Borough wide
More than 70 percent of our planet is covered by water. Lucky for us the U.S. Navy is there to protect and defend America on the world’s oceans — 24-7 — courtesy of such diligent sailors as Petty Officer 1st Class Tinisha Franklin.
The borough daughter — an aviation boatswain’s mate who oversees equipment — was named Senior Sailor of 2015 aboard USS Harry S. Truman for her job performance, personal conduct, and military bearing. As an aircraft launch and recovery equipment quality assurance inspector, Tinisha helped her department earn an outstanding official ranking, while increasing advancement and retention rates in the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist Program.
Her boss says she’s one in a million!
“Seldom have I seen a first-class petty officer that possesses the skill set and work ethic commonly displayed in only the most seasoned chief petty officers,” said commanding officer, Capt. R. B. Scholl. “Franklin is that sailor!”
The modest honoree shared her glory in true braveheart style, saying, “This honor is a result of the hard work of those I work with.”
Standing O thanks Petty Officer 1st Class Tinisha Franklin for her excellent service and wishes her continued success.
Gravesend
Cool school
David A. Boody Intermediate School for Magnet Studies is in a class of its own after two of its students aced a Martin Luther King Day competition.
Janice Yu clinched top place and a $250 gift certificate, and Enrique Huepa was awarded the third prize and a $75 gift certificate, for creating artwork influenced by the teachings of the legendary civil rights leader for Central Brooklyn Martin Luther King Commission’s annual essay, poetry, and art contest.
The competition helped students — whose artistic visions were expanded by art director Lisa Banker — to become aware of self and society, claimed the school’s proud principal.
“Art has a tremendous impact in building self-esteem, challenging students, and achieving success in other subject matters,” said Dominick D’Angelo.
Standing O has a dream of its own: seeing Janice and Enrique make it big in the art world, someday. Until then, here’s a couple of Standing Os!
David A. Boody Intermediate School for Magnet Studies [228 Avenue S off W. Fifth Street in Gravesend, (718) 375–7635].
Coney island
Wonderful windfall
Brooklyn Community Services — a group that “celebrates the strength of the human spirit” and helps people down on their luck get back on their feet — can now improve upon its services, thanks to a generous, $30,000 grant from the Brooklyn Community Foundation. The funds will benefit its Youth Stand: Coney Island teen-empowerment program, formed in 2014 to undercut the devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy, and assist traumatized families with their economic and psychological recovery.
Folk in the People’s Playground are over the moon about the bonanza — one of 54 totaling $1.54 million from the foundation’s Invest in Youth Grantmaking Program.
“This grant will open new opportunities for Coney Island’s immigrant youth to become the leaders of their community for tomorrow,” said executive director Marla Simpson.
Here’s to that!
Brooklyn Community Services [285 Schermerhorn St. Downtown, (347) 292–3060].
