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Features
Day Camp For Young Girls Presents ‘A Royal Night’ (Tonight) Friday
Statistics show that suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people in this country. And, girls between the ages of 10 to 14 have a higher risk of suicide than boys.
However, a summer day camp, known as Camp Royal (Real Outstanding Young Achiev- ing Ladies), was established to help young girls build self-esteem. It was created by Ms. Bri- anna Blandford, Miss Teen Tampa 2014, and Ms. Lindsey Sandifer, Miss Teen Tampa hair and makeup artist.
And, its purpose is to help young girls build self-confidence and self-esteem. The camp is one week, and works with 20-25 young girls in a group setting. At the end of the week, the girls conclude with “A Royal Night,” where they showcase what they have learned.
Their “A Royal Night,” is tonight, at 6 p.m., at Hillsborough Community College, Dale Mabry Campus.
After Ms. Blandford won the title, she decided that she didn’t just want to participate in a community project. She wanted to make a difference.
Having been bullied during her middle school years, she felt there was a pressing need to address the issue, but in a positive manner. She enlisted Ms. Sandifer to help her and the result of their brainstorming was Camp Royal.
The camp is unique in that it is the only one of its kind in the Tampa Bay Area that was founded and operated by teenage girls. Its mis-
Ms. Brianna Blandford Miss Teen Tampa 2014
sion is to empower young women and stop the spread of bullying and promote confidence. The skills taught during the week long session will enable these young ladies to know how to effectively interview and present themselves as young women. They are taught about healthy lifestyles, healthy living, wearing makeup, hair techniques, and given fashion tips.
They are also mentored and taught how to embrace confidence and strive for leadership not only in school, but in their communities as well.
For additional information about the day camp visit their website at http://www.cam- proyaltampa.com.
‘Rays Of Hope’ To Host Community Outreach Day
On Saturday, July 16th from 10a.m.to5p.m.,RaysofHope Outreach and DPMG will pres- ent their first annual Commu- nity Outreach Day, featuring area college football players. The event will be held on the football field of Middleton High School on 22nd Street and Osborne Avenue.
Rays Of Hope founder, Ho- race Drew, said this will be an event for the kids and the com- munity in an effort to bring everyone together in support of each other.
“This is a free event with lots of treats, such as a bounce house, Angel Dancers from New Smyrna Church, Jazz by Allen’s Entertainment, and a live DJ by The Team DJs.”
Drew said he wants every- one to bring their tents and chairs, and spread the word that there is a dire need to show our kids we love them.
“I owe so much to the ven- dors and sponsors who’ve worked with me on this project and projects in the past.
“Let’s do something positive together and at the same time prove with all the unrest going on around the country, we can still pull together and enjoy
HORACE DREW
each other’s company.” Special guests scheduled to
attend the event will be Der- rick Baity, Tristan Cooper, Jake Fruhmorgan, Kyle Henderson, Ray Ray Mc- Cloud, J. T. Thompson, Aaron Covington, Greg Windham, Luke McFad- den, Mazzi Wilkins, Bruce Hector, Jenon Fripp, Patrick Brooks, Tony Ger- ard, Austin Hudson, and Reeves Rogers.
“Come join us as we promote the importance of an educa- tion, good health, and charac- ter building,” said Drew.
For more information, call (813) 735-5456.
Woman Charged With Murder Of East Tampa Man
JAMES SIMMONS, JR. 7/13/1967 --- 4/25/2016
A 26-year-old Tampa woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a murder that took place in April. She is currently being held at the Hillsborough County Jail without bond.
Members of the Tampa Po- lice Department’s Fugitive Ap- prehension Unit and the U. S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Ms. Aysoni Q. Lewis, at her home in the 3500 block of East 24th Avenue, Wednesday morning. Ms. Lewis was taken into custody and charged in connection with the murder of 48-year-old James Simmons, Jr.
According to police, Sim- mons’ mother discovered his body inside his home at 3805
AYSONI Q. LEWIS
... Charged with murder
E. Curtis Street, shortly before 8 p.m., on April 25, 2016. He died of gunshot wounds.
Police arrived at the scene and during their investigation, discovered that Simmons’ 2005 blue, Chevrolet Cobalt was also missing. The vehicle was located several days later in the Grant Park area.
During the course of the in- vestigation, homicide detec- tives were able to identify Ms. Lewis as a suspect in the case. This was done through a com- bination of investigative leads and witness interviews, police said.
Ms. Lewis was charged with first-degree murder, armed robbery, and grand theft of a motor vehicle.
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