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Eli Kleinert, 12.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Years ago, when I was editor of my college newspaper, an internationally-known
author was scheduled to speak as part of a campus series of presentations from
people who were considered icons in their respective fields.
The writer had been a hero of mine ever since my Grandpa and Grandma Bignall
bought one of her books and gave it to me for one of my teenage birthdays. I devoured
her words and sought more in story after story, poem after poem. What she wrote
resonated with me, so the opportunity to see her in person made me both giddy
and overwhelmed. I wanted so badly to thank her for making an impact on my life
through her writing. In person, face to face.
I spent days contemplating what I would say and how I would say it, practicing in
front of the mirror. Then, shortly before the big day, I learned the author required a
physical barrier between her and the audience and absolutely would not entertain
the idea of interacting with anyone. She would speak, collect her $20,000 and leave.
I was crushed. In that moment, I learned a valuable lesson: Heroes are human, and
humanness can be disappointing. But sometimes it isn’t.
Extol Art Director Adam Kleinert’s son, Eli, recently had a chance to meet one
of his heroes in person. While Tim Tebow didn’t disappoint, some of the so-called
fans who were in attendance did. You can read about Eli’s interaction with his hero
on page 42. If you do, you’ll also understand why I think this 12-year-old should be
considered a hero himself.
Power Walk
When I assigned writer Steve Kaufman the story about WHAS11’s Whitney Harding,
I knew she’d be a compelling feature. What I didn’t know was the depth of her story or
how far she’s come to overcome so much. Whitney’s journey is a power walk through
life that will leave you amazed and may ignite that fire you’ve been waiting to light.
Photographer Steve Squall with Whitney Harding
(left) and Ria Chaturvedi, 9.
Go Cards!
I’m a Michigan native who became a University of Louisville fan in 2002 when
I moved to this region. I remain a Cards fan and always will. That’s why despite it
being my job, editing Zach McCrite’s column – The Final Say on the last page of this
magazine – wasn’t easy (and by editing I mean reading, since Zach’s copy is usually
perfect). Like many of my fellow fans, I’ll be happy when the cloud of negativity
dissipates. Until then, I’m going to stay focused on the positive aspects – and there
are many – like UofL baseball.
Jason’s Yoga Journey
On Father’s Day, Jason Applegate – Extol’s Director of Advertising & Sales – received
a few gifts from our daughter and an assignment from me (there are benefits to being
both the editor and his wife): Try yoga for 30 days and report on the results. Jason
took his first yoga class June 18 at Inner Spring Yoga with instructor Kim Hannan at
the helm, but not before having his vitals taken in Kroger. When I asked him what the
results showed, he looked at me and said, “I’m basically dead. Fat and dead.” Yikes.
You can follow Jason’s 30-day yoga journey on ExtolSports.com and on our Twitter,
Instagram and Facebook accounts (@extolsports).
Jason Applegate.
As always, thanks for picking us up.
Angie
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