By Nancy Oben
noben@news-press.com
Cape Coral resident David Kendrick, 31, needs a lifesaving kidney transplant.
The Westminster Golf Club in Lehigh Acres is hosting a golf scramble June 11 to help him.
Kendrick, who has had a kidney condition since age 2, is one of 3,295 Florida residents awaiting a kidney transplant. He has been waiting seven years to have his second transplant.
"The doctors said my kidneys were equivalent to a 76-year-old lady," Kendrick said.
Even with health insurance, Kendrick faces great medical costs. The price for a kidney transplant is approximately $250,000 and after the operation he will need medication that costs more than $2,000 a month.
To receive treatment, Kendrick must travel 250 miles each way to Shands Hospital in Gainesville. His family will have to temporarily relocate in order for him to have the transplant, incurring additional expenses.
The Kendrick family's fundraising goal is $15,000 to $25,000 to help cover three years of medicine, travel and other costs.
"People want to help," Kendrick said. "But a lot of times they aren't financially able to help."
The Kendrick family belongs to Daniels Road Baptist Church.
"Church has been a huge support for us," said wife Christy Kendrick.
In addition to the golf scramble, the Kendrick family has hosted events locally at different restaurants. All events can be seen through their Facebook group, "Kidney for Kendrick."
The Kendrick family has turned to the National Transplant Foundation for help with fundraising. The foundation assigns each patient a fundraising consultant.
"(The Foundation) has key volunteers to oversee their efforts," said Mandy Stockton, director of public relations for the NFT. "We want David to focus on his health."
Fundraising is hard for Kendrick because he attends dialysis sessions three days a week, four hours at a time, in Cape Coral.
"Fundraising takes a lot of footwork," Kendrick said. "A lot of going around to businesses and getting turned down."
Dialysis affects all aspects of his life. Before his current job, he would often go to interviews and be told "you're the right guy for the job," he said, but once he mentioned he was on dialysis he would not be hired.
Dialysis also affects his family life.
"You never know how he is going to feel afterwards," Christy said. "It's hard when there is nothing to do to help him."
His daughter Courtney, 15, a student at Oasis Charter High School, has dealt with his condition her entire life. She was only a small child when Kendrick had his first transplant.
"She can say it doesn't bother her," Kendrick said. "But when you really look at her you can tell it does."
In his spare time Kendrick likes to play guitar and is studying to become a pastor.
The Kendrick family is still looking for sponsors, and teams of four for the golf scramble. The deadline to enter the golf tournament is June 7.
Check-in will be at 8 a.m. June 11 and tee time is at 8:30 a.m. The $65 entry fee per player includes lunch. Prizes will be awarded and there will also be a 50/50 raffle at the event.
"Even if you can't attend the golf tournament there are still ways to help," Stockton said.
Donations for the Kendrick family are being accepted through the National Transplant Foundation and can be made online at transplant.org/donate/davidkendrick.
You can also donate by sending contributions to the NFT Florida Kidney Fund, 5350 Poplar Ave., Suite 430, Memphis, TN 38119. Please be sure to include "In honor of David Kendrick" on the memo line.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
National Merit Scholarships go to 10: Area high schoolers get help with college
For 10 area high school seniors, paying for college just became easier.
The students from Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties will receive prestigious National Merit Scholarships from their choice college.
"It helps a lot to get any help that you can," said recipient Jack Hackett, a senior at Canterbury School in south Fort Myers. He plans to attend the University of Florida.
The scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 a year and the student receives the award for up to four years of undergraduate study.
The National Merit Scholarship program is a national academic competition that awards students for scholastic achievement.
Students are eligible to receive recognition after taking the PSAT, a precursor to the SAT college entrance test or the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
"It was a little surprising but exciting," said Kaitlyn Sarlo, a senior at Bishop Verot High School who also plans to attend Florida. "You take the SAT, but it's never in the front of your mind that you can win a scholarship."
Of 1.5 million applicants nationwide, only 50,000 students' scores are eligible for recognition. The applicant pool narrows to 15,000 finalists with 8,400 receiving scholarships.
Florida had 805 finalists this year with more scholarships to be awarded in July.
Students, in addition to achieving high test scores on the PSAT and SAT, must complete a scholarship application. The packet includes an essay, their academic record and teacher recommendations.
"It was easy," said Jose Quinonez, a senior at Bishop Verot who plans to attend the University of Miami. "The application was painless and easy to go through. It was a very nice process."
Being a National Merit Scholar finalist is an asset when applying to colleges.
"Colleges recognize it as a high honor," said Katie Williamsen, coordinator for public information at the National Merit Scholarship Corp. "Some colleges will award scholarships for the student's standing in the program."
"It's a good thing to have on a resume." said Quinonez. "I think it helps out a lot."
The three Collier County winners were from the Community School of Naples — George Ferguson, Lauren Raskauskas and Megan Schmelzle.
"It definitely helps," said Ferguson, who's receiving $2,000 annually from Washington University in St. Louis.
A science buff, Ferguson took Advanced Placement physics, chemistry and environmental science courses.
Raskauskas will also receive $2,000 a year from Washington.
She has aspired to become a doctor since middle school.
— Staff writer Christina Cepero contributed to this report.
The students from Lee, Collier and Charlotte counties will receive prestigious National Merit Scholarships from their choice college.
"It helps a lot to get any help that you can," said recipient Jack Hackett, a senior at Canterbury School in south Fort Myers. He plans to attend the University of Florida.
The scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 a year and the student receives the award for up to four years of undergraduate study.
The National Merit Scholarship program is a national academic competition that awards students for scholastic achievement.
Students are eligible to receive recognition after taking the PSAT, a precursor to the SAT college entrance test or the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
"It was a little surprising but exciting," said Kaitlyn Sarlo, a senior at Bishop Verot High School who also plans to attend Florida. "You take the SAT, but it's never in the front of your mind that you can win a scholarship."
Of 1.5 million applicants nationwide, only 50,000 students' scores are eligible for recognition. The applicant pool narrows to 15,000 finalists with 8,400 receiving scholarships.
Florida had 805 finalists this year with more scholarships to be awarded in July.
Students, in addition to achieving high test scores on the PSAT and SAT, must complete a scholarship application. The packet includes an essay, their academic record and teacher recommendations.
"It was easy," said Jose Quinonez, a senior at Bishop Verot who plans to attend the University of Miami. "The application was painless and easy to go through. It was a very nice process."
Being a National Merit Scholar finalist is an asset when applying to colleges.
"Colleges recognize it as a high honor," said Katie Williamsen, coordinator for public information at the National Merit Scholarship Corp. "Some colleges will award scholarships for the student's standing in the program."
"It's a good thing to have on a resume." said Quinonez. "I think it helps out a lot."
The three Collier County winners were from the Community School of Naples — George Ferguson, Lauren Raskauskas and Megan Schmelzle.
"It definitely helps," said Ferguson, who's receiving $2,000 annually from Washington University in St. Louis.
A science buff, Ferguson took Advanced Placement physics, chemistry and environmental science courses.
Raskauskas will also receive $2,000 a year from Washington.
She has aspired to become a doctor since middle school.
— Staff writer Christina Cepero contributed to this report.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Closing of the UM Rathskellar
Last Call, as we know it, has been changed forever.
At the end of the spring semester, there was word that the popular Rathskeller would be torn down in order to make room for a new student activities center.
Threats of the new activities center were made a few years ago but the economy slowed and the project was never started. Now with a 20 million dollar gift ground is finally being broken.
The Rat will be torn down in the summer and will temporarily be moved into the location of Sbarros. Once the new activities center is completed, which is slated to end 2013, the Rat will move into its new permanent home.
“It’s sad knowing that the old rat won't be there when I come back to visit campus,” said Senior Missy Walton, a server at the Rat. “But [it’s] also exciting that the Rat is getting a brand new building because the Rat really needs more space. The people are really what makes the Rat so special and they will be forever with me.”
Some Students are upsetabout moving the Rat into the Sbarros location. Programming in the temporary location won’t change and the comedy shows and Greek programs will still exist with the new Rat location.
“You won't be able to see the lake from the Sbarro courtyard,” said Sophomore Nicole Brzozowski. “”And half the fun of the rat is being right next to the lake with all your friends.”
Other students, however, see the other side of the argument and are happy for the new Rathskeller.
“I think when it all comes down to it, it won't be so bad for the students,” said Senior Eric Speigel. “It will still be open, and eventually they'll get a much nicer building.”
Only time will tell, what the legacy of the old Rat building will have. Would new building still have the same college feel? Will the new activities center give the university an edge in wooing prospective students?
As for right now, students will be mourning the loss of the orange and green tabled, smoky, small polygonal building with the Greek memorabilia and the Sports Illustrated covers of our glory days mounting the walls.
“It’s really a bittersweet feeling,” said Senior Alex Fruin. “After spending so much time there with friends and working there too, it’s so strange to think that when I come back to visit it won’t be there anymore.”
This story was written for the 2011 Ibis Yearbook, the yearbook will be printed and distributed in the Fall 2011 semester.
At the end of the spring semester, there was word that the popular Rathskeller would be torn down in order to make room for a new student activities center.
Threats of the new activities center were made a few years ago but the economy slowed and the project was never started. Now with a 20 million dollar gift ground is finally being broken.
The Rat will be torn down in the summer and will temporarily be moved into the location of Sbarros. Once the new activities center is completed, which is slated to end 2013, the Rat will move into its new permanent home.
“It’s sad knowing that the old rat won't be there when I come back to visit campus,” said Senior Missy Walton, a server at the Rat. “But [it’s] also exciting that the Rat is getting a brand new building because the Rat really needs more space. The people are really what makes the Rat so special and they will be forever with me.”
Some Students are upsetabout moving the Rat into the Sbarros location. Programming in the temporary location won’t change and the comedy shows and Greek programs will still exist with the new Rat location.
“You won't be able to see the lake from the Sbarro courtyard,” said Sophomore Nicole Brzozowski. “”And half the fun of the rat is being right next to the lake with all your friends.”
Other students, however, see the other side of the argument and are happy for the new Rathskeller.
“I think when it all comes down to it, it won't be so bad for the students,” said Senior Eric Speigel. “It will still be open, and eventually they'll get a much nicer building.”
Only time will tell, what the legacy of the old Rat building will have. Would new building still have the same college feel? Will the new activities center give the university an edge in wooing prospective students?
As for right now, students will be mourning the loss of the orange and green tabled, smoky, small polygonal building with the Greek memorabilia and the Sports Illustrated covers of our glory days mounting the walls.
“It’s really a bittersweet feeling,” said Senior Alex Fruin. “After spending so much time there with friends and working there too, it’s so strange to think that when I come back to visit it won’t be there anymore.”
This story was written for the 2011 Ibis Yearbook, the yearbook will be printed and distributed in the Fall 2011 semester.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
An Intimate Affair
Walking into Victoria’s Secret or that pricey little boutique can be a terrifying experience for some. The questions of Lace or no lace? Is white an off-limit color? And what about garters? Shopping for lingerie is all about looking hot and feeling great. Distraction has created a guide to help all college fashionistas find their perfect version of sexy.
Buying lingerie is all about finding what best works for your body. What works best for your roommate may leave you uncomfortable and vice versa. Lingerie should highlight your best features and will look amazing when you find something that works for your body type.
For example, the apron style that is ever popular at Victoria’s Secret looks great on very thin girls, but someone with more of an hourglass shape should opt for a teddy. The loose fabric helps to hide flaws while highlighting your boobs, which is always a win in my opinion.
Curvier girls should stay away from ruching on the sides because it adds fullness to one’s shape. But for girls with a straighter body type it will help create an hourglass illusion. Ruffles always accentuates, so an outfit with some on the bust or the butt will make those assets seem larger.
Lace has always been a very popular lingerie option. There are many styles but if you’re buying a tighter piece be sure to try it on (trust us, it will help). Lace is normally skin tight so a size up may allow for a more comfortable fit.
Lace is like silk and will show every flaw so, to wear it, confidence is key. Victoria’s Secret and other places like Forever XXI have a variety of lace pieces in for this season and the bright colors will pop on many skin tones for a great spring look.
Color can add a certain mood for your night. Black and red ooze sex appeal whereas pale pink and brighter colors have a sweet vibe. Leave the white for the newlyweds and try a fun hir that you haven’t worn before.
To garter or not to garter is a hard decision that many women have to make. The good thing about is that they make your legs look amazing and super sexy, but the problem is trying to get them on. You can buy pieces that have garter clips or if you want to show more skin, you can purchase a bra and panty set with a matching garter belt.
The clips are hard to open up and even harder to close onto your thigh-high stockings. This is not something to debut after a drunken night on the town but instead a planned occasion, like formal or an important anniversary. The clips will take time so make sure that they will be appreciated.
There are many options that can be used to dress up the night. The best option is to go into the store with no time limits, a free afternoon and an open mind. Most importantly, take your time trying on outfits to see what makes your curves whistle-worthy and what doesn’t work for your body type.
Sidebar
Guys, are you shopping for your girlfriend, slampiece and/or sex friend? Let Distraction help you navigate the lingerie store with these quick tips.
Know her size- Bras come in very specific sizes. If you pick a small size you risk making her feel fat, ifs it’s too big she could think that you think she’s flat and fat, so know her size. Pick up the bra that is lying on the floor of her dorm room, since you’re buying lingerie we assume you see her naked regularly and thus a bra could be on the floor, or ask one of her good friends who can keep a secret to get the right size.
Look at what she wears- Most girls who wear lingerie have a style that they prefer. Does she always show off for you in an innocent lace teddy or does she wear tight corsets and garters? If she isn’t comfortable in what you’re bought you will not see it again. So get something you both will like.
Know You’re budget- Guys are easy targets for Vickie’s employees and they will always pick out the most expensive stuff and add all the extras. So come in with a budget in mind, your credit card will thank you. Besides, are those sequin fishnet tights and edible body chocolate really necessary? Most girls will answer with a ew.
Ask for help if you need it- If you don’t know what to pick out for your girlfriend don’t be afraid to ask. Walk up to an employee and tell your budget, your girlfriend’s size and what she normally likes to wear. The associate will help you find something quickly and since she knows your budget she wont try to have you buy the whole store.
This was posted in the Extra Issue of Distraction magazine. The issue was release on April 20th and this article was in the In The Margins section, a front of the book section hoping to attract the "30 second" readers. I was in charge of In the Margins my junior year.
Buying lingerie is all about finding what best works for your body. What works best for your roommate may leave you uncomfortable and vice versa. Lingerie should highlight your best features and will look amazing when you find something that works for your body type.
For example, the apron style that is ever popular at Victoria’s Secret looks great on very thin girls, but someone with more of an hourglass shape should opt for a teddy. The loose fabric helps to hide flaws while highlighting your boobs, which is always a win in my opinion.
Curvier girls should stay away from ruching on the sides because it adds fullness to one’s shape. But for girls with a straighter body type it will help create an hourglass illusion. Ruffles always accentuates, so an outfit with some on the bust or the butt will make those assets seem larger.
Lace has always been a very popular lingerie option. There are many styles but if you’re buying a tighter piece be sure to try it on (trust us, it will help). Lace is normally skin tight so a size up may allow for a more comfortable fit.
Lace is like silk and will show every flaw so, to wear it, confidence is key. Victoria’s Secret and other places like Forever XXI have a variety of lace pieces in for this season and the bright colors will pop on many skin tones for a great spring look.
Color can add a certain mood for your night. Black and red ooze sex appeal whereas pale pink and brighter colors have a sweet vibe. Leave the white for the newlyweds and try a fun hir that you haven’t worn before.
To garter or not to garter is a hard decision that many women have to make. The good thing about is that they make your legs look amazing and super sexy, but the problem is trying to get them on. You can buy pieces that have garter clips or if you want to show more skin, you can purchase a bra and panty set with a matching garter belt.
The clips are hard to open up and even harder to close onto your thigh-high stockings. This is not something to debut after a drunken night on the town but instead a planned occasion, like formal or an important anniversary. The clips will take time so make sure that they will be appreciated.
There are many options that can be used to dress up the night. The best option is to go into the store with no time limits, a free afternoon and an open mind. Most importantly, take your time trying on outfits to see what makes your curves whistle-worthy and what doesn’t work for your body type.
Sidebar
Guys, are you shopping for your girlfriend, slampiece and/or sex friend? Let Distraction help you navigate the lingerie store with these quick tips.
Know her size- Bras come in very specific sizes. If you pick a small size you risk making her feel fat, ifs it’s too big she could think that you think she’s flat and fat, so know her size. Pick up the bra that is lying on the floor of her dorm room, since you’re buying lingerie we assume you see her naked regularly and thus a bra could be on the floor, or ask one of her good friends who can keep a secret to get the right size.
Look at what she wears- Most girls who wear lingerie have a style that they prefer. Does she always show off for you in an innocent lace teddy or does she wear tight corsets and garters? If she isn’t comfortable in what you’re bought you will not see it again. So get something you both will like.
Know You’re budget- Guys are easy targets for Vickie’s employees and they will always pick out the most expensive stuff and add all the extras. So come in with a budget in mind, your credit card will thank you. Besides, are those sequin fishnet tights and edible body chocolate really necessary? Most girls will answer with a ew.
Ask for help if you need it- If you don’t know what to pick out for your girlfriend don’t be afraid to ask. Walk up to an employee and tell your budget, your girlfriend’s size and what she normally likes to wear. The associate will help you find something quickly and since she knows your budget she wont try to have you buy the whole store.
This was posted in the Extra Issue of Distraction magazine. The issue was release on April 20th and this article was in the In The Margins section, a front of the book section hoping to attract the "30 second" readers. I was in charge of In the Margins my junior year.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Pictures from a Philanthropy Event
Tara Kleppinger, a freshman, experiences her first Pi Night as an member of Alpha Delta Pi. Pi Night is just one day in the sorority's largest philanthropy event, ADPiathalon.
Fraternity members compete in an head-to-head pie eating contest to help raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The event is a part of Pi Night, a night of games and athletic events where fraternities compete for points. This night is the sencond day of competition in ADPIathalon and 11 fraternities participated.
Grady Rosser, a member of Phi Delta Theta, raises his hands in victory after being the first to eat the entire apple pie. Pie eating is one of the staple events for Pi Night. The winner of each event is awarded points for their fraternity and these points help to deterimine the winner of the three day philanthropy event, ADPiathalon.
Fraternity members face off in an hula hoop spinning contest for the first leg of the relay race. The race is the key event for ADPIathalon's PI Night. For this night of the philanthropy event, fraternities compete in games and athletic events to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
These are some images I shot for my introductory photojournalism class. They are all centered around an April 11th event, Pi Night, which is a night of games and athletic events. The fraternities compete to help raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, this year the event raised over $10,000.
A Sorority Newsletter
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Miss University of Miami Pageant.
Teetering high heels, sparkly dresses, hot rollers and … scholarships?
The Miss University of Miami pageant is more than the typical contest of looks and how one’s legs look in a bikini, but instead a scholarship pageant full of talented women.
The Miss UM pageant is affiliated with Miss America and the winner goes on to compete for Miss Florida, and may ultimately be in the Miss America pageant.
This year, 15 beautiful ladies cascaded to the main stage of Gusman concert hall. The show started off with a shimmy and the contestants performed a group opening number and introduced themselves. The competition had begun.
The contestants were judged by a panel of five judges, on lifestyle and fitness, artistic expression (talent) and presence and poise with an on-stage question. With talent having the most weight and the on-stage question the least.
Talents this year ranged from dancing to singing and other unique talents. Some memorable talents included saxophone performances, vocal performances, acting, dancing, spoken word and an exhibit of handmade garments.
“It’s definitely would be called the crazy, amazing life of Azah,” answered Azah Awasum, contestant number 10, when she was asked about what a reality TV show about her life would be called on stage.
Other contestants were asked about female empowerment, their platforms, which are charities that they support and about other causes and current events, that was picked out of a fishbowl that was onstage. The contestants also had to model formal wear and gracefully waltzed around the stage showing the judges, and the audience members, their poise and confidence.
The formalwear portion of the pageant is the contestant’s last chance to impress the judges. After the last contestant walks off the stage the judge’s scores are tallied up and complied into a top five. The scores are based on the categories and each girl is given a number from one to ten, with the highest and lowest score thrown out then averaged.
After the long wait for the results the judges are given the list of the top five girls and then they rank them from one to five based on their entire performance. This process is lengthy and left the audience and the hostesses, Ke’ala Kamalu and Jaife Calil, grasping for things to chat about during the break.
After the final vote was tallied the contestants were brought back up on the stage and the winners were announced. The scholarships ranged from $100 for the fourth runner-up to $1000 for the winner.
The names were read one-by-one until it was down to junior Azah Awasum and freshman Victoria Humphrey. Cheers erupted when Humphrey was announced as the winner of scholarship pageant.
“I was so excited and so much in shock I couldn’t believe it,” gushed Humphrey about her win. “What a better way to start off the year at a new school than to participate in the Miss UM pageant.”
This story was written for the 2011 Ibis Yearbook, the yearbook will be printed and distributed in the Fall 2011 semester.
The Miss University of Miami pageant is more than the typical contest of looks and how one’s legs look in a bikini, but instead a scholarship pageant full of talented women.
The Miss UM pageant is affiliated with Miss America and the winner goes on to compete for Miss Florida, and may ultimately be in the Miss America pageant.
This year, 15 beautiful ladies cascaded to the main stage of Gusman concert hall. The show started off with a shimmy and the contestants performed a group opening number and introduced themselves. The competition had begun.
The contestants were judged by a panel of five judges, on lifestyle and fitness, artistic expression (talent) and presence and poise with an on-stage question. With talent having the most weight and the on-stage question the least.
Talents this year ranged from dancing to singing and other unique talents. Some memorable talents included saxophone performances, vocal performances, acting, dancing, spoken word and an exhibit of handmade garments.
“It’s definitely would be called the crazy, amazing life of Azah,” answered Azah Awasum, contestant number 10, when she was asked about what a reality TV show about her life would be called on stage.
Other contestants were asked about female empowerment, their platforms, which are charities that they support and about other causes and current events, that was picked out of a fishbowl that was onstage. The contestants also had to model formal wear and gracefully waltzed around the stage showing the judges, and the audience members, their poise and confidence.
The formalwear portion of the pageant is the contestant’s last chance to impress the judges. After the last contestant walks off the stage the judge’s scores are tallied up and complied into a top five. The scores are based on the categories and each girl is given a number from one to ten, with the highest and lowest score thrown out then averaged.
After the long wait for the results the judges are given the list of the top five girls and then they rank them from one to five based on their entire performance. This process is lengthy and left the audience and the hostesses, Ke’ala Kamalu and Jaife Calil, grasping for things to chat about during the break.
After the final vote was tallied the contestants were brought back up on the stage and the winners were announced. The scholarships ranged from $100 for the fourth runner-up to $1000 for the winner.
The names were read one-by-one until it was down to junior Azah Awasum and freshman Victoria Humphrey. Cheers erupted when Humphrey was announced as the winner of scholarship pageant.
“I was so excited and so much in shock I couldn’t believe it,” gushed Humphrey about her win. “What a better way to start off the year at a new school than to participate in the Miss UM pageant.”
This story was written for the 2011 Ibis Yearbook, the yearbook will be printed and distributed in the Fall 2011 semester.
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