Page 13 - Florida Sentinel 12-30-16 Online Edition

FLORIDA SENTINEL
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016
Six Members Of Gentlemen’s Quest Observe Court In Session
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Recently, a group of young men got an opportu- nity that few get. They were allowed to visit the Hillsbor- ough County Courthouse and witness cases as they unfolded.
Gentlemen’s Quest is an organization founded on the campus of Chamberlain High School. Its purpose is to help minority males real- ize their full potential as stu- dents, make positive choices regarding their academics and behavior, and equip them with the skills neces- sary to become productive citizens after they graduate. Tavis Myrick, Ed. S., As- sistant Principal for Student Affairs is the sponsor of the organization.
In order to accomplish this goal, Myrick hosts
referrals, increased atten- dance at school, and higher achievement for students in all areas.
The students also have an opportunity to visit various locations where they can ob- serve successful men.
On December 19th, six members of Gentlemen’s Quest took time from their Winter Break to visit the Hillsborough County Court- house. They were given the opportunity to observe both civil and criminal cases dur- ing their visit. The young men were: Corey Criss, Roberto Diaz, Randal Ervin, Abdiel Figueroa, Michael Morales, and Za- h’Quai Wilson.
The young men also had an opportunity to interact with Judge Daryl Man- ning, Judge Gregory Holder, and Judge Manuel Lopez.
Family Enjoys Non-Traditional Christmas As They Continue To Heal
Some members of Gentleman’s Quest recently had the opportunity to visit the Hillsborough County Courts and observe legal procedures as they unfolded in the courtroom. Shown from left to right are: Zah’Quai Wilson, Abdiel Figueroa, Roberto Diaz, Judge Daryl Manning, Corey Criss, Randal Ervin, and Michael Morales.
workshops and activities de- signed to provide the stu- dents with strategies needed to become successful.
The students attend bi- weekly meetings that are
structured and targeted; the academic and behavioral progress of the students are monitored; and the students are required to dress profes- sionally as a requirement to
attend various functions planned for the organiza- tion.
The structure of the or- ganization helps with the re- duction of disciplinary
Attended Game Between Cleveland Cavaliers And Golden State Warriors:
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
A Tampa family, joined by their family in Jacksonville, FL, enjoyed a non-traditional Christmas as they received “favor from the Lord, above and beyond.”
The Johnson family in Tampa and the Sanders family in Jacksonville spent their Christmas in Cleveland, Ohio and were able to take in the Cavaliers-Warriors game.
This Christmas was not going to be the same for the 2 families after losing a loved one earlier this year. Ish- mon Johnson lost his bat- tle with cancer in March.
Mrs. Tameca Johnson,
his wife, said their son loves the Golden State Warriors. He wanted to attend a game where he could meet some of the players. He had even told his friends he was going to meet some players.
“I went on line searching for tickets. I saw one in Cali- fornia, but I wanted some- thing closer so that Ish (her son, Ishmon, III) would have time to rest before going back to school.”
As she searched further, Mrs. Johnson found tickets for a game in Cleveland on Christmas Day. “The game was sold out, but I was told
The Johnson and Sanders families trav- eled to Cleveland, Ohio to celebrate a differ- ent Christmas. They went to Quicken Loan Arena to watch the Cavaliers-Warriors game. From left, Kyndall, Tameca and Ish- mon (III) Johnson, Jordan, Jackson, Ta’Vianna and Jamall Sanders.
Ishmon
Sanders were able to get photos with Kevin Durant before Sunday’s game.
that a few tickets would be up for sale from season ticket holders starting on Sept. 29th. I knew I would not remember to call around that time be- cause I was busy getting the store dedications (Winn- Dixie) worked out.”
As she said, “It was all di- vine because even though I called after the date the tick- ets went on sale, the tickets were available for my family and my daughter and her family.
The families secured air- fares and hotel reservations
at the Ritz Carlton – same hotel for the Warriors.
It’s Christmas morning and the first order of the day is breakfast. However, during breakfast, Ish learns that the Warriors would soon be leav- ing the building and that his favorite player, Kevin Du- rant is on bus 2.
When people start scream- ing, the families know that something was about to hap- pen. The players start loading on the buses. “I was so busy trying to get a photo of Stephen Curry, he passed
by and I missed him,” Mrs. Johnson said.
The Warrior security was very tight, but things just fell into place. Ishmon and his nephew, Jordan Sanders, 8, were ushered to the 6th floor of the hotel where they were able to meet Kevin Du- rant, take photos with him, and show him the new KDs he got for Christmas.
The group made their way to Quicken Loans Arena, but were a little too late to get pre-game autographs. As it turned out, Kyndall (12),
Jamall (son-in-law), and Ish were seated by the tunnel and were allowed to slap hands with the players as they came through.
“It was a different Christ- mas. There are no words to express how the Lord in all His graciousness granted us the desires of our heart as we continue to heal. He’s letting us know that He’s still taking care of us. His angels are camped all around us. It was a seamless flight up and back and it was all divine,” Mrs. Johnson said.
Johnson
and Jordan
Ishmon and Kyndall waiting for the players to come through the tunnel.
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