Bloomingdale Student Receives YEA! Award

At the age of 9, Bloomingdale High School student Gabriella Fortney experienced kidney failure and lapsed into a coma.

Now, she must go for dialysis three times a week. Nevertheless, she's been able to maintain good grades at school and is an inspiration to her teachers who nominated her for this year's Hillsborough County Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards (YEA! Awards).

Fortney was one of six Hillsborough County middle and high school students recognized at the Hillsborough County Commission meeting May 2.

In addition to dealing with kidney disease, Fortney lost her mother two years ago. Yet, her teachers say her positive outlook and compassion for others inspires everyone around her.

At the May 2 meeting, Fortney, accompanied by her father, Rick, received the YEA! award from County Commissioner Kevin Beckner for "success despite difficult odds."

Fortney plans to attend Hillsborough Community College and wants to become a nurse.

The YEA! Awards were created in 2010 at the request of Beckner to honor outstanding students for their leadership roles in academics, community service, athletics, performing arts,conservation or other areas.

The awards recognize three middle and three high school students in Hillsborough County who have displayed initiative, innovation, a commitment to themselves and others and a pursuit of excellence in a leadership capacity. The county received 60 nominations for the award this year.

"These awards demonstrate the values that are critical for our next generation of leaders," said Commissioner Sandy Murman.

Also receiving an award this year was J'nai Taylor, a Giunta Middle School student. 

Taylor received the award in the leadership category.

"If you look up the definition of leadership, you'll find a picture of J'nai," said Murman.

In addition to being an honor roll student and member of the Junior Honor Society at Giunta, Taylor has perfect attendance and was Athlete of the Year in both basketball and track. In her spare time, she helps take care of her grandparents who have Alzheimer's disease.

Taylor hopes to compete in track in the Olympics and become a veterinarian.

Lauryn Thomas of Adams Middle School for success against difficult odds; Katelyn Scott of Tomlin Middle School for volunteer or community service; Jessica Scanlon of Chamberlain High School for leadership; and Gwena Pitt of Tampa Preparatory School for volunteer or community service.

For more information on the YEA! Awards, log onto www.hillsboroughcounty.org/boccand click on “Special Awards” on the left side.