“We take everything for granted. Every day we complain about something — ‘my back hurts. My neck hurts.’ But for Hakam, every day is a beautiful day.” – Bailey Lake
St. Lucie West • Tradition
Your Independent Local Community Newspaper
Vol. 1 / Issue 2
Friday, November 16, 2012
Homecoming king teaches lesson in humanity By Nicole Rodriguez Staff writer
See KING page 4
A public defender’s life
Hooked on the law after watching first trial
3
Sex charges for teacher
SLW woman accused of tryst with teen
Mitch Kloorfain/chief photographer Hakam Daley, 21, celebrated with Bailey Lake, 17 after being named Homecoming King and Queen during the halftime ceremonies for St. Lucie West Centennial High School at South County Stadium Friday, Nov. 9. Hakam, who has cerebral palsy, was voted unanimously by his classmates.
Tradition set to break ground on new research center
Tourism center moves
By Nicole Rodriguez Staff writer
Manager highlights St. Lucie West, Tradition destinations
TRADITION – In keeping with its unofficial moniker as the Research Coast, the Treasure Coast is poised to break ground on its latest innovative complex in Tradition later this month. Although a date hasn’t been set, Mann Research Center plans to begin construction by the end of November on a
By Nicole Rodriguez Staff writer
See RESEARCH page 8 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID FORT PIERCE, FL PERMIT NO. 248 ECRWSS
Local Postal Customer
St. Lucie West and Tradition destinations like New York Mets spring training ballgames at Digital Domain Park, action-packed Superplay USA
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Buddy needs buddy Shelter seeks home for abused dog
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Victorious despite ads
Rep. Larry Lee Jr. wants 7 to reach out to GOP
Time for WestFest!
Fun and frivolity still reign after 15 years
11
See TOURISM page 16
Name: Front Page strip; Ad Number: 1063
This Holiday Season Support Your Neighbors & Your Community....Shop Local!
1063
ST. LUCIE WEST – Hakam Daley, 21, spent a bulk of his life in various foster homes after his mother abandoned him. The honor roll high school student is wheelchair bound from cerebral palsy and strives every day to overcome several learning disabilities, but no hurdle is too high for St. Lucie West Centennial’s newly crowned homecoming king. “God is so good to me,” Hakam said. “God places good people in our lives. Without good people in my life, I would not be here today.” During the school’s dance on Saturday, Nov. 10, Hakam’s electrifying smile lit up the gymnasium as he exuded love, strength and compassion.