The Midtown Press (June/July Issue)

THE

Midtown

Press

june/july 2021 VOLUME XXVI NUMBER 3 www.themidtownpress.com

PROUDLY SERVING GREATER PINE HILLS & LOCAL COMMUNITIES PINE HILLS | GOTHA | ORLO VISTA | LITTLE EGYPT | LOCKHART | CLARCONA

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS Hurricane Season Page 7

HEALTH & WELLNESS Men’s Health Focus Page 14

PRESS PROFILE Jemile Weeks Page 20

KNOW THIS

Seat Belt & Back Seat Safety Page 27

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IN THIS ISSUE 4 EDITOR’S CHAIR 6 WHAT SAY YOU? 9 COVID-19 CORNER 10 TIDBITS 12 SENIOR FOCUS 13 COVID-19 CORNER 14 HEALTH & WELLNESS

COVER PHOTO Cover Page: Fathers and their children.

From L-R - Alfredo Ortiz (Christian), Joseph Caesar (Jordan), Gary Newton II (Haley & Eva), Damien Priester (Gia & Emory)

23 Q & A 30 COMMUNITY NOTICES 34 POST SCRIPT HAND CAR WASH

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T H E PRESS / 3

EDITOR’S CHAIR

W

e did it! Getting the first issue published was truly a labor of love. What most people wouldn't have known is that most of the paper was put together while on a Spring Break road trip vacation. In a way, it made the experience of putting together my first issue even that more memorable. I'll always remember waking up early one morning in a hotel near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, in a small town called Williams, Arizona located on Historic Route 66 to work on the layout and looking out the window to see snow! Or going to a coffee shop on another early morning before the kids woke up in Hacienda Heights, California to conduct a phone interview with the view of the San Gabriel Mountains as a backdrop.

I was a ball of nerves before I hit "submit" on sending the file to the printer. There were so many questions in my head. Did I get all the punctuation right? Were all the color profiles correct? Did I catch all of the typos? In the end, there were some errors but I was proud of how it turned out. I'll get better with each issue. In keeping with the nostalgia theme, I will never forget receiving the call from the printer to let 4 / THE PR E SS

me know that the paper was done and I could come to pick them up. It was literally "hot off the press." In fact, some of the pages were still wet when I browsed through the first copy. And since I promised that I would be honest with you, a small tear did roll down my face when I saw the finished product (or maybe it was the dampness from the paper) LOL! Thank you to everyone who called, texted, or messaged me.

Your encouragement and support means more to me than you will ever know.

This issue has a bit of a Father's Day theme to it so I hope you enjoy it. I wanted to highlight some of the incredible fathers I know on the cover. I hope you take a moment to reflect on the fathers in your lives - past or present. I honor and dedicate this issue to my father, my first hero; Eldon J. Providence.

Glen

PLUS+

W

ith this issue highlighting the fathers in our lives, we decided to do some quick research and point out some little-known facts about the day which is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of June.

Did you know that the nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington? However, it was not until 1972, 58 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official, that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday in the United States. Often comparisons are made between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day on which day consumers will spend the most money. This battle is typically one-sided with Mother’s Day being the clear winner each year. According to the National Retail Federation in 2018 consumer spending on Mother’s Day was surpassed $25 billion. In comparison, Father's Day projections for consumer spending on Father’s Day in 2018 was only $15.3 billion. According to one survey, 46 percent of consumers make plans ahead of time to purchase a gift for their mothers compared to only 30 percent who plan to buy gifts for their fathers. One other interesting note is one study which indicated over 60 percent of sons felt obligated to buy their mothers a gift which, in some ways, may play a role in higher consumer spending on Mother’s Day than on Father’s Day. In any case, Happy Father's Day! We hope all the fathers get all the socks, underwear and power tools they can stand!

Virginia Santana Felix, MD

Carthia Joachim, ARNP

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What Say you?

Question

We are halfway through 2021, what are you looking forward to during the second half of the year?

Timothy Ayers

"If travel restrictions are fully lifted, travelling to see my kids and extended family. Also, to finalize my dual business plans and my home refurbishing design project. If I can finish those three, I'll be ready for 2022."

Tammie Holt, LMHC

"Living life to the fullest and focusing on what matters and let go of what doesn’t."

Executive Director West Lakes Partnership

Director of SOS H.E.R. Counseling Services

Yolanda Clay Triplett

Supervisor, Division of Building Safety Orange County Government

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Disaster Preparedness

2021 Hurricane Season Names

June 1st ushered in the official beginning of the 2021 Atlantic Hurricane season. While Central Florida has been spared over the last few years by not being directly impacted by a storm, it is still recommended that all residents be prepared in case this is the year that we are in the path of a storm. While the peak of hurricane season is September 10th, that does not mean you should wait until then to begin preparations.

I'm sure we all remember the shortage of toilet paper, water, and cleaning supplies at the beginning of the pandemic. The more you prepare now, the more confident you will be and the less you will have to do in case of a pending storm.

Here are some tips to aid in your preparation: • Store at least 1 gallon of water per day per person.

• You should store at least a two-week supply of water for each member of your family.

• Store foods that your family will enjoy that are also high in calories and nutrition.

• Don't forget to buy non-perishable foods for your pets.

• Avoid foods that have to be cooked which can be difficult to prepare during a disaster.

• Have all of your items packed and ready so that you can grab them quickly in an emergency.

Lastly, be sure to inspect your home for any needed repairs to the roof, doors, windows, and garage doors.

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Kate Ana Larry Bill Claudette Mindy Nicholas Danny Odette Elsa Peter Fred Rose Grace Sam Henri Teresa Ida Victor Julian Wanda

Dates to Know

june 6 8 14 19 20 20 21

D Day, WWII Best Friends Day Flag Day Juneteenth Day Summer Solstice Father's Day National Selfie Day

july 1 4 7 18 19 21

Postal Worker Day Independence Day World Chocolate Day National Ice Cream Day Eid al-Adha Begins National Hot Dog Day

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T H E PRESS / 7

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A program of:

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Funded in part by:

COVID-19 CORNER COVID-19 VACCINATION

Orange County Government is providing a free, convenient, drive-thru vaccination site at Barnett Park located at 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32808. Testing is offered 7-days per week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The site offers walk-ups only - no appointments needed.

Know before you go: • Walk-ups only, however, pre-registration is recommended • For individuals 12+ (minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian) • Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines offered • If you receive your first dose at Barnett Park, you will automatically be scheduled for your second dose at this location at a later date • This site is also pedestrian and bike-friendly (you do not have to be in a vehicle)

COVID-19 TESTING

Since Spring 2020, Orange County Health Services has been rotating weekly throughout the County offering free COVID-19 testing to all County residents. Extended 7 days per week through the end of June 2021, Health Services offers both free PCR/molecular and rapid/antigen testing at Barnett Park.

Additional Test Sites The following testing sites are operated by private corporations and may charge fees.

Additionally, please check with your primary care provider for additional options.

• AdventHealth Centra Care • CVS Health • GuideWell Emergency Doctors • Orlando International Airport • UCF and Aventus Biolabs • Walgreens Pharmacy • Walmart and Quest Diagnostics T H E PRESS / 9

Tidbits

Mayor Jerry L. Demings Hosts the State of the County Address On Friday, June 4, 2021, in what seemed impossible just a few short months ago, Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings presented the 2021 State of Orange County address inside of the Linda Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center to in-person and virtual guests on Friday morning, June 4, 2021.

The Mayor's address included several highlights and points to note.

• State of Emergency Ends - After 15 months of restrictions, the county is no longer in a state of emergency and all pandemic County mandates have been lifted.

• Unemployment Near Pre-Pandemic Levels - After the region’s unemployment rate peaked at 22.6 percent, unemployment is estimated at 5.6 percent.

• Airport Traffic Surging - The Orlando International Airport (MCO) is once again one of the top five busiest airports in the nation and the busiest in Florida based on TSA passenger count.

• Positivity Rate Down - The Florida Department of Health reported a 14-day rolling daily COVID-19 daily positivity rate of 5 percent or below.

Mayor Demings, who is seeking a second, four-year term in 2022, said he also intends to reinstate the one-cent sales tax initiative for public transportation funding when the economy is in full recovery. The tax which was halted in April 2020 because of the pandemic, is projected to raise $596 million a year and help fund SunRail and Lynx.

To watch the full 2021 State of the County address, scan the QR Code below:

1 0 / THE PR ESS

Tidbits continued Orlo Vista Honors First Responders The Orlo Vista United Safe Neighborhood recently hung banners over the community signs in different locations through the neighborhood to show support of our First Responders. Residents are encouraged to join us by displaying chalk art on their driveways and sidewalks, as a reminder to our First Responders that we appreciate all they do for us, especially during this pandemic. Take a picture and upload it to social media using the hashtags #Orlovista #chalkthewalk

Emergency Rental Assistance Available The Orange County Emergency Rental Assistance Program is an income-based program aimed at helping Orange County's most vulnerable tenants who are at risk of eviction due to COVID-19. The funding made available under this program will be used to make direct payments to landlords on behalf of qualifying tenants. This program is available to tenants who meet all the specific requirements. Please scan the QR code in the ad for more information.

Please note that the City of Orlando received its own emergency rental assistance funding allocation from the Federal Government.

Tenants whose rental properties are located within the City of Orlando’s city limits do not qualify for the County’s program and must instead apply for the City of Orlando Rental Assistance Program. City of Orlando residents should visit www.orlando.gov/ COVID-19/Assistance-for-Residents T H E P RESS / 1 1

Senior Focus

Pine Hills Seniors: Staying Active & Involved!!

We Share Because we Care!

A

s we all know in 2020 the global pandemic changed the way that we conducted our lives and routines.

The Pine Hills Seniors weekly Thursday meetings were interrupted by this. However, our involvement in the community never wavered. We made sure that our presence was President still felt and our mission to serve Pine Hills Seniors and stay in touch with our seniors Ms. Lorna Wilmoth was upheld by making numerous phone calls. One major focus was to ensure that our seniors received assistance and information to be vaccinated. We took part in feeding the homeless, as well as food distribution to families in need. We participated in cleaning up the streets of Pine Hills by picking up trash and waste. In December of 2020, we hosted an event called Pine Hills Seniors Connect at Barnett Park with an overwhelming response by the number of seniors that were in attendance. Sandra FatmiHall of United Foundation of Central Florida provided the food for the event. Dedicated Senior Medical Center provided gift baskets. Gloria Martin from Humana sent an ice cream truck. We were grateful to see everyone once more. We hope to have an even bigger outcome for our picnic in the park at Orla Vista Park this upcoming June. June is usually when we end our sessions and meet again in the fall.

Lorna Wilmoth is proud that her peers believe she is capable and deserving of the privilege to serve the members of the Pine Hills Seniors. As President she will continue to work making the center a place where seniors come and share a common purpose and carry out our vision to stay active, stay independent and stay involved.

1 2 / THE PR ESS

CO N TACT US : Phone 407-254-9107 Email pinehillsseniors@gmail.com pinehillsseniors2@gmail.com Address Pine Hills Community Center 6408 Jennings Road, Bldg B Orlando, FL 32818 P H S B OA R D ME MB E RS President Ms. Sheila Belle Vice President Ms. Bertina Busch Secretary Ms. Bridget Monroe Treasurer Mr. Glen R. Providence Member Ms. Gail P. Bradshaw P H S L E A D E RS H I P President Ms. Lorna Wilmoth Vice President Ms. Andrea Jackson Secretary Ms. Shirley Lewis Treasurer Mr. Oliver Batson P H S STA N D I N G CO MMI TTE E Mr. Oliver Batson Mr. Compton Belle Ms. Alwyn Brown Mr. John Moore Ms. Jeane Telford

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Health& Wellness Men’s Health Focus: Portion Distortion

I

t is time for our men to get focused on improving their health. Summer is here and we're wearing less and making plans to head out to the nearest beach or pool. However, if your weight is an issue, you might be more reluctant to do so. Weight gain does not happen overnight.

Pay Attention to Portion Sizes: Twenty years ago portion sizes were smaller, and calories were less. What happened? Portions increased which means calories have increased as well. We also shop at places that give us better pricing for foods. Socalled “big box” stores encourage us to buy more and eat more!

Keep it Moving: Portion control is a task we all must master. Keep portion sizes consistent with your activity level. As your activity level decreases you need to match your food intake to your activity level. It is no surprise that we are all more active while we were younger. If you continue to eat as is, as you get older and become more sedentary, you will gain weight and be at risk for nutrition-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Learn to Read Labels: This is a critical step in learning to manage your weight. Always read food labels and learn how many serving sizes are in a food package, can, or bag. If a serving size says “4” then that means that four servings are in that package. To determine how many calories, you have consumed, you must multiply how many servings are in the package to get your true calories. For example, if you like ice cream and the package contains 4 servings with each serving containing 270 calories, you would have to multiply 4 (servings) x 270 (calories) to get the total amount of calories. In the case of the ice cream, it would be 1080 calories. For some, that may be the amount may equal half the amount of food that should be consumed in one day.

Suggestions for better Men’s health 1. Set goals that you can achieve. Gradual changes work.

2. Buddy up with your family members to create healthy behaviors in the home 3. Seek advice from a dietitian.

4. Exercise regularly. Walk as often as you can and make it a brisk walk, not a slow stroll.

If you have bad knees, consider swimming as it has less impact on your joints.

5. Get medical check-ups once a year. If you are uninsured or under insured seek help from a local health clinic like the Orange Blossom Family Health Center or Grace Medical.

6. Discourage poor eating habits with your children. Children will mimic the habits of the adults at home.

1 4 / THE PR ESS

Roniece Weaver, MS RD LD Roniece is a registered dietitian, founding partner, and Director of Agency Operations for Hebni Nutrition.

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Pine Hills NID WHAT IS THE PINE HILLS NID?

for

revitalizing

The Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) is a special district adopted by the Orange County Board of Commissioners in December 2011 to serve as a catalyst the local economy.

Our Vision is for Pine Hills to remain a diverse, multi-cultural community that seeks to preserve its rich history as a family-oriented community, create a safe, business-friendly environment, and offer our citizens a place to live, work, play and learn. Our Mission is to strengthen our community through partnerships with local business leaders, citizens, government institutions, and non-profit organizations with a focus on expanding local community commerce, improving infrastructure, removing business impediments, and controlling messaging and communications in social and traditional media.

The NID has implemented a long-range vision for redevelopment that focuses on bringing together local businesses, citizens, and government to build a brighter future.

To view the full Annual Report, scan the QR Code below:

1 6 / THE PR ESS

The economic environment in Pine Hills is composed of a diverse mix of businesses that provide services and employment to thousands of Orange County residents.

The Pine Hills workforce population is comprised of approximately 76,000 residents, most of who are of working age (between 25 and 54). This workforce also is well educated, with a large number of high-school graduates and individuals who have completed at least some level of college education.

“Education level and the ability to provide additional skills training are critical components of an economic development strategy designed to recruit new businesses and support existing businesses interested in making significant financial investments within the community,” states Sam Weekley, Executive Director, Pine Hills Neighborhood Improvement District.

The NID recently released its 2020-21 Annual Report. The report includes key indicators which are extremely encouraging for one of Orange County’s oldest and largest neighborhoods.

New Beginnings New Solutions

O

n May 13th, 2021, the staff and Board of Directors of the United Foundation of Central Florida (UFCF), Inc. held a Grand Opening for their brand new location. Affectionately known as the "Solutions Center" the new center will operate as a Hub for the foundation and its programming including but not limited to After-School Programming, Food Pantry/Distribution, STEAM Education, and other holistic resources for the positive development of the family. Additionally, the new center will help provide access to jobs, training, scholarship opportunities by taking a holistic approach.

Under the leadership of Executive Director, Sandra Fatmi-Hall The United Foundation which provides after school enrichment and mentoring program that has been around for the last 6+ years proudly serving the students at Evans High School. Fatmi-Hall attributes the success of the program by being able to pivot and provide solutions. While other programs may focus on the areas of academics and sports when working with youth, UFCF places its emphasis on the well-being of the child including their mental health and family surroundings.

Fatmi-Hall, who has a servant's heart, prides herself on being busy. It was that "heart" that led to her joining the Caribbean Chamber of Commerce, when she first moved to the central Florida area over 12 years ago, eventually becoming the President of the organization. Her community connections while working at companies such as SunTrust led her to the Pine Hills community where she would constantly hear negative stories about the youth in the neighborhood, especially at Evans High School where at the time, the graduation rate was around 50 percent. This didn't sit right with her and she was determined to make a change...create solutions!

UFCF currently operates three main programs including Future Leaders United an after-school mentoring and enrichment program that has graduated 119 students. The educational scholarship program which helps to pay for graduates to go to college has provided over $100K in scholarships to students and another $15K to support participants in college. The third focus area is food insecurity which the organization does through successful food drives that serve families in the Pine Hills community. To date, the initiative which was launched a year ago in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic has served over 900,000 meals with help from organizations including Second Harvest and Feed The Need.

With the graduation rate at Evans High school at 97%, a reduction in crime rates, and accolades from Orange County Public Schools with Fatmi-Hall receiving the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award you can rest assured that whatever new problems may arise, she will find a solution.  T H E PRESS / 1 7

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Press Profile

We Got Family Built To Rise Born To Fly

I

t's not every day that you get to meet a "celebrity", much less an athlete that played baseball on the highest level in the Major Leagues. Now, what if this person, on any given Sunday, can be found on a baseball diamond, coaching, training, and motivating youth to become better, while focusing on their grades, behavior, and a focus on their future, then you might have run into Jemile Weeks.

A native to Central Florida, Weeks grew up in Altamonte Springs where he attended Lake Brantley High School where he was drafted out of high school but turned down the opportunity to attend the University Jemile Weeks of Miami where he was an All-American and even played in the College Former Major Leauge World Series. This success led to him being drafted a second time (in the Baseball Player first round) by the Oakland Athletics. His hard work led to him being called up to play in the major leagues in just three years and even received Rookie of Year voting in a baseball career that spanned 12 years. His parents were big influences on him and his sibling's lives. He learned a lot from observing his parents who worked diligently to create an environment guided on excellence with a focus on faith, sports and education. It was his father, Mr. Rickie Weeks, who started the Orlando Monarchs Baseball collegiate baseball program at Historic Tinker Field which ultimately led to Jemile returning home to launch the We Family United organization. The senior Mr. Weeks views giving back to the community as a fundamental trait and to having his son now giving back is a blessing. The organization places its emphasis on three main traits; Unity, Community & Team Bonding.

The overarching goal of the organization is to change the narrative of the under served youth through the game of baseball.

Rickie Weeks

Another goal of the program is to increase participation of African-American youth playing baseball. This is due in part to Weeks' time while playing baseball where he saw very few players that looked like him on the baseball field. And while the number of Black players in the major leagues have crept up slightly, the numbers are still dismal. To put things in perspective, on opening day rosters in 2020, less than 8% of players were Black. Three teams that didn't have any Black players at all and of the 30 teams in the league, 14 teams had two or fewer. Meanwhile, much emphasis has been placed in Hispanic and Latin American countries. When asked why he believes this is the case, Weeks states that the effort needs to be stronger. Weeks also points to the disparities that exist in terms of funding and opportunities in lower-income minority neighborhoods. However, he is not letting these barriers prevent him from achieving the goals he has set and believes that he can build his program in a grassroots fashion to create an atmosphere 2 0 / THE PR ESS

to support the kids who are a part of the We Fam organization. We visited a group practice session on a Sunday afternoon at the Rolling Hills Baseball Complex on Pine Hills Rd. We witnessed an enthusiastic group of approximately 40 boys and girls, ages 7 15, participating in a variety of baseball and softball drills including batting, fielding techniques led by a group of dedicated coaches.

The majority of kids learn of the program through word of mouth or are referred by other coaches who see the potential a player has and believes that the player could benefit from participating.

All participants in the program must also adhere to a Code of Conduct which includes, maintaining a minimum GPA of at least 2.5.

During our visit, it was a warm afternoon with the sun glaring and the temperature approaching 90 degrees but you wouldn't have known. The kids are enthusiastic as they rotate through the different stations taking advice and instruction from coaches. The program is more of a development camp where players come to hone their skills. So, while not a traditional baseball team, that competes against other teams, the group does operate like one by encouraging and supporting all members, and sharing in each other's success. So when one of them experiences success at any level, its a win for the entire program. The organization is aiming to grow the program from an 8-week program into a year-long experience. However, they realize that will take the support of a village including funding. To assist, Weeks has created a donation platform that makes it easy for anyone interested in donating to support by texting "WEFAM" to 41444.

When asked for a closing quote, Rickie Weeks offered this, "By changing these kids, we are changing the community and this is just a start". 

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New Pastor Installation

CSA Summer Art School

Pastor Julius L. Miles III

Pastor Julius L. Miles III was confirmed by the members of Pine Hills Community Church as their new Pastor. Pastor Miles has a heart to serve the people of God and has been ministering for 16+ years with a fervent desire to continue learning, teaching, and developing believers. He is the owner and manager of The District Center an event center in Orlando and was also a part of the well-known gospel mime ministry called The Mime Boyz.

Reserve your spot for the 2021 Community School of the Arts summer session for ages 3-18 years old. Attendees will be provided a link to a self-paced virtual lesson each week.

The cost is free, with limited registration spots, and art kits provided. This program is presented by Women in the Arts, Inc. in partnership with the Orange County Library System. For more information visit the following link: https://rb.gy/e0iiw9

Income based scholarships available.

S.T.E.M, Piano/Violin, After/Before care, Cheerleading, Football, MMA (karate), and more!

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Q&A With all developments happening in Pine Hills, we decided to catch up with Patricia Rumph, President of the Pine Hills Community Council to talk about the organization and the role it plays in the ongoing development, laws, and changes that affect the community.

Patricia Rumph President, Pine Hills Community Council

Q: For someone who may not be aware, can you talk about what the Pine Hills is and its impact?

A: Formed in 1972, through the efforts of the Pine Hills Women’s Club, which was trying to solve a

problem with the Orange County Sewer System, came across the idea of forming a Community Council. Today, the Council works to enrich our community so that it is a highly sought-after place to live, work, and play. The Council enjoys the support of the community and the respect of our County, State, and Federal Government. The impact the Council has on issues is designed to help not only Pine Hills, but issues throughout Orange County.

Q: What is one thing that the Council does that people might not be aware of?

A: We work to ensure accuracy in media reporting! The Pine Hills Community Council holds the

media outlets accountable for accurate information when reporting the facts about Pine Hills activities, especially related to public safety, and monitors all news for accuracy.

Q: Talk about your role at the Council and long have you been a part of the Organization?

A: I am the current President of the Pine Hills Community Council. I was first elected in 2020.

Not sure how long that I’ve been a member of the PHCC, but as a community builder (I’ve been wearing that hat since 2004); I’ve always been interested in maintaining and fostering meaningful dialogue with my community to bring about a positive change.

Q: Why would an individual or business want to join the Council?

A: There are multiple reasons but I wanted to highlight a few of them. They include Reputation,

Relationship Building, Marketing, Education, and Advocacy. the Council has access and influence on economic development opportunities and governmental issues that are happening in our part of the world that can affect your community.

Q: Why is your vision for the Pine Hills community and surrounding areas?

A: My vision for the PHCC is to empower citizens, increase government and citizen's accountability, and improve service delivery to our Pine Hills community.

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Maynard Evans High School

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2021

"We're Here to Thrive, We're Here to Survive, Class of 2021 We Will Rise."

Thank you for your commitment to making Evans High School, "A Place of High Achievement." Our focus is on Literacy, Rigor, and Relationships, and our school's pillars of Pride, Determination, and Perseverance continue to be on display by our students, staff, and community.

To the Class of 2021 - Congratulations! Now is the time to celebrate all that you have accomplished and to thank everyone that helped you along the way as you walk across the Amway stage on Thursday, May 27. All of you have ALMA MATER experienced some level of success The Top Ten Trojans in academics, the arts, athletics, Dear Alma Mater received their Top Ten and service to the community.

This Rings, a tradition at Evans.

We shall lift our voices is what makes our Trojan Family Singing thy praises so strong. I want you to know that the Evans faculty and staff Ever through the years. share so much pride in everything you have accomplished.

We’ll not forget thee

When afar we wander

After you graduate, you will move on to be leaders in your collegiate, Sharing fond memories military, and professional lives. I have unending faith in you today of Evans High. and your successes tomorrow. As always, remember and reflect on those three pillars of Pride, Determination, and Perseverance. Have pride in yourself, your work, and your community, be determined to reach your highest level of academic and professional potential as well as know that you can persevere against all obstacles that come your way.

Respectfully, Principal Rolando Bailey

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Maynard Evans High School It cannot be said enough after the year we've had. Congratulations to the Evans High School graduating class of 2021. They have been a model example of their class motto: "We're Here to Thrive, We're Here to Survive, Class of 2021 We will Rise.

And rise they did! There were plenty of accomplishments to celebrate for current and former Trojans.

Some notable highlights include:

The Top Ten Trojans: 2020-2021

#1 - Lily Pham, GPA - 5.364 #2 - Stephanie Brown, GPA - 5.254 #3 - Fizza Shabbir, GPA - 5.217 #4 - Emmanuelle Beaubrun, GPA - 5.188 #5 - Giannina Daniels-Lajon, GPA - 5.109 #6 - Melissa Monde, GPA - 5.000 #7 - Ravendra Jaigobin, GPA - 4.960 #8 - Alysha Dorcely, GPA - 4.940 #9 - Jeremia Nunez, GPA - 4.871 #10 - Patrice Quetant, GPA - 4.850

Girls Track & Field: This was the first time in school history that they won the 4x800, as well as winning two relays (4x400) at the State Championship.

Coach of the Year: Congratulations to Coach Koi Slaughter for being selected as the Orange County Public School Girls Lacrosse Coach of the Year.

Former Trojan Highlights Class Of 2016

Joseph Simmonds

Quinton Cooper

The second lieutenant The former has the distinction midshipman who of being the first majored in Senior Evans High student to Operations Research graduate from The US is now a graduate of Military Academy, West United States Naval Point. Simmons headed Academy and becomes to Fort Sill, an Army post the first African in Oklahoma, where he American Evans High will learn more skills for student to be selected his chosen Army branch, as a Navy Nuclear air defense.

Power Officer.

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ORANGE COUNTY LIBRARY SERVICES WEST ORLANDO BRANCHES

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Clarcona Community Ctr. 407-291-4388 Pine Hills Community Ctr. 407-254-9100 Hiawassee/W. Colonial Library Meeting Rooms 407-835-7323 Orlo Vista Chamber Bldg. 407-292-1702 WellCare Community Meeting Center 6801 West Colonial Dr., Suite E Meeting Space Small Groups 407-253-7601 Amerasia Bank Community Center China Town Plaza Barnett, Orlo Vista & Silver Star Parks

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ORANGE COUNTY PARKS OPEN Mask Recommended / Not Required -Playgrounds –Pavillions Open ●

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{ PostSCRIPT }

S

Several years ago, a mentor of mine gave me a book to read called The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell. The book which sits on my bookshelf today can be summarized as that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire. The Tipping Point itself is the moment where change occurs instantly, described as "the threshold, the boiling point." I realize that it may not have been Gladwell's intent however, I couldn't help but think that the upsetting and unnecessary killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin served, in some ways as a tipping point in this country. While there had been numerous, documented incidents of killings of unarmed black men by police, the murder of George Floyd ignited a flame across the country that had never been seemed before. In hundreds of cities across the country, and across the world for that matter, people marched, protested and voiced their opinions about the tragic incident. But it begs the question, why?

The Tipping Point states that contagion happens with behaviors and emotions, not just physical diseases. Minor causes can have drastic results, challenging humans' ideas of cause and effect being related "in intensity and dimension." In the weeks and months following the murder of Floyd, it was almost as if an inward lens was being pointed to address centurylong practices to address systemic racism including the removal of statues or monuments of people with links to slavery, schools, and streets being renamed to books and movies being removed that portrayed black people in a negative light. Even major companies like PepsiCo made decisions in light of this "new environment" and decided it was time to make a change Hope is being able to their Aunt Jemima brand which had been long criticized as to see that there is a racist caricature of a Black woman stemming from slavery. light despite all of

"

the darkness.

With this issue having a Father's Day theme, I couldn't help but talk about my own experience as a black father. First, I need to acknowledge my father who is my hero! From very humble beginnings, he and my mom raised six kids (me being a middle child) to owning a successful business. I have three brothers and along with myself, we are raising black sons who are at or near the driving age and so we have had have "the talk" with our sons, not about the birds and bees but about their interactions with law enforcement. Honestly, I afraid for my own son who at 5' 10" and weighs 300 pounds is a gentle giant. He is a great kid who works hard, loves helping people and has a 3.8 GPA entering his senior year of high school. However, add in the fact that he has dreads and wears an earring and to some, he will immediately be viewed as threatening. I have had to tell him to be careful walking down the street or going to a store/mall with other friends as that may make others uncomfortable (unfortunately).

There is no guide book that comes along with being a father and if it did it would probably resemble an IKEA furniture instruction book with no actual words, just pictures so you’re never 100% clear on how you’re doing it. And even if you’re following what you think are the correct instructions, you still may do it wrong!

I love quotes and one of my favorites is by Archbishop Desmond Tutu who said that “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness”. In that spirit of hope, it is my hope that changes that we've seen over the last year become positive, contagious, and lasting.

-The Editor 3 4 / THE PR ESS

T H E PRESS / 3 5

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