Page 14 - 8-7-15 Friday's Edition Updated

Features
Young Man Who Battled The Odds Ready For College
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
If one were to describe Alphonso Murphy in one word, that word would be de- termined. Although he has faced many obstacles since birth, he has never given up on his dream.
At the age of 26, most young adults have already completed college and have launched ca- reers. Murphy is about to begin college and he needs help from the community to make his dream possible.
Murphy was accepted at Pensacola Christian College, and is scheduled to begin on September 9th. His mother, Ms. Theresa Miller, has es- tablished a gofundme.com ac- count to help her son realize his dream.
Ms. Miller was 20 weeks into her pregnancy and nearly 40 years old when she learned she was pregnant. Murphy began life as a premature in- fant, weighing pound and 12 ounces. His mother said he was not expected to live. That was the first obstacle he over- came.
His next obstacle was to overcome pedi mar seizures, mild cerebral palsy, obsessive compulsive disorder, juvenile diabetes, high blood pressure and scaring of the lungs. When he began school, he barely tested above the mental retar- dation level, his mother said.
But, Ms. Miller was just as determined as her only child was to overcome the obstacles. She enrolled him in the Sylvan Learning Program where he mastered reading and spelling. Even though he was labeled a slow learner and enrolled in the Special Education Pro- gram, he didn’t want special treatment.
Once he reached middle school at Temple Heights Bap- tist School, he saw a pamphlet about Pensacola Christian Col- lege and knew he wanted to at- tend the school.
For several years, Murphy became active at his church, Mount Olive A. M. E. Church, where he sang in the choir and participated in other church activities.
He enrolled at Bishop Eton High School and continued to prepare himself for the future. He had a 4.0 grade point aver-
ALPHONSO MURPHY
... Needs help to attend college
age, and was inducted into the National Honor Roll Society. He was very active in school.
Upon completion, Murphy was not presented a diploma because the school did not re- quire him to take the FCAT Test. He was given an Aca- demic Certificate of Comple- tion. Once again, that was not acceptable.
He enrolled in several local programs, gaining experience in Culinary Arts and volun- teered at Metropolitan Min- istries, Boggy Creek, Best Buddies, USF Chapter, and other places.
But, he was still determined to earn his diploma and to be- come an Event Planner. He entered the Job Corps. While there, he obtained his high school diploma through Penn Foster, Culinary Certification, and State Serve Safe license.
He came home two years ago and obtained employment at the University of Tampa as a Prep Cook. But, Murphy still has his heart set on at- tending Pensacola Christian College.
Ms. Miller said Murphy needs help because Pensacola Christian College is a private institution and does not accept the state or federal funding.
“Most scholarships are for graduating seniors. Since we did not find out he was ac- cepted until May, the deadline for those have already past.”
She said having faced losing her own employment to out- sourcing and having to find work herself, she can’t help her son financially. She hopes the community will help Murphy to pursue his dream of becom- ing a minister and Event Plan- ner.
New Life Village
To Host Big Pool Party
NEW LIFE VILLAGE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
BY LEON B. CREWS Sentinel Staff Writer
For thousands of foster chil- dren and their families, New Life Village represents an al- ternative lifestyle from the stereotyped environment of most foster care facilities.
New Life Village, located at 4926 Venice Lake Avenue in the Palm River area, has opened its doors for children in need of a place to call home for years, and now they are inviting the community to join them for a special event.
On Wednesday, August 12th at 6 p. m., NLV wants every- one to join their team of young professionals and the kids for an evening at the pool.
NLV Staff and the children will be hanging out by the pool that will be followed by a potluck-styled dinner and a DIY project.
Everyone is invited to come out and get their hands dirty while at the same time sharing their experiences with the children of New Life Village.
NLV Director, Paul Halpern, said they always
hope that the children will touch the hearts of some fami- lies who are interested in adopting them.
“We try to make this place as much a home as we can for the children, and our group of young professionals are in- strumental in keeping our mission statement alive.
“What we need are commit- ted adults who want to adopt the children, and allow them to be a part of a family again.”
Halpern said the public is invited to come by and visit the Village any time, or they can call (813) 304-0623.
PAGE 2-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2015