TSIC Alumna Samantha Hartman's Story of Success

Samantha Hartman, a 2005 alumna from the Take Stock in Children Polk County Program, doesn't let obstacles get in the way of achieving her goals. Diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma (a soft tissue cancer found in her left foot) in middle school, Samantha underwent two chemo treatments and two surgeries. Cancer was just one of the many obstacles Samantha had to conquer to achieve her academic goals. Her parents advised her when she was in 10th grade that if she wanted to attend college, she would need to find a way to pay for it. 

 Through her involvement with the Take Stock in Children program in Polk County, serious academic study, and the support of her mentor and program director Theresa Choquette, Samantha was able to graduate from college without any student loans. After college, Samantha participated in a yearlong fellowship with the John Jay Institute in Philadelphia, PA. Currently, Samantha is the legislative aide for Senator Kelli Stargel (R) of Lakeland in the Florida Senate. Paying it forward, this young alumna mentors a group of four 10th grade students through her church sharing her time and wisdom to build a solid support network. Her future aspirations include teaching college classes, becoming a school principal and being involved in education policy. 

 Her advice to other students in the Take Stock in Children program is a favorite quote from Thomas Edison -- "Many people miss 'opportunity' because it's dressed in overalls and looks like work." Samantha adds, "Be a hard worker, not so others will notice you, but so that you are a person of integrity and character."

Teacher's Appreciation Tribute

So in case you were not aware, last week was Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week.  I wrote a specific piece about one of my favorite teachers that I would like to share with you.

Since it is Teacher and Staff appreciation week, I decided to share a write up of a teacher that helped me while I was in elementary school.  For my fifth grade year because we moved, I had the option of going to the neighborhood school or finishing off at my current elementary school.  I didn't really like going to the other side of town for school and wanted a change so my parents allowed me to go to the school nearby.  

My fifth grade year was exciting because it was my last year in elementary school before I went to middle school.  The year started off great, I made a few new friends and even got elected to be on the school newspaper.  Then as the school year went forward, there was a shift of how I was received by my peers.  Because I really didn't know how to handle rejection, when things hurt my feelings I would cry.  This behavior made me a target for getting picked on.  One day my teacher brought to my attention that I needed to learn how to take some responsibility in my altercations\instead of always playing the victim role.  She would point out to me how my attitude affected the way others would treat me, but more importantly was the portrayal of how I felt about myself.  Mrs. Jones inspired me to push myself and to take chances.  It was because of her that I participated in the black history month program where I played the part of Harriet Tubman (Improv) and it was also because of her that I got my act together and pulled all my grades up.

 

There have been many great teachers in my lifetime, but Mrs. Jones is one that will always be the one that goes down in my teacher’s hall of fame.

Take Stock In Children Salutes Top Volunteer Mentor

In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Take Stock in Children honored one of 7,500 Florida volunteer mentors with the organization's most prestigious award. Dr. Charles Voorhis was honored as Take Stock in Children's 2013 Mentor of the Year at a ceremony earlier this year.

 

A retired physician, Dr. Voorhis got involved with his local Take Stock in Children program in Bay County. Like all Take Stock mentors, Voorhis has worked diligently to "change a life over lunch" with the students he mentors. His weekly meetings with his students help to keep them focused on graduating from high school and attending college. Voorhis' caring nature did not stop with motivating his students to excel in education- Johnny Atwell 's personal life was also significantly impacted by the Mentor of the Year.

 

Atwell was in a serious automobile accident after graduation- one that left him paralyzed and unable to walk. Mentor Voorhis guided Atwell and his family through the maze of medical resources available and helped them access needed financial support. He faithfully visited Atwell in the hospital and in his handicapped-accessible apartment. After a year of recovery and therapy, Atwell entered Gulf State College and Voorhis couldn't be prouder.

 

"The bond formed between volunteer mentors and students is a lasting and transformational one," said Dan Lyons, interim CEO of Take Stock in Children. "We are proud to honor Dr. Voorhis, and all of our 7,500 volunteer mentors for their commitment to higher education and Florida's at-risk youth."

Scholar Spotlight: Laura Gomez

Laura Gomez, an honor student from George Jenkins High School, was selected in 10^th grade by the Polk Education Foundation’s Take Stock in Children scholarship mentoring program to receive a Ronald McDonald House Charities/Tampa Bay Florida Prepaid tuition scholarship valued at approximately $5500.

 

As a senior this year, Laura has continued to apply for scholarships and is now a national finalist for the Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship and was recently selected by Florida Southern College as one of five George Jenkins Scholars who will receive a full scholarship for all unmet financial need, including room and board, when she starts in the fall. The scholarship also includes $2,000 per semester living stipend. Rounding out the package with her Bright Futures, State scholarships and PELL grants, Laura has set her sights on a Masters degree in Nursing.

 

Congratulations on all of your accomplishments, Laura. We are so proud of you!

SAT versus ACT

Pepsi versus Coke

Cowboys versus Indians

Disney versus Nickelodeon

SAT versus ACT

As College Success Coaches, we often get asked which is better, the SAT (Standardized Achievement Test) or the ACT (American College Testing) for college admissions?  Colleges will accept either the SAT or ACT. So which should you take?  Below is advice from test prep aficionado, the Princeton Review:

It's all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT; others do better on the ACT. In lieu of a crystal ball, we created The Princeton Review Assessment (PRA) designed to help you determine which test is better fit with your abilities.

To help you zero in on the right exam, here are seven key differences:

1.     ACT questions tend to be more straightforward

ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out what you're being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay):

SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?

2.     The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary

If you're an ardent wordsmith, you'll love the SAT. If words aren't your thing, you may do better on the ACT.

3.     The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not

You don't need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to test your reading and reasoning skills based upon a given set of facts. But if you're a true science-phobe, the SAT might be a better fit.

4.     The ACT tests more advanced math concepts

In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too. That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more straightforward than those on the SAT.

5.     The ACT Writing Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools

The 25-minute SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 30-minute ACT writing test is optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite score — schools will see it listed separately. Many colleges require the writing section of the ACT, so be sure to check with the schools where you are applying before opting out.

6.     The SAT is broken up into more sections

On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the optional writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10 sections, with the required essay at the beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little more math, etc. When choosing between the SAT and ACT, ask yourself if moving back and forth between content areas confuse you or keep you energized?

7.     The ACT is more of a "big picture" exam

College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they're most concerned with your composite score. So if you're weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end up with a very good ACT score and thus make a strong impression with the admissions committee.

Leaders 4 Life Fellow Wade McDonald Recognized

2013 Leaders 4 Life (L4L) Fellow Wade McDonald was recently featured in the Women of Sugarmill Woods' newsletter, highlighting his accomplishment of receiving a L4L scholarship.  Leaders 4 Life is a scholarship program within Take Stock in Children (TSIC) funded by the Asofsky Family Foundation that provides scholarships to five Florida students each year. Wade was onboarded as a TSIC student in 2008, and the Women of Sugarmill Woods are the sponsors of his TSIC scholarship. Below is an excerpt from the glowing newsletter article that features Wade's accomplishments:

Several local and state dignitaries were present for the [Leaders 4 Life] awards ceremony. State Representative Jimmie Smith told Wade that he now has an opportunity to change the world. Superintendent of Citrus County Schools, Sam Himmel, added that Wade comes from great stock and that he is a great representative of our county. Sheriff Jeffrey Dawsey said that in his job he sees both the best and the worst of our young people today, and all too often only the bad ones make the front page of the newspaper, but Wade represents success and his story belongs on the front page of the paper. (Wade’s award was indeed the front page story on the January 31st edition of the Citrus Chronicle!)

Sheriff Dawsey added that Wade had a vision, had goals, and he created a path to reach his goals. His passion will get him where he wants to go. Bob Allen, Wade’s mentor in TSIC during his four years at Lecanto High School, remembered a shy, introverted young boy when he first met Wade. But they hit it off well. Bob has seen how Wade has developed and matured into a successful young man with a great sense of humor, positive values, good self-image, and good work ethic. He’s polite; he’s prompt; and he helps others. He’s a special young man. Both Ginger Bryant, chairwoman of Citrus County School Board and Pat Lancaster, Citrus-Levy TSIC coordinator, echoed Bob’s description of Wade, and they both appreciate what Wade has done to help other students in the TSIC program.

We join the Women of Sugarmill Woods in congratulating Wade, and we are so proud of all of his accomplishments!

Wade McDonald at the Leaders 4 Life Award Presentation

Wade's brother Shane, father Blaine, Wade, and mother Joan

Congratulations!



TSIC High School Senior Wendall McGahee and TSIC Program Director Jody Mackle



Take Stock in Children program director Jody Mackle and Fernandina Beach High School Take Stock graduating senior Wendall McGahee were presented Distinguished Service Awards by the Nassau County Community Development Corp on February 23 in Fernandina Beach. Given in recognition of Exceptional Leadership and Community Service, Ms. Mackle’s was for Education and Mr. Wendall’s for Youth. 

 

Under Ms. Mackle’s leadership since 2000, Take Stock Nassau has affected the lives of over 300 Nassau County youth providing scholarships, mentors and hope for a better future. 

 

Dubbed as "Mr. Wendall" by his classmates, Mr. MaGahee has served as class president for 3 years and is acknowledged in the community as a youth leader because of his involvement in many worthwhile activities. He will attend FAMU in August on his Take Stock scholarship where he plans to major in Political Science.

 

Congratulations to both "Mr. Wendall" and Ms. Mackle. We are proud to have individuals like you representing Take Stock in Children!