Tuesday, January 19, 2010

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?



Tammy (Lewis) Bruner

In High School - FBLA 11; FHA Vice President 12




After graduation from EHS, I attended PJC for a while. I pledged a sorority and had a great time. In 1983, I married a guy from Tate High school (I guess maybe that’s where I went wrong). We were married 23 yrs.

I now have 2 grown kids. My son is 23 yrs old and my daughter is 25 yrs old. I also have a 5 yr old grandson……he’s awesome. I’ve had so much fun with him.


I’ve been blessed with a great job. I work for Humana Health Plan. I’m a Physician Contractor. I travel along the panhandle from Pensacola to Port St. Joe and contract Physicians to the Health Plan. I’ve done this for about 10 yrs and love it.


Through the last 30 yrs I’ve remained in Pensacola. I still love the beach and go every chance I get. I’ve really enjoyed reconnecting with classmates on the Reunion Committee. I look forward to seeing many more this summer.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?


Rick Hawthorne

Soccer Team Captain

In High School: All-Area Soccer Team 10, 11, 12; Soccer 10, 11, 12; Key 12


After graduating I attended THE P.J.C. and earned my A.S. degree in Law Enforcement. In 1983 I was hired on as a deputy with the Escambia County Sheriffs Department. In July 1986 I left the Sheriff’s Dept and began my career with the Gulf Breeze Police Dept. I returned to school while working for Gulf Breeze and received my B.S. Criminal Justice from Troy State. I am currently a Lieutenant with the G.B.P.D. and also the Accreditation manager. This position has allowed me to travel the State and complete Assessments on other law enforcement agencies trying to receive or retain their State Accreditation.


In 1993 I married my wife Teresa and together we have two children Lindsey 16 a junior at Gulf Breeze High and Matthew 14 an eight grader at Gulf Breeze Middle. We live in the Gulf Breeze area and most of the family time has been on one of the ball fields or courts (volley/basketball) in the area. I am looking forward to seeing everyone this summer and I have enjoyed renewing friendships at the reunion meetings.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Reunion Weekend tentative schedule


Escambia High School
Class of 1980 Reunion

June 19, 2010
Crowne Plaza Hotel - Downtown Pensacola 

$80 per classmate
$150 per couple
Price includes all activities for Saturday 6/19/10
and memory package


The reunion committee will have it's next meeting on January 17, 2010 at New York Nicks starting at 12 noon.  The committee will confirm more on the activities set for our reunion weekend.

Below is a "very tentative schedule" the reunion committee is working on.  The following is a draft of activities the committee is working on offering to all of our classmates during our reunion weekend.  This schedule is subject to change.  The reunion cost is covering all activities on the main day "Saturday 6/19".

Thursday 6/17 - Pub Crawl TBD
Friday afternoon 6/18 - Golf outing / Bowling outing
Friday night 6/18 - Reunion mixer TBD
Saturday afternoon 6/19 - Family picnic TBD
Saturday night 6/19 - Main Event - Crowne Plaza Ballroom
Sunday 6/20 - Sunday Brunch

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?


Terrence "Tiger" McClain

In High School – Soccer 10, 11, 12; TFC Mascot 11, Senior Sweetheart 12; JV football 10; Newspaper 12; State Art Symposium Winner 12.

After graduation I stayed in the area for about a year kicking around before enlisting in the Navy. I think until now that was the last time I was on the East coast for longer than a week, for about 26 years (time in the service). The time in the service was great, and I actually got to do far more than I would have imagined. Spent my entire Navy career on the West coast at a number of duty stations ( Hawaii and San Diego were the best), was lucky enough to be stationed with both of my brothers on several occasions, and luckier still to have met my wife of 23 years Kelly. We have to wonderful daughters, Allyson 15, and Emmalee 12. The girls and I enjoy time at the beach, surfing when we can, and fishing from the kayaks when the time is available. The girls are good at keeping me active, making me laugh, and making me proud that I’m their dad. After my time in the service was up (Dec 2007) we knew that it was a good opportunity to come back home so that my parents could enjoy time with a few of their growing grandchildren. We settled in the Pace area (and I am finding out a few others did as well) and like the fact that it is a little slower (at least for now). I have run into a few people from school, but look forward to seeing even more of you this summer.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?


Christopher Stevens

*In High School: Classic underachiever 9, 10, 11, and 12 - LOL
(*Chris contributed)


I enlisted in the Air Force right after graduation and enjoyed tours in Austin and San Antonio, Texas; Torrejon, Spain; Kunsan, Korea; and three tours in the Washington, D.C. area, all complemented by a host of temporary duty assignments to every continent, save Antarctica. I served my last four years on active duty in the Pentagon, retiring from the Air Force in 2007. I’m now a civil servant working, on the DoD Joint Staff, as a Logistics Program Manager.


My wife, Celisa, also a retired Airman, and I have three kids, Rosa, Christopher, and Courtland, all grown, thankfully – out of the house, and only 18 months of tuition to go. Brandywine, Maryland, a Washington, DC, suburb is now home and I do my best to get to Pensacola at least once a year.

Friday, January 1, 2010

"Loyalty" by Joy Davies Cotton

As we all remember Joy being so talented back in high school, Becky "Mattox" Gwarjanski came across a piece of writing Joy wrote back in high school recently and wanted to share the thought!  Enjoy!

LOYALTY by Joy Davies Cotton

If you work in a group and in heaven's name work on it.
Speak well of it and stand by what it represents.
Remember an ounce of loyalty is worth a pound of talent.
If you must growl, condemn and eternally find fault,
Then resign your position and when you are on the outside,
Damn to your heart's content.
But as long as you are part of the group, do not condemn it.
For if you do, the first high wind that comes along will blow you away.
And the sad thing is that you will probably never know why.

Wow, how profound even back in the day!

Sunday, December 27, 2009

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!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Do you remember this day?

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



Tuesday, December 15, 2009

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.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

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!

Friday, December 11, 2009

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!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

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.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

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.

Monday, December 7, 2009

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!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

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.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

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.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

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!

Sunday, November 22, 2009

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.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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!