On Thursday, March 1, 2018, the Vernon, Florida High School Weight Lifting Team held the first ever regional weight lifting tournament on their campus, and the community came together to make it happen, as seen in these photos by Real Florida Media, a subsidiary of The Goulding Agency in Chipley, Florida.
A pancake breakfast at 7AM, sponsored by Washington County Commission Chairman Tray Hawkins started the day, and he had plenty of help in the effort.
Washington County Commissioners Todd Abbott and Alan Bush were at the event, helping as needed, as was political newcomer ‘Tonka’ Taylor, recently declaring his run for a position on the Washington County School Board.
The Jacket’s Nest, local Vernon restaurant and constant supporter of all things Vernon, were on hand to grill sausage and serve meals, and the contributions of all these individuals did not go unnoticed.
‘We could not do half of what we want to do here at Vernon High School without this kind of community support’, stated Vernon High School Principal Brian Riviere, who helped serve pancakes, sausage, milk and juice, all provided by Tray Hawkins.
Teams from Blountstown, Mosley, Holmes County, Sneads, Graceville, Chipley, Deane Bozeman, Arnold, Vernon and other regional high schools participated in today’s inaugural event and most og the teams ate, which made for a lot of prep and cooking work for the breakfast.
‘We never miss an opportunity to help out my old alma mater’, said Hawkins in between flipping pancakes, ‘and with the tense climate in the schools across the nation these days, we are pleased to be able to enjoy these lighter moments when possible’.
