Remember when we were in High School how administrators would schedule guest speakers to come in and chat with the students (us) about the importance of staying in school, getting good grades and living up to the goals and aspirations set by our parents?
Administrators from Stranahan High School recently took advantage of a talented school Alum who is now moving into that type of speaking arena. The former Stranahan student? Kendrick English. If the name sounds familiar, it should.
Back in 1995, English was injured during a high school football game. The doctor’s prognosis – Incomplete Quadriplegic. Despite his life-altering accident, English graduated from Stranahan, earned a degree from Lynn University and now, 17 years later, he is a hard working City of Sunrise employee. He has faced more than his fair share of challenges over the years, yet manages to stay positive and help others to do the same.
Educators at Stranahan High School know some of their young, male students who face academic trouble early in their high school education may quickly become statistics… young Black men who do not earn diplomas. So teachers have created The Soaring Dragons mentoring program. Instructors volunteer to mentor and be role models to 9th graders. The idea is to pull these young men back into the fold quickly, so they never become statistics and live up to their full potential.
Who better to meet with these young men than a man who knows all too well the importance of having a solid education… Kendrick English. What an honor and joy for me to have been at Stranahan listening to English share his story with students, encourage them to focus on their education and to set goals and achievable dreams for themselves.A man who reminded students they can achieve whatever they set their minds to, despite any roadblocks or challenges life may throw at them. Inspiring!
Finding positive people, events and stories to share has become my mission, and I love it! What’s your story?
A multiple Emmy-Award winning Anchor and Reporter, Julia Yarbough is a national blogger, motivational speaker, emcee/hostess, entrepreneur, travel writer and health & fitness enthusiast. Follow Julia’s reality-blog at www.highwaytoahusband.com. To have Julia appear at your next event, contact info@juliayarboughmediagroup.com.
