Miss Wesley Chapel Pageant winners

By TIMES STAFF
Published July 1, 2007

What's Happening

Joey Chiavaroli, 11, is headed to Spokane, Wash., to compete July 21-28, in the 2007 National Junior Disability Championships. The championships are sanctioned events of Wheelchair Sports USA.

Joey has spina bifida, which prevents him from using his legs. About five years ago, Joey began competing in sports, including wheelchair racing.

As he progressed, Joey began to compete in organized competitions and moved up to state and regional events, placing in the top tier of winners. He was proficient enough to attend the last four national competitions.

Joey moved to the B Class last year, which means he is the youngest competitor in that class. That has not deterred him. Joey currently holds first place in his class in swimming (25-yard breaststroke; 50-yard backstroke; and 75-meter individual medley). He also holds second place in 25-yard backstroke; 25-yard freestyle; and 50-yard freestyle. He also has placed in shot put, discus, and javelin. In wheelchair racing, Joey holds third in 400 meters, 200 meters and 100 meters.

He is the son of Randy and Pam Chiavaroli of Hudson, and Lesli Richardson of Rotunda. He is the grandson of Harry and Cathy Burr of Harry's Fix-It Shop in Odessa

But to make the trip to compete in Spokane, Joey and his family must raise $4, 500.

Randy and Pam own Bayonet Point Engine in Hudson and customers can leave donations in a jar there. Harry's Fix-It Shop in Odessa has a similar jar for contributions. A local Odessa artist paints and donates glassware that can be purchased at the Fix-It Shop. All money from the glassware goes to Joey's fund.

Next door to Harry's Fix-It Shop is Odessa American Legion Post 147, home to two groups helping Joey.

The Tampa Bay Gulf Coast Chapter of the " Nam Knights of America, " are a veteran and law enforcement motorcycle club that on the weekends undertakes fund raising activities and gives the proceeds to suitable charities. They plan to help Joey.

The main fundraiser comes from the American Legion Post 147, according to Sal Poliandro, the post commander. First, citizens can bring aluminum cans to the post at 17413 Gunn Highway, just south of Van Dyke Road. A special "Joey's Cans" dumpster where cans may be deposited is located just inside the gate.

The second plan makes it easy for individuals who wish to contribute tax deductible checks for Joey's trip. Checks can be made payable to American Legion Post 147. The note "Joey 's Trip" should be written in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to American Legion Post 147, Post Office Box 937, Odessa FL 33556.

Joey and Randy will leave from Tampa on July 14, so all checks should be received by the American Legion by July 12. Receipts for tax deductions will be provided on request.

"Every year it is a struggle to fund the costs of this trip" said Pam, "but when he comes back and you see the look in his eyes and his attitude towards the future, you know it was worth the efforts to make it happen."

For more information about Joey and competitive sports programs for the disabled go to the following Web sites, www.JoeyWheelchairRacing.com, www.NJDC.net , and www.WSUSA.org.

* * *

"My experience as a student at Saint Leo University has changed my life, " says Catherine Seely, a member of the Student Outreach to Alumni Program. "As one of four students on the SOAP team, I am able to share with alumni how Saint Leo University helps me to evolve as a person and prepares me for the future. I listen to alumni stories. We laugh and we cry. I am able to experience Saint Leo University's past. In turn, alumni can step into my shoes and experience what it is like to be a student today."

SOAP was established in 2004 as a pilot program to build bridges between Saint Leo University and its alumni and students.

"The program became an instant hit, " said Denyve Duncan a 2005 Saint Leo graduate and director of Alumni Relations. As a student, Denyve worked in the Alumni Relations Office and was one of the first SOAP recruits.

SOAP students are chosen for their poise, maturity, involvement in the community and academic success. More than 230 alumni have been visited by SOAP student ambassadors since the program was established.

In 2006, SOAP was named by the Council for the Advancement and Support Education (CASE) as one of the top nine advancement programs in the country. SOAP received the CASE District III Alumni Program Merit Award.

The 2007 members of the SOAP team include Andre Curry, Sarah Folsom, Joelle Frias, all slated for graduation in 2009 and Catherine Seely, class of 2008.

Curry is from New Providence Island in the Bahamas. A junior biology major with a minor in chemistry, Andre wants to be a doctor. He is the president of the Greek Council and vice president of his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi. Curry is a senator for the Intercultural Student Association, a member of Caribbean United, and he sings in the Gospel and Multicultural Choir and the University Ministry Voices of Christ.

Folsom from Keene, N.H., loves Saint Leo University's warm weather and small classes. A junior communications major who plans to have a career in management, Folsom loves water skiing, watching the Red Sox, and being with her family.

Frias who is of Dominican and Egyptian ancestry, was born and raised in Staten Island, N.Y. With a long-term goal of becoming a stockbroker, Frias is majoring in accounting with a minor in marketing. She is an orientation leader, a member of the Academic Liaison Committee for Academic Affairs, a pool lifeguard, a member of the Green and Gold Key, and is active in the Haitian Education Project."

Seely is a senior business administration and marketing major. Born and raised in Newburyport, Mass., she is a devoted Red Sox fan. Seely is a member of the Green and Gold Key, the Student Government Union, and the American Marketing Association.

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[Last modified June 30, 2007, 22:08:11]