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Collierville offensive lineman Kendarius Malone’s mother writes him an open letter as he lobbies for football scholarship

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MEMPHIS — Kendarius Malone can be appropriately described as an opportunistic student athlete.

STOCK RISING — Aside from helping steer the Collierville High to a third place finish in the always rugged 6A Region 7 district, Kendarius Malone enjoyed a resourceful, yet crucial senior season which, to his credit, had given way to at least one college thrusting him under its radar. According to the 17-year-old Collierville native, Mid-South Conference member Kentucky Christian University has expressed interest in Malone, who earned All-Region Honorable Mention for his valiant contributions.

Consider, for instance, how Malone, who recently wrapped up his prep football tenure for Collierville High, had gone about doing the necessary things to enhance his stock as he continues to lobby for a full ride scholarship.

A 6-foot, 260-pound left tackle, Malone made appearances — thus made his presence felt — this past spring and summer during camps at the University of Memphis, Belhaven College, Austin Peay State, not to mention the Team USA Camp.

“In the Team USA Camp, I made it to the final round to be able to play for the United States,” an enthused Malone told Making Headline News this week. “However, I had to withdraw so that I would not lose my eligibility to play for my senior year because of TSSAA rules.”

Although Malone didn’t savor the chance to showcase his football mechanics for his country, his immeasurable body of work, nevertheless, undoubtedly was nothing short of impressive.

For starters, he was the catalyst his senior campaign for a Collierville team that finished the season with a 5-6 overall record, but still managed to advance to the opening round of the TSSAA state playoffs.

EYE OF THE DRAGON

SOMEONE SIGN THIS KID — Malone, who recently wrapped up his prep football tenure for Collierville High, had gone about doing the necessary things to enhance his stock as he continues to lobby for a full ride scholarship.

Aside from helping steer the Dragons to a third place finish in the always rugged 6A Region 7 district, Malone enjoyed a resourceful, yet crucial senior season which, to his credit, had given way to at least one college thrusting him under its radar.

According to the 17-year-old Collierville native, Mid-South Conference member Kentucky Christian University has expressed interest in Malone, who earned All-Region Honorable Mention for his valiant contributions.

“I would say that I had an excellent season,” Malone said.

Much to Malone’s delight, no can attest to how great a season he enjoyed more than his mother, Jennifer Bogan.

ALL AMERICAN IN HIS OWN RIGHT — A 6-foot, 260-pound left tackle, Malone made it appearance — thus made his presence felt — this past spring and summer during camps at the University of Memphis, Belhaven College, Austin Peay State, not to mention the Team USA Camp.

Hours after the Collierville’s team banquet Monday night, Bogan took to her Facebook page, where she assembled an open letter to her son in relatively loving, emotional fashion.

Said Bogan in a spirited, tear-jerking, early morning post that was made public before her nearly-400 social media followers:

Congratulations to Kendarius on a wonderful time at the CHS football banquet. You didn’t receive the top award that you wanted, but baby, the champion lies within your heart. You fought a great battle, and to even see last night happen and for that, there is no trophy, certificate, banner, or plaque worthy enough to symbolize how blessed you are after all that you have been through. You didn’t lose sight of your dreams and didn’t lose your faith in seeing your senior football season happen! Your story is still unfinished. The reason of this path is still unknown, but what we do know is there is purpose behind every situation! The thing I love about you is no matter what, you have not gotten discouraged and still hours later, you looked on to what’s getting ready to happen in the next chapter and the next doors that’s opening, and for that I’m sooo proud of you! Again, congratulations on the award you did receive…keep going and keep having the heart of a champion in all the things you do…with God, ALL things are possible!!! Mama loves you! 

Talk about an encouraging, open letter for the ages — this from a mother whom, years ago, didn’t sense her son would become engaged in athletics.

“I never thought that Kendarius would play football, because he was never interested in sports growing up,” Bogan, a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor at Baptist Memorial Hospital, said. “He was in the shadows of his older brother’s basketball teams, being the water boy. I never thought he would play football until he started his eighth year at First Assembly Christian School and the coaches kept begging him to play and told me that they see so much potential in him.

HOLDING IT DOWN — Malone was the catalyst his senior campaign for a Collierville team that finished the season with a 5-6 overall record, but still managed to advance to the opening round of the TSSAA state playoffs.

“However, I didn’t think anything of it and had said ‘No’ to him playing football until one day he came home with pads, and a consent form.”

Malone, as Bogan recalled, was 14 years old at the time.

A little more than three years removed from having come home with a consent form to play competitive football, Bogan’s son now finds himself just one National Letter of Intent signing away from attending college free of charge.

What a difference having initially assumed the role as a water boy has made.

When asked what kind of player will a college be inheriting if he’s offered a football scholarship, Malone said, “A player that is passionate about the game of football… (one who is) ready to learn and be taught how to excel at the college level, a player that is open to all possibilities, and one the will give 110 percent on every snap and every down.

That, after all, practically sums up why he can be appropriately described as an opportunistic student athlete.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have a child or team that is seeking exposure and would like an in-depth sports news story, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him for details under “Andre T. Johnson.”

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

 

 

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Lewisville High football standout Tahj Martin: ‘It is a dream for me to play college football’

LEWISVILLE, Texas — Tahj Martin is just a tender 15-year-old student athlete.

A great, big gigantic one, that is.

Consider, for instance, Martin’s massive frame that is comprised of his standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 261 pounds which, to his credit, is practically equivalent of an NFL lineup.

FRESHMAN SENSATION

UNDER THE RADAR — Assuming roles on both sides of the ball as a left tackle and defensive end for Lewisville coach Michael Odle’s squad, Tahj Martin enjoyed a significant amount of action this past season for the Farmers as his stock amongst college scouts and recruiters increased mightily in the process.

Speaking of the NFL, Martin doesn’t shy away from the notion that playing football on Sundays undoubtedly is amongst his major long-term ambitions.

But first thing’s first: blossoming as a rising prep footballer.

“I am a hard working athlete, who has come from very humble surroundings,” Martin told Making Headline News during a weekend interview. “I am a magnet and people gravitate to me, because of my winning personality and attitude.”

A triumphant mentality certainly highlights Martin’s assortment of key attributes as a true freshman for Lewisville (Texas) High’s football team.

 

STOCK IS RISING — With so much high school football ahead of him, Martin has already garnered interests from Texas Christian University and the University of Texas.

Martin, in fact, is coming off of a productive and breakthrough season for an upstart Lewisville team that finished the 2018 campaign with a 9-3 mark, including an impressive 6-1 record in 6A Region I District 6, second only to conference rival Flower Mound.

Assuming roles on both sides of the ball as a left tackle and defensive end for coach Michael Odle’s squad, Martin enjoyed a significant amount of action for the Farmers as his stock amongst college scouts and recruiters increased mightily in the process.

No one, it seems, can attest to his notion more than his father, Geoffrey Grant Martin, who’s thoroughly convinced that his son is making a strong case that his prep football career will culminate with him signing a National Letter of Intent.

TEXAS-SIZED IMPACT — Martin is coming off of a productive and breakthrough season for an upstart Lewisville team that finished the 2018 campaign with a 9-3 mark, including an impressive 6-1 record in 6A Region I District 6, second only to conference rival Flower Mound.

“Tahj has grown tremendously both on the field and off,” Geoffrey Grant said. “He’s gained a level of confidence and passion for not only his role on the team, but for the entire team itself, all while maintaining his grades academically.”

All things considered, Martin’s favorable display as a true freshmen for the Farmers has, in fact, given way to a few college scouts deeming it essential to thrust him under their radar.

With so much high school football ahead of him, Martin has already garnered interests from Texas Christian University and the University of Texas.

DOING IT BIG IN TEXAS — Martin’s massive frame that is comprised of his standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 261 pounds which, to his credit, is practically equivalent of an NFL lineup.

Given the immeasurable impact he’s had thus far in his prep career, expect that list to expand much sooner than later.

“It is a dream for me (to play college football), because I am made and built for the sport of football,” Martin said. “I know that all the years I have been playing will pay off and a college scholarship would be the ultimate satisfaction of all.”

Although he did not attend any camps this past summer because of unforeseen circumstances, Martin was especially active, particularly as it relates to conditioning regularly and monitoring his weight.

“(I would typically workout) Monday and Wednesday mornings and in the afternoons, (and would take part in) cardio training on Saturdays and Sundays,” Martin said. “I also work on healthy eating habits that include making smoothies and protein snacks to build a strong muscle mass.”

DON’T LEAVE ME HANGING — A triumphant mentality certainly highlights Martin’s assortment of key attributes as a true freshman for Lewisville High’s football team.

Despite his overall body of work on and off the field, coupled with the impressive resume he’s established to this point, Martin also doesn’t shy away from the notion that no one has to persuade him not to hit the cruise control button at this point.

Not with so much prep football ahead of him.

“I performed exceptionally well (during the 2018 season), but I still have more work to do. I’ve got to work more on dropping into coverage. I have to work on that. My speed needs to improve, but with growth, I know I will get faster.” — Lewisville freshman Tahj Martin

WAITING HIS TURN — All things considered, Martin’s favorable display a true underclassmen for the Farmers has, in fact, given way to a few college scouts deeming it essential to thrust him under their radar.

A pretty wise and thorough assessment, this coming from a tender 15-year-old student athlete.

A great, big gigantic one, that is.

One whose short list of interested colleges undoubtedly is expected to expand much sooner than later.

So stay tuned.

For more information about Lewisville (Texas) High School football standout Tahj Gabriel Martin, connect with him via social media at:

Instagram: @tahjmartin12

Snaphat: tmahal_878

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tahj.martin.1

Twitter: @martin2Tahj

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you have a child or team that is seeking exposure and would like an in-depth sports news story, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him for details under “Andre T. Johnson.”

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.

 

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Arizona entrepreneur Stephanie White defies the urge to quit, establishes a credible event planning business

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 NIV)

For Stephanie White, one would be hard-pressed not to discover that her professional event planning business, by all accounts, is what she describes as her “niche.”

Then again, her niche goes far beyond running the day-to-day operations of her venture.

“(It’s) my niche,” White told Making Headline News this week. “My personal mission is to help and serve, to give back to others. I desire to create a business where I can hire people to help and always have work for my staff…to help others find work in my business. There are tons of businesses we see closing and people are left without jobs. I want to be the first wedding planning business to provide jobs.”

GLOBAL THING OF BEAUTY — Given the immeasurable strides she’s made since she diligently stepped out on faith and established Amorous Weddings and Events by Stephanie LLC, it’s safe to assume that Chandler, Arizona entrepreneur Stephanie White seems well on her way to achieving such a lofty ambition — much sooner than later.

Given the immeasurable strides she’s made since she diligently stepped out on faith and established Amorous Weddings and Events by Stephanie LLC, it’s safe to assume that White seems well on her way to achieving such a lofty ambition — much sooner than later.

Widely known mostly as a global wedding and event planner, White, 41, has become a fixture as a professional designer, one who has made a name for herself, considering her talents have been nothing short of remarkable, particularly for corporate events.

With nearly a decade of experience in event planning, White also specializes in cultural theme events.

While her event planning gifts and talents are things of beauty, White would be the first to admit that her business didn’t merely evolve as an overnight success.

In fact, long before her Chandler, Arizona-based Amorous Weddings and Events by Stephanie LLC had become what it is today, White recalls like yesterday those times she had to strategically devise ways to appropriately find her niche in what is steadily becoming an ever-so-competitive industry.

MORE ON STEPHANIE WHITE’S BUSINESS: https://www.amorousweddingsandevents.com/

“It has not always been good, because I have had my share of ups and downs,” White, a native of San Antonio, said. “I made sure I at least kept my business afloat. I started my business, because I have always had a passion for helping others. I enjoyed planning events and get-togethers when I was younger. I decided to become a wedding planner after I was told by another planner I was getting better deals than she was for my own wedding at the time. I thought about it and decided to give it a shot.”

To her credit, White — who holds a Criminal Justice degree from Arizona State — hasn’t looked back since. If nothing else, she’s going to great lengths to promote and enhance an event planning business that is attracting more of a global presence.

Never mind the potentially fatal encounter that transpired some two years ago.

NEAR TRAGEDY TO TRIUMPH — As White had ultimately realize during what appeared to be a dark season in her life, God was only trying and challenging her faith in ways she never imagine, in ways that were accompanied by a long periods of temporary inconveniences.

“My business took a huge down fall about two years ago when my family member was in a car accident,” White, who also holds an MBA in Human Resources Management from the University of Phoenix, explained. “It was devastating to both of my kids and our dog, Torpedo. I had to care for this family member and, boy, it was very hard to do.”

As White had ultimately realize during what appeared to be a dark season in her life, God was only trying and challenging her faith in ways she never envisioned, in ways that were accompanied by seemingly long periods of temporary inconveniences.

“Between sleeping at the hospital and managing home, it was too much to bare,” White recalled. “My daughter is 13 and son is 20. We had a long way to go, but I still tried to manage everything as a single mother.”

For White and her family, things would become seemingly more unbearable before they eventually took a turn for the better.

CONNECT WITH AMOROUS WEDDINGS AND EVENTS BY STEPHANIE LLC VIA SOCIAL MEDIA: https://www.facebook.com/Amorousweddingsandevents/
ON THE RIGHT PATH — To her credit, White — who holds a Criminal Justice degree from Arizona State — hasn’t looked back since. If nothing else, she’s going to great lengths to promote and enhance an events planning business that is attracting more of a global presence.

“During the same year of the accident, I had moved about four times,” White recalled. “We were staying at friends’ houses, and sometimes, I slept in the car with my dog while my daughter was at her friend’s house. It was cold and some nights were long nights.”

Still, giving up wasn’t merely an option, although the thought had apparently crossed White’s mind. Then  again, amongst the things with which she had to come to grips was that she had two children and the family pet depending on her — relying on her to stay strong, even when being strong was her only choice.

“I oftentimes thought I should just give up and run away. But I knew my kids needed me to be strong, so I carried on with tears in my eyes, not knowing where the next meal was going to be. I was good at hiding from my close friends. This was another eye-opener…people who I thought were there to support me never responded back to me. I was at my lowest and needed help, not a handout, but help figuring out what to do.” — Stephanie White 

Even at her lowest point, even while being gripped and saddled by arguably the darkest season of her life, even when it seemed her faith was bleak and she struggled with declaring, “the hell with all of this turmoil,” God had eventually came to her rescue, thus provided her family — and the family pet — a way of escape.

MORE ON STEPHANIE WHITE’S BUSINESS: https://www.amorousweddingsandevents.com/

GOD’S PLAN — With an itinerary that includes hosting bridal shows in early 2019 in Arizona, Florida, Maryland, and California, say this about White: she’s functioning mightily in her element with God, her Helper, leading the way.

“How many know when God has you standing still you stand, (you’ve got to) know he is God?” said White, sharing a setback-to-comeback story for the ages. “So I stood there in my tears. God moved. I soon had a place to stay.”

Fast forward a couple of years later, White was eventually introduced to divine purpose as God continued to show Himself strong.

“When I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree, I knew I needed to have a business,” White said. “I was the first one in my family who had a Business degree and the second to have a degree, period. This was my game changer. I was in it to win it.”

Much to her delight, she’s been winning ever since.

So have her children. Oh, and the dog, too.

With an itinerary that includes hosting bridal shows in early 2019 in Arizona, Florida, Maryland, and California, say this about White: she’s functioning mightily in her element with God, her Helper, leading the way.

“It is imperative for me to esteem and inspire others daily, because that is my purpose in life,” White said. “I have been through so much by my own choices. I have had a lot of heart breaks. This time, it’s about God and others.”

Not to mention her children.

Oh, and the dog, too.

For more information about Chandler, Arizona entrepreneur Stephanie White, or to inquire about Amorous Weddings and Events by Stephanie LLC, call 480.650.0849, or connect with her via Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/Amorousweddingsandevents/. Also, send email to: sdwhite77@gmail.com.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.

Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to andre@makingheadlinenews.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.