MileSplit and FloTrack have partnered with New Balance to create the "Local Heroes" program, in order to recognize local high school distance runners who are making a real difference in the world around them. Congratulations to our finalists from Florida for the New Balance Local Heroes Contest. Each finalist will receive a special gear kit from New Balance. From these five finalists, we will announce one overall winner of the New Balance Local Hero contest from each of the five regions at the end of August. The winner will receive an awards party at a local running shoe retailer and their XC team will be outfitted with free New Balance shoes!
Peninah Benjamin - Shorecrest Preparatory School - "Peninah Benjamin is a hero because she doesn't let her type 1 diabetes stop her. She runs both cross country and track, as well as being a member of the sailing team. She constantly has to monitor her glucose levels even during running, but she doesn't let it get her down. She never complains or feels bad for herself. Peninah is an inspiration to her entire team and school. She volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) by making paper gift boxes to give to all volunteers of JDRF. In addition, she has mentored young children who have recently been diagnosed with diabetes. She has her own team for the JDRF walk, and raises a lot of money every year for diabetes research."
Britney Olinger - Oak Hall School - "Brittney Olinger founded the charity ReRun Sneakers in 2012 and serves as president for the organization. She collects used running shoes all over the state of Florida. After she cleans each pair, she replaces shoestrings, and makes sure the shoes are in decent shape. She then ships them to kids that can't afford running shoes in underprivileged areas. Her first shipment was sent to Andros Island in the Bahamas. Please look at the website www.rerunsneakers.org. Brittney is also a member of Chain Reaction organization. Several hundred students are selected in Alachua county to apply and go through the interview process. Brittney was selected to one of the twenty-six spots available in 2012. Chain Reaction is a high school student ran charity for the March of Dimes that raises awareness and money for premature babies. Brittney is a straight A student with a 4.8 GPA. She is the captain of the 2012 State Champion cross country team and the track team. Brittney is a perfect choice for this award."
Andrew J. O'Neill - Suncoast Community School - "Aside from being an exceptional student and athlete, Andrew has received the Congressional Award for community service which requires strict adherence with specific criteria necessary to show leadership, personal growth and involvement in meaningful community service. Only 50,000 individuals received this award nationwide. By so doing Andrew touched the lives of the young through coaching and old through time spent providing them comfort in their homes. He has participated in the MacArthur Board in improving the environment and in youth leadership through church. He has applied for a patent for a solar positioning and filtration module that improves panel efficiency 12X, bringing down the cost of solar power to the home by making it affordable and practical by being able to power an entire home. Andrew was a finalist at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix this May, placing 10th out of 1600 kids in electrical engineering worldwide."
Blake Stanford - Robinson High School - "Blake is entering his senior year. During his three years at Robinson High School, Blake has been a meber of the school's cross country and track teams. He is enrolled in the school's challenging IB program as well. At Robinson, Blake has started a Feed the Homeless Club and volunteers routinely throughout the city. He is on track to attend the U.S. Naval Academy after grauation. During this recent track season, Blake suffered a hip injury late in the season. For most it would have been season ending. Blake perservered and led his team to an 8th place finish at the 2A state meet in the 4x800 relay. He is a leader on the team, within the school, and in his community. Blake will always put others needs ahead of his own. He possesses great character and strives to always do what is right. He is a great role model and a great citizen."
Jennifer Ward - Gulf Coast High School - "Besides being just being an amazing person and outstanding athlete, lacrosse player, and cross country runner, Jen Ward is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of athletes who participate in the Special Olympics of Collier County. Jen volunteers her time and passion to helping and coaching athletes in golf and basketball and has nearly 200 hours of time with the organization. For Jen, this is more than just a way to help out, she fully embraces the athletes she works with and they completely adore her. She often shares stories about how the athletes connect with her in funny and mischievous ways. The impressive thing about Jen's coaching is that she is truly dedicated and always makes time to help without losing her passion for the organization or the athletes she helps."