Page 12 - Florida Sentinel 12-18-15 Edition

Local
Teenager Continues His Journey To Become An Olympic Boxing Champion
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Keeping a 14-year-old fo- cused is tough, especially with so many distractions around. Not only that, most young Black males are taught that if they want a career as an athlete, to try football, basketball, or baseball.
Cornelius “Dynamite” Dennard has always had his focus on another sport.
With relatives around him involved in boxing, it was only natural he’s expressed an inter- est in the sport, and since he has been able to hold his arms up with a pair of gloves covering his hands, Dynamite has had one mission. That mission is to first become an Olympic junior champion, then an Olympic champion, then Tampa’s first world champion.
Dynamite has been very busy as a boxer, but has never
From left to right: Raymond Oritz (Dynamite’s trainer), Dyna- mite and Combo Broadnax.
failed to keep up his grade in the classroom.
“He was told the first day that all of this would end if he
school,” said his uncle, Combo Broadnax.
“We put together a plan for him, and so far he’s followed that plan.”
Recently, Dynamite won a Silver Gloves championship in West Palm Beach, and now he’ll be advancing to Washington, D.C. for the Regionals.
“Dynamite trains every day, and all he talks about is competing in the 2020 Olympic Games,” said Combo.
“He’s won a PAL tourna- ment in Ft. Pierce and he contin- ues to work hard to be the champion of the people.”
started
performing
poorly in
CHELSEA
All is well in the world, especially when you look at this week’s Spotlight feature, Chelsea. It’s been a long time since a feature with a natural look has been spot- lighted, and what better choice than this young woman. Chelsea is very comfortable in front of the camera, and has a burning desire to be successful. She also is very motivated, and focused on what she wants and how to get it. Congratulations to Chelsea as this week’s Spot- light feature.
‘Operation Christmas Gift’ Offers Toys To Tots
On Saturday, December 19th, parents are encouraged to participate in “Operation Christmas Gift.” The event will take place at 1218 E. Kay Street, beginning at noon and will end at 2 p.m.
Volunteers are also being requested to help the event be successful. Volunteers are asked to arrive at 9 a.m.
The gifts are designated for children between the ages of 1 and 12 years. They will have an opportunity to meet Santa, play games, have food and en- tertainment for the entire fam- ily.
There will also be special raffles, giveaways, and a chance to win a scholarship for a child to attend St. Peter Claver Catholic School.
Parents are asked to pre- register at www.ocgift.event brite.com.
PAGE 12-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015