Story of student's college dream prompts community support

Kelly McLendon didn't really expect people to read her story, let alone respond to it with such a show of love and support.

The 17-year-old Jackson High School student has been bombarded with phone calls from friends, family and others interested in helping her achieve her dream of graduating from college after a story about her ap-peared this week in the Southeast Missourian.

"Everyone at school has stopped me and said, 'the article was awesome,'" McLendon said. "I didn't even know it was going to be on the front page."

McLendon said local businesses and residents called the high school asking how they could help her.

After numerous readers expressed an interest in helping McLendon financially, Bank of Missouri in Jackson has volunteered to be a drop-off spot for donations.

Bank branches in Cape Girardeau, Perryville, Mo., and Marble Hill, Mo., are also accepting donations in McLendon's name.

"The bottom line is we felt a real urgency to help this girl. We all read the story with tears in our eyes," said Kathy Roth with Bank of Missouri in Jackson.

Readers from throughout Southeast Missouri contacted the newspaper this week about donating. Cape Girardeau resident Marian White said she decided to donate because McLendon reminded her of the opportunities she gave up after high school.

"The thing that got me the most was how she knew in her mind she had to have an education," White said.

"She got it, and she got it well enough to do what she needed to do. I admire that. It should give motivation to other kids."

For more information about donating, contact Bank of Missouri at 243-9300.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128