byrd) Wallace

Homecoming Queen

In High School - SPC 10, 11, 12; Student Council 10; Homecoming Court 11, Queen 12; Junior Council; Key Sweetheart; Prom Court; Miss Escambia Runner-Up

After graduation I earned an A.A. degree from PJC. Then I headed to Tallahassee and spent two years at FSU (Go Noles!). After graduating with a degree in communication I returned to Pensacola to work for the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce, and later West Florida Hospital. I was lucky enough to meet and marry Ken Wallace (’73 Woodham grad and guitar player extraordinaire). We have two wonderful sons, Scott, 18, who is attending FSU with plans for law school, and Sam, 15, a high school freshman and major baller (proud mom). For the past 18 years I’ve worked as a freelance graphic designer/editor. For the past few years I’ve worked mostly for McGraw-Hill on book composition, editing, and proofreading. I enjoy tennis and spending lots of time at our condo on Pensacola Beach. I look forward to seeing everyone in June!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Linda (Kehoe) Kington

Cheerleader Co-Captian

In High School - Anchor 10, 11, 12; Beta 10, 11, 12; Cheerleader Captain 10, 11; Co Captain 12; Junior Council; Newspaper 12; Senior Council.

Graduate of Auburn University, worked in retail most of my life, Store Manager-Victoria's Secret, Distict Trainer-GAP , and now Team Leader-Target. Became a certified diver and got the opportunity to dive Key West, Belize, Bahamas, and Mexico. Went to Hawaii for a week and had the time of my life. Met my husband, Ernie Kington, in 2004, post Ivan, we married in 2006 at the wedding capital of the United States, Las Vegas, we got married by Elvis (This was planned). I got a daughter in the marraige who is Ashley , now 17, who stays with her mother most of the time. My husband and I stay involved in the community volunteering with Fiesta, Friends of Pensacola Parks, Christmas Parade and more. I can usually be seen working in the park for Seafood Fest, Crawfish Fest, and now the Gulf Coast Arts Festival. Past 3 years we have been very active with the Haunted House at Big Lagoon and this years Sam's Fun City. Very supportive of our US military, I have 5 nephews in the Marines and Air Force. That's kind of it in a nutshell, I left out the drama. Currently I live in the Perdido Area.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Peter Broz

Senior Class President


In High School - Junior Council; ICC Vice President 12; Yearbook 12; Senior Class President 12.

Over the last 30 years - 1984 graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans where I was Student Body President. Stockbroker right out of college for about 5 years, then a partner in a Century 21 Real Estate franchise in the Sarasota area where I met the fromer Gwen Taylor and my two children were born. Returned to Pensacola about 13 years ago and have been in mortgage financing since. Currently a Market Manager with PNC Mortgage here in Pensacola. I reside in Pace with my beautiful wife of over 20 years, and have two children that will both attend Pace High School next fall.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

This will be fun. Where are the faces of Escambia High School Class of 1980? Please send in a small snap shot of your life from the past 30 years! ehs1980@ymail.com

Do you remember?:

Valedictorian - Brent Peterson and Salutatorian - Deanna Addis

Mr. Escambia - Jimmy Whatley and Miss Escambia - Amy Willhauck

Homecoming Queen - Jacquie Byrd

We will have more to follow!

Remembering our Classmates of 1980

It is always a sad moment when we lose a classmate, we knew them as our lab partner, team mate, classmate, homeroom buddy or just a great person to be with.

The Class of 1980 would like to recognize our classmates that are no longer with us. If you know of any of these classmates, please send their name and possibly the year that they passed away.

Send info to: ehs1980@ymail.com

Welcome to the 30th reunion!

Yes it has been that long! What were you thinking 30 years ago, getting ready for your senior year at Escambia High School. Where has the time gone? Where are your old high school friends? Where is my hair?

The planning of the Escambia High Class of 1980, 30 year reunion is under way. The tentative date for the reunion is the weekend of June 18-20, 2010.

Stay tuned for more information!