Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 12-18-15 Edition

FLORIDA SENTINEL FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2015
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Spirit Of Giving Is Year Round For Tampa Teen
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On the surface, N’Jhari Jackson is a typical teenager. But, when it comes to giving back, the teenager’s capacity is rivaled by few --- adults or teenagers.
But while others think about giving back during the holidays, N’Jhari practices the Spirit of Giving throughout the year. His journey of giving back dates to an experience he had at the age of 5. He was in a hospital and gave his stuffed animal to an- other child who was about to have surgery. And that was the beginning of his Pajama Buddies Program.
From that point on, N’Jhari has raised money for various causes throughout the year. When he sees a situation where he can make things better, he simply does what it takes to make it happen.
N’JHARI JACKSON
... Recently chosen as Lightning Community Hero
And, his spirit for giving to others has not gone undetected. Recently, N’Jhari was chosen as the recipient of the Tampa Bay Lightning Foundation’s Commu- nity Hero. In addition to the honor of being chosen, he was also given $50,000 to present to local charities.
At the age of 14, N’Jhari has already amassed more forms of recognition than many adults. He has earned several awards, certificates, commendations, and plaques. But, he has also earned 2-four year scholarships to college.
Although the young man is receiving recognition for his abil- ity and willingness to give back, he simply wants to help.
Earlier this year, N’Jhari, who has been a member of the Boy Scout Troop 142 for only 3 years, he has already earned his Eagle Scout badge.
He selected obtaining an AED (Automated External De- fibrillator) and university grade First Aid Kit for his school, Paideia School of Tampa Bay. Entitled “NJ’s Love To The Rescue” N’Jhari raised more than $2,000 to purchase the piece of equipment. He was also successful in bringing about the training needed for teachers and
staff to operate the equipment. In addition to his other activ- ities, N’Jhari recently made the Junior Olympic trials in swim-
ming.
Last October, N’Jhari was
selected as the recipient of a 4- year scholarship during Hispanic History Month. N’Jhari won the scholarship as a middle school student for an essay he submitted in the statewide con- test.
In February, he was one of two Florida students chosen as recipients of the “Prudential Spirit of Community” Award.
In May, he was chosen as one of four students to participate in the Arlington Cemetery Wreath Laying Ceremony.
N’Jhari is the only child of Ms. LaShina Lewis Jackson, a single mom. In addition to all of his other activities, he is a member of the Men of Vision service organization.
Has Technology Changed The Way You Shop For Christmas?
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
Before you complain about all the traffic on the roadways and the long lines in the stores, think how much worse it was be- fore technology changed the way we shop.
With new technology, most people don’t have to get out of the bed to shop. As long as they know exactly what they want to purchase, it’s just a matter of finding the appropriate website, then putting in the information.
Some people in Tampa have embraced online shopping, but not everyone. These are the opinions of a few people who talk about how technology has changed the way they shop.
Robin Lockett: “Shopping online is more convenient. You can even sit at home and order your groceries online.
“I embrace the technology because it takes a lot of the stress away. It’s especially good for the
ROBIN LOCKETT
things you purchase regularly. There will always be people skeptical about shopping online and those are the ones who still drive or stand in long lines.”
Gloria Shellman: “Tech-
nology has definitely helped with shopping. With a bad economy, Icansavealotofmoneyby shopping in advance, especially when they have the big sales.
“I’m not really comfortable shopping online, because of all the scams and identity thefts. I do some online shopping, but rarely. It’s so high risk shopping that way and in the end, you re- ally don’t save any money.”
Richedean Hills-Akbar: “Shopping online has been a blessing for me. When my son was on the West Coast, I could buy things online and have them
delivered to him.
“I also get to avoid the traffic,
standing in line, and dealing with people who aren’t nice to get along with during the holiday season. I order the gifts for my seniors online and it comes packed and ready to go.”
Evangeline Best: “Shop- ping online is not for me. My daughter loves it, but not me. I don’t’ shop just during the holi- days. I look for sales and I prefer to be hands-on. I do see the ad- vantages of shopping online, but I want to see and touch what I’m spending my money on.”