The 2020 Best of The Boot Awards weren’t able to happen due to COVID-19, but two (2) graduating seniors still submitted their video essays to be considered for the annual Turk Foundation scholarship. 2020 Graduates Jonquelle Chandler of Einstein Charter and Kendal Rowan of St. Augustine were both recipients. 

Jonquelle Chandler attended Einstein Charter High School, participating in 5 Varsity sports including; Cheerleading, Track & Field, Volleyball, Soccer and Basketball. Jonquelle captained both the Volleyball team as well as the Cheerleading team in her senior year.

“ Things I’ve learned on the field that I  can apply to my life off the field is; take advantage of opportunity, Determination and Patiences”

~Jonquelle Chandler

 When asked about why saving more money then you spend is important she confidently said, “to be financially secure”. Jonquelle mentioned the current pandemic and the effect on people financially. “If we would have spent all our money before the virus, you wouldn’t have money now to provide for one another, have groceries, or money for anything…, because the virus was unexpected”, Jonquelle said.  

Our second recipient, 2020 graduate Kendal Rowan attended the historic St. Augustine High School. Kendal was a standout linebacker for the purple knights football team as well as a power-forward on the basketball team.

 Kendal says what he learned most from the game to be applied to his life on and off the field is “Time management and discipline”. He mentions that during the time of the pandemic he has learned to never give up and always keep moving toward his goals.

 “I know being a wasteful spender will get me nowhere financially, and will not help me in life. But being a very smart spender will open various doors for me”

~Kendal Rowan

 Kendal credits his mother for instilling in him money management skills, along with various administrators, faculty and staff at St. Augustine.

Whats Next !

Both Jonquelle and Kendal will be attending 4-year universities in the fall. Jonquelle will be attending Southeastern Louisiana University playing volleyball, majoring in Nursing and Kinesiology. Kendal will be attending Lamar University playing Football, majoring in Computer information and computer science.