When Jessica Martinez of Randall Middle School learned she won a Youth Excellence and Achievement Award for Success Despite Difficult Odds, she said, "I felt good inside. I was amazed that I won. I am proud of myself and grateful to Mrs. [Sandra] Dorey for nominating me."

Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner presented the award to Martinez, the daughter of Michael and Kris Martinez of Lithia. She was the first of six recipients to receive the new Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards given by the county commission.

Mann Middle student Kelsey Bone, daughter of Allen and Jody Bone of Brandon, received her award from Commissioner Ken Hagan. She was the only other recipient from the Brandon area.

"I asked my fellow commissioners to create these awards last year," Beckner said. "I felt like many times we give awards for sports, or so often in the news you hear about kids getting arrested or in trouble. We wanted to have distinct awards that would recognize and highlight the positive accomplishments of youth in our community in a variety of categories. We wanted to shine the spotlight on kids for achievements in academics, on youth who display leadership."

About 50 nominations were reviewed by the Commission on the Status of Women, an organization appointed by the county commission.

Fifteen-year-old Martinez was nominated by Dorey, Hillsborough County Public Schools deaf/hard of hearing resource teacher, who has worked with her for six years at both Bevis Elementary and Randall Middle.

"Jessica was born with a chromosomal abnormality and has faced many challenges in her life," Dorey said. Those include many surgeries and ongoing physical, occupational and speech therapy.

"She is not cognitively impaired at all. She was accepted into the National Junior Honor Society due to her high grades, volunteer hours and leadership. Her grades are from regular education classes," Dorey said. "She is on track to graduate with a standard high school diploma and will be in honors classes at Newsome [High] next year."

Martinez plans to go to college and study accounting and is "a true role model for other students," Dorey said.

"Despite a moderate to severe hearing loss in both ears, Jessica is fully functional in the classroom with the assistance of FM equipment which amplifies the voice of the instructor," said Kris Martinez. "She has not let her disability interfere with her success in the classroom. She advocates for herself if she needs additional assistance and always puts forth her best effort.

"Her tenacity and determination have resulted in tremendous success in the classroom. I am so very proud of the fact that Jessica has made straight A's every marking period in both seventh and eighth grade."

She is a homeroom representative, sergeant-at-arms for student government, member of the chorus and Beta Club, and has volunteered at an elementary school summer reading camp.

"Jessica also has participated in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, Hoops for Heart and Pasta for Pennies, raising money for these worthy causes," her mother said. "She is a committed individual who puts aside her own personal difficulties to help others in need."

Eighth-grader Bone, a lifelong Brandon resident, won the category of Volunteer or Community Service for surpassing her $1,500 goal to become a Relay for Life Star Supporter this year.

The 14-year-old was nominated by her mother, Jody, who said Kelsey has loved being part of Relay for Life since she was asked to read a poem during a luminaria ceremony three years ago.

Kelsey likes to help people, and since several family members and friends have been affected by cancer, Relay for Life seemed a good event to support.

"Kelsey met the goal by pet sitting and asking people to donate to Relay for Life instead of paying her. She made greeting cards, baked goodies, participated in a yard sale, made jewelry and even made a birthday cake for someone," Jody Bone said.

In the process she exceeded her goal, raising more than $1,900.

Kelsey is a straight-A student and will attend Brandon High next year. She plays clarinet at Mann Middle, is in a youth band at First United Methodist Church, is a budding photographer and takes dance classes.

"Kelsey is an outstanding example of our youth today," said Nancy Trathowen, principal at Mann. "I have never heard her say a bad word about anyone. She serves as an office assistant and member of National Junior Honor Society. Thinking of others is not difficult for Kelsey, because it comes straight from her heart."

Kelsey said receiving the award was a great experience. She is happy they recognized and appreciated her community service efforts.

"Kelsey has proven that no matter how old you are, you can make a difference," her mother said.

The other four recipients of the Youth Excellence and Achievement Awards were Laura Osorio of Stewart Middle for Leadership; Liat Sanz of Freedom High for Leadership; Benjamin Carpenter of King High for Success Despite Difficult Odds; and Elisa Berson of Freedom High for Volunteer or Community Service.

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