Student Athletes of the Week: Amicia Powers and Elijah Humphrey: North HS
Written by Aaron ColemanThis week our 1590 WAKR Student Athlete of the Week is Amicia Powers, a senior indoor track athlete from North High School.
Powers is a three sport athlete competing in volleyball, indoor track , and track and field (outdoor)
She says that the balance between academics and athletics is a tough one, but very doable once you get a hold of time management.
"I balance it by getting my schoolwork done first before practice and our coaches let us get our work done so we can focus during practice," she said.
Coach Demonte Powell says Amicia has been the vocal and physical leader since her first day of practice.
“She understands without self discipline success is impossible and she carries one of the highest gpa's on the team yearly,” he said.
“She's an athlete that keeps me going and constantly makes me work hard. When she finally leaves it will be a big loss losing such a leader and a team player we in the staff love Amicia dearly and wish her nothing but success .”
In addition to being a three sport athlete, Powers is also a member of Skills USA, the Senior Advisory Board, Viking Voices, and the cheerleading squad.
She says that being a student athlete at North is an honor and a privilege, especially with the international students, many of whom she has grown to be friends with.
"I think it's good to know where they come from in certain situations," she said.
Also in the community, she volunteers at the Haven of Rest in Akron, something that she takes pride in as well.
Upon graduation in the spring of 2020, she plans on attending either the University of Akron or Kent State University to study Biology/Pre-Med.
Our next Male Student Athlete of the Week is Elijah Humphrey, a junior basketball player from North High School.
He says he got into basketball at an early age.
“ I always played since I was little, I started in rec league in third grade, and I just came up from there," he said.
Humphrey is a two sport athlete competing in both basketball and track and field and both are beneficial to his conditioning.
“It's just easier for me to get up an down the court,"
In addition to being playing two sports for the Vikings, Elijah also is a member of DECA and Viking Voices.
Coach Marc Smith had some good things to say about Humphrey.
For community service, Humphrey also volunteers at the Haven of Rest in Akron. He says giving back to community is something he enjoys and realizes the importance of.
We wish Amicia and Elijah the best in all of their future endeavors.
Akron Police Investigating Deadly Drive-By Shooting
Written by Ryan LangAkron Police are investigating a shooting that left one man dead and another injured Wednesday night along Noah Avenue.
About 11:30 p.m. Wednesday police responded to the 700 block of Noah on multiple calls about shots fired. There, they found two men inside a car that had crashed into the front porch of a home, both of whom had been shot.
According to the report, the 20-year-old victim was outside of a nearby home when another car drove by and several people from inside the car opened fire. The 20-year-old man was hit several times before he got in his car and tried to drive away, only crashing that car into a neighbor's home. He was pronounced dead on the scene while another man, a 24-year-old, was shot, suffering non-life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses described the shooters as black males wearing black clothing, but it's unclear how many there were inside the suspect vehicle.
Anyone with information is asked to call Akron Police.
Officer-Involved Shooting In Akron Early Tuesday
Written by Ryan LangUpdate: Akron Police have identified the suspect as 19-year-old Elijah Cade of Akron. He is listed in critical condition at Akron General Hospital.
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Akron Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting early Tuesday morning at Manchester Road and Kenmore Boulevard.
Just about 12:23 a.m., police officers tried to stop a car along Manchester Road near Russell Avenue. The driver didn't stop, leading police on a short chase before crashing his car just thirty seconds later, according to the report.
When officers approached the vechile, the suspect made what police described as "furtive movements," leading to officers open fire on the suspect who was later transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries.
Police have not released an identification on the man nor the officers involved, but reports are the suspect is a 19-year-old male.
The investigation is ongoing.
The American Red Cross is facing a nationwide blood shortage as blood drives and donations in general typically dwindle during the winter months, specifically the holiday season.
The most urgent need is type O, which is the universal donor. According to a recent press release (below), the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of type O.
In an effort to encourage people to donate blood, the Red Cross and the NFL are teaming up to "tackle the critical need," offering a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl 54 in Miami this year. Find out more information below, or by visiting RedCrossBlood.org.
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The American Red Cross currently has a critical need for blood donors of all blood types – especially type O – and platelet donors to make an appointment now to give and help replenish the blood supply after the holiday weeks. Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of type O blood. To help tackle the critical need, the Red Cross and NFL are working together to offer one lucky winner a trip to Super Bowl LIV in Miami.
During the weeks of Christmas and New Year’s, about 500 fewer blood drives were hosted by volunteer sponsor groups than required to meet patient needs. Many groups postpone blood drives during the winter holidays when travel and holiday activities may make it challenging for many donors to give. In fact, AAA estimated that a record 115.6 million Americans traveled during the holiday period of Dec. 21 through Jan. 1.
“Lifesaving medical treatments and emergencies never take a holiday,” said Paul Sullivan, senior vice president, Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Declines in donations can affect patient care. That’s why the Red Cross is encouraging eligible donors to make an appointment to give now and help those sidelined by illness and trauma.”
Donors are urged to make an appointment to give now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.
As a special thank-you, those who come to give blood or platelets Jan. 1-19, 2020, will automatically be entered for a chance to experience the Super Bowl live. The Red Cross and NFL have teamed up to offer one winner two tickets to Super Bowl LIV, entry to the official NFL Tailgate, tickets to Super Bowl Experience at the Miami Beach Convention Center, roundtrip airfare to Miami, three-night hotel accommodations at The Alexander® - All Suite Oceanfront Resort (Jan. 31 to Feb. 3), and a $500 gift card for expenses.* Additional details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
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This Week in Tech with Jeanne Destro-1-3-20 Featured
Written by Jeanne DestroThis week, as we start using all the cool new gadgets we got over the holidays, like computers, smart phones, and smart speakers; some information on how to keep them safe from hackers, spies, and criminals.
Student Athletes of the Week: Dream Cherry and Malachi Branham STVM HS
Written by Aaron ColemanThis week our 1590 WAKR Female Student Athlete of the Week is Dream Cherry, a senior girls basketball player from St. Vincent- St. Mary High School.
She says that she grew to appreciate the sport of basketball from her siblings growing up.
"I have five older brothers and they've all been playing basketball, so I just grew up around it," she said.
In addition to playing basketball for the Irish, Dream is also a part of the Chinese Club at the school, where they learn about Chinese culture and how they go about their lives day in and day out.
She says that the goals are to get as far as they can in the state tournament and to get better every day on the practice floor and on game day, pushing her teammates to be the best they can be.
She says the overall atmosphere at St. V is one of acceptance and support, which is an important part of her experience there.
"There's never a day when someone isn't picking you up around here, and you can always get help, so it's just really nice, all the support around the school."
Her head coach Carley Whitney says Dream is a great person on and off the court.
"She's extremely mannerable, she does everything we ask her to do," Whitney said.
"On the court, she's in a bigger role this year, she's more of a scorer now than she was last year, and college basketball in her future for sure."
Our next WAKR Male Student Athlete of the Week is Malachi Branham, a junior boys basketball player from St. Vincent- St. Mary's High School.
He says being a small part of the tradition of Irish basketball is something he takes pride in.
"Coach Dru (Joyce II) does a great job with the basketball team and I'm excited to be a part of this tradition," he said.
Malachi says that the family atmosphere is great at STVM during his time there.
"Everyone is willing to help you if you need help and that's what I like about this school."
Coach Dru Joyce II says that Branham has worked hard both on and off the court during his time at STVM and it has paid off well for him.
"He's a high character kid, no trouble off the court, on the court he's coachable and we've seen growth from him every year, he's getting better," Joyce said.
We wish Dream and Malachi the best in all of their future endeavors.