Page 11 - Florida Sentinel 4-21-17

Local
Author Changes Adversity Into An Opportunity
Annual Spring Fling And Talent Show
DEVELL HAWKINS
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
If anyone were to ever ask Devell Hawkins if he had an easy life, he would answer, “no.” In fact, he would most likely tell you the story of a rough child- hood and lifestyle.
He would most likely convey that he was born in Winter Haven and that he and his two siblings were raised by a single mother. He would also most likely convey that he had several runs with law enforcement as a youth. And, he would further reveal that he was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for possession of cocaine and pos- session of a firearm in 2005.
But Hawkins would also tell you that those things are his past and not his future. And, he would also say that the prison sentence turned into an oppor- tunity for him to re-create him- self.
Hawkins decided that prison would not define who he is, nor define his capabilities. Struggling with dyslexia, it took him seven years to earn his General Education Diploma
TRACY McGRADY
(GED).
And that accomplishment
led to others. He completed Life Skills, Creative Writing, and Parenting classes during the years that followed. And, he re- alized that he had the ability to bring stories to life on paper.
Hawkins has written a se- ries of novels. The first is enti- tled “Saga: A Living Legend.”
His path also crossed that of former National Basketball As- sociation Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady, he has been able to self-publish his books, which are available at Amazon. Now, he is searching for a major pub- lisher to make his creations available to everyone.
At the age of 40, Hawkins has served more than a half of his sentence. And, he plans to use his experience to help oth- ers, especially children. He hopes his story will inspire oth- ers.
Anyone wishing to contact Hawkins can reach him on Facebook @Devell Hawkins; or by mail at Devell Hawkins 40462-018 P. O. Box 699, Estill, SC 29918.
Sligh Middle Magnet School will have its Annual Spring Fling and Talent Show on Monday, April 24th. The show begins at 3 p. m. and concludes at 5 p. m.
There will be lots of food and many games. There is however, an admission fee of $5 for the talent show.
The Children's Board of Hillsborough County has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP)
PUR 02-2017 CHILDREN’S BOARD OFFICE INTERIOR PAINTING SERVICES
For more information visit: www.ChildrensBoard.org, click on Budgeting, then Funding Opportunities or www.demandstar.com.
Non-Mandatory
Pre-Bid Meeting & Walk-Through 10:00 a.m. April 26, 2017 1002 E. Palm Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
The Children's Board encourages submissions by qualified firms, individuals, and/or Disadvantaged, Minority Business Enterprise (DMBE) organizations.
FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY PAGE 11-A