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Bloomingdale Student Receives YEA! Award Thursday, May 10, 2012 Author: D'Ann White Source: Bloomingdale Patch http://bloomingdale.patch.com/articles/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.

Endorsements

• U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor
• April Griffin, Hillsborough County School Board
• Mary Mulhern, Tampa City Council
• Linda Saul-Sena, Tampa City Council
• Michael Scionti
• Ed Turanchik, Former Hillsborough County Commissioner
• Antonio Amadeo
• Rose Ammons
• William Anderson
• George Banez, Ph.d
• Ric Basen
• Reuben Baylon
• Michael Berthelette
• Larry Biddle
• Warren Bourgeois
• Laura Bozant
• William Brannon
• Robert Bullara
• Edward Burns
• Dan Burris

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