LOCAL BASKETBALL HOPEFUL NEEDS FUNDS TO FULFILL HOOP DREAMS
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Howard Weiner, realtor at Coral Shores Realty, and his wife, Kathy, along with several other Coral Springs residents have organized a committee to help one young man achieve his dreams.
"We have organized a committee to assist a disadvantaged student go to a college in Massachusetts," Howard said.
"I've watched Jahmal grow up to be a fine young man," Kathy said. When asked if the Weiner's had approached local clubs to sponsor Jahmal, "We have never done this before and didn't know quite where to start." said Kathy. But start they did!
Jahmal Miller, who has been playing basketball since the eighth grade, was attending Coral Springs Charter School when by the end of 10th grade he was scouted by a basketball coach at North Broward Prep. School, Howard said.
Jahmal transferred to North Broward Prep under a full scholarship.
Kathy credits Jahmal's mother, Carlene Bashford, for keeping Jahmal and his brother involved with the community, active in sports and helping them to excel in school.
Kathy and Carlene used to work together, and the Weiners were her real estate agents. They have remained friends throughout the years.
"He has just done exceedingly well at North Broward Prep School, and the coach at NBPS, Brian McDonald, has ...helped... get this young man noticed by Lasell College," Kathy said.
Jahmal, 18, received a basketball scholarship to Lasell in Newton, Mass., totaling approximately $14,000 per year. Tuition is more than $17,000 per year, Carlene said, and he will need help to pay for room and board, books, transportation and incidentals.
He will attend the college for four years studying sports medicine, and then plans to go to graduate school for two years.
Howard said, "The money has to be raised by August 4th and we are hoping that our community will help."
"Jahmal deserves a college education," Tommy Bennett said, of ReMax Park Creek. "He has some things that he is doing on his own, and if we give him a little push, he'll be able to go all the way.
"I think it's really nice that there are people out there who are about helping others," Jahmal said.
Jahmal received the phone call that coaches from Lasell were interested shortly after basketball season ended in Fedruary. "I didn't expect to hear from anybody, especially out of state," he said.
There is a brochure available at SouthTrust Bank, 10385 Royal Palm Blvd., Coral Springs, for those interested in making a donation.
For more information or to make a donation, call Tami Licato, assistant manager at SouthTrust Bank, at 954-227-4229.
