Newspaper Article: Fairmont Senior Inspires Many

Here is a newspaper article I wrote for my project:

Kettering— Fairmont High School senior, Michael Klenk, was honored last night at the football end-of-the-year awards ceremony. The local athlete's inspirational story of overcoming obstacles has made a deep impression on coaches, teachers, and students in the Kettering area.

At the end of the 2005 football season, the Fairmont coaches collectively decided to honor the strong work ethic and positive attitude of one of their most inspiring and dedicated players, Michael Klenk. The Michael William Klenk Award, named after its first recipient, is said to be given to the athlete who possesses the qualities that Klenk so thoroughly displayed throughout his years playing football: selflessness, commitment, dedication, and loyalty.1

Klenk's strong work ethic and positive attitude while playing football shines through the personal challenges he continues to face every day. The seventeen-year-old suffers from the genetic disease, cystic fibrosis (CF), which affects the lungs and digestive system. Although there is no cure for this disease, Klenk continues to focus on the positive things in his life and works hard to overcome the obstacles thrown his way.

Fairmont head football coach Brian Blevins recalls the dedication Klenk displayed while both practicing and playing with the team.

“He always gave 100% out on the field,” Blevins said. He never let his disease hold him back and worked hard to support his fellow teammates.”

Lawrence A. Vitulano, a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology at Yale Child Study Center, discusses how chronically ill students usually find it hard to participate in extracurricular activities, and that “the ideal of sports success presents some inherent problems because of limitations of strength endurance, and time commitments” (590). For Klenk however, dealing with shortness of breath, going to the hospital for routine tune-ups, and taking aerosol treatments in- between plays, did not appear to hinder his success in sports whatsoever. Friend and fellow teammate, Jake Fannin remembers Klenk's intense commitment to attending all practices during their training in the summer.

“I remember several times where Michael would come to practice straight from the hospital,” Jake stated. “He was having a hard time breathing this year, but made it a priority to attend every practice anyways. Even if he couldn't run, he would always be there on the sidelines, supporting the rest of his team.”2

Klenk's dedication in both attendance and success is also carried over into the classroom. According to Dr. Vitulano, “academic achievement may be more difficult to attain for chronically ill children...because of frequent or extended absences from classes caused by compromised health” (588). However, even though Klenk has missed several school days due to health related complications, he keeps up with his schoolwork and makes good grades by working on homework and studying in the hospital.

Even though his CF has intensified this year, Klenk still plans on continuing his education after high school. He was recently accepted into the Engineering program at Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio, where he will be attending in the fall of next year.

Along with football and his studies, Klenk also participates in baseball and plays the trombone in Fairmont's symphonic band.

“He has always been active,” remarks Fannin. “He continually works through whatever CF throws his way, and enjoys life.”

The Michael William Klenk Award will forever hang in the Fairmont Field House, reminding its players of the remarkable Firebird who fought and persevered.