Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 7-27-18

FLORIDA SENTINEL
FRIDAY, JULY 27, 2018
Graduate Signs To Play College Basketball
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Recently, a high school graduate made her choice and accepted a scholar- ship. She credits God, her family, and her mentors for her success so far.
Kiara Tharpe gradu- ated from Tampa Bay Technical High School as an honor graduate. Her 5.5 grade point average placed her in the top 10% of her class.
And while she applied herself academically, she still found time to excel on the basketball courts. Having begun playing the sport several years ago, Kiara became a standout while attending Armwood High School during the first two years of high school. She racked an im- pressive 7 points per game, 5 steals, 5 assists, and 6 rebounds.
When she transferred to Tampa Bay Technical High School, Kiara played defense and was a force to be reckoned with.
“After two of the play- ers faced injuries, Kiara was thrust into the point guard role and No. 2 guard. This was highly challenging since Kiara had played small forward
roles on all of her teams,” her mother, Mrs. Michelle Aiken said.
Throughout it all, Kiara kept a positive atti- tude, a willingness to put in the extra work, and faith in her abilities. As a reward for her dedication to the game and determi- nation to succeed, Kiara will be attending North- west Kansas Technical College on a scholarship as a member of the Lady Mavericks. Her chosen major is Sports Medicine.
Northwest Kansas Technical College is a 2- year technical school lo- cated in Goodland, Kansas. Their motto is “Make It Happen.”
Several members of Kiara’s family, including her parents, grandmother, aunts, cousins, and friends were on hand for the joyous occasion.
Her mentors, Coach Dub (Willonda Wind- ham), of Armwood High School and Coach Ladreda Akins, her AAU Coach were also in attendance for the grand occasion. She is grateful to her coaches for support- ing, trusting, encouraging, and pushing her to elevate her game so that she can compete at a higher level.
Shown on Signing Day seated are Ms. Michelle Aiken, Kiara’s mother; Kiara Tharpe, and her father, Solomon Tharpe. Shown standing from left to right are: Brian Aiken (stepdad), Alexis Lamar (sister), Coach Willonda Windham (Dub), Coach Ladreda Akins (Florida AAU), Martha Tharpe, (stepmom), Lisa Williams, (aunt), and Todd Pursley.
Kiara and her aunt, Danna Pittman.
Kiara is shown with friend, Alexis Wheatley.
her best
Family members on hand were: Alexis Lamar, (sister), Martha Tharpe, (stepmom), Solomon Tharpe, (dad), Kiara Tharpe, Michelle Aiken (mom), and Brian Aiken (stepdad).
Kiara was joined by her grand- mother, Mrs. Lola Russ for the joy- ous occasion.
Kiara is shown with her cousins, from left to right: Landon Russ, Channing Pittman, and Daniel Day.
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