Each generation
bears the responsibility
to pass its knowledge and resources
onto the next so that
dreams can continue to live on.

    Girls are very often ignored when it comes to recognition of risks in their development. Increasingly, boys’ social and emotional needs are gaining attention. Boys learn discipline and responsibility in sports teams. Coaches function as strong male role models and mentors. Never before have girls been at such high risk emotionally, physically and culturally. For this reason, four years ago, former Buccaneer James Cannida and his wife Iesha created a program for girls at Blake High School called Ladies Quest. They held weekly roundtable meetings, invited the girls to Bucs games, and guided them towards a goal of college and successful adulthood. But, the program was in jeopardy...James signed with the Indianapolis Colts and the family left Tampa. Ladies Quest could have ended right then and there, if not for our two angels, All Sports’ Women’s Program Director and USF senior Jasmine Lane and Chris Whidden, All Sports’ Director of Grants and Scholarships.

    Jasmine and Chris caught the ball and ran with it! For the last three years, they have mentored the girls, coordinating volunteering at Joshua House, Metropolitan Ministries, and Macfarlane Elementary’s after school program. Ladies Quest held etiquette workshops, women’s health talks and college tours. They attended cultural events such as “The Chocolate Nutcracker” musical and two plays. As a special treat, Mike Alstott and Shelton Quarles treated the girls to a Bucs game. But Ladies Quest is not all fun and games. Countless hours are spent by Chris and Jasmine listening to the girls’ problems – with school, with family, or boys. The girls need someone to talk to. To work out many of their problems, or to express their dreams, they are encouraged to keep a daily journal.

    What I witness in Jasmine and Chris is compassionate, selfless love. Nine Ladies Quest students have received college scholarships from the Schoenbaum Family Foundation. Our girls are blossoming into wonderful young women, thanks to our remarkable pair of angels.