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ARTHREX TEAM AT TIF 2014 CHARITY CLASSIC PRO-AM - TIM THOMPSON,
MIKE BOOSE, MATTHEW MEDLIN, TEJASH NAIK, KEN DUKE (GOLF PRO)
WITH JOHNNIE GONZALES (2ND FROM RIGHT)
ARTHREX TEAM AT TIF 2014 CHARITY CLASSIC PRO-AM - BRANDON ROLLER, JOSH DAY, BONNIE BLANCHARD,
DUDLEY HART (GOLF PRO), MIKE MORRIS WITH JOHNNIE GONZALES
TIF GRADUATE
by Steven Kissinger inspired to succeed
J ohnnie Gonzales became involved with The Immokalee need of a higher income, he also worked at a farm in Immokalee
Foundation when he was junior at Immokalee High owned by his aunt. By his second year of college – since he
School. As a participant in Future Builders of America – was not making school a priority and his grades suffered – he
a workforce development and student leadership program now decided to drop out of school and focus on work.
known as TIF’s Career Development and Readiness program Gonzales began his days at 6:30 a.m., sometimes working
– Gonzales took part in numerous educational, construction until as late as 9 or 10 p.m. Although his aunt owned the farm,
and community activities. The program not only enhanced his he wasn’t given special privileges; he started out picking and
leadership and teamwork skills, but also taught him the value worked his way up. He gained experience and was able to put
of giving back. His senior year, Gonzales was voted president his leadership skills to work. He could see himself becoming
of FBA. content to stay at the farm. Fortunately though, he had
“It was a really amazing experience,” Gonzales said. “As continued his relationship with The Immokalee Foundation.
a group, we had over 1,600 volunteer hours. We built ramps “I still spoke with Miss Elda [TIF Career Development
for the disabled, helped build the foundation for a veteran’s Program Manager Elda Hernandez] regularly and volunteered
memorial, and teamed with Habitat for Humanity to construct for years at the Charity Classic Celebration,” said Gonzales.
homes in Immokalee.” “She would call and find out how I was doing and encourage
Through TIF’s scholarship program, Gonzales was offered me.”
a four year, tuition free scholarship to any school in Florida During one of those calls, Hernandez told him about
after he graduated from IHS. Although he was uncertain of a new partner, Arthrex. She wanted him to apply for their
what he wanted to do, he decided to take advantage of his apprenticeship program. “It offered great benefits and a great
scholarship and began taking classes at Florida SouthWestern pay scale, and I had the ability to move up,” Gonzales said. “I
State College, while also working as a pizza delivery driver. In thought, ‘What do I have to lose?’ ”
94 Life in Naples | January 2015
MIKE BOOSE, MATTHEW MEDLIN, TEJASH NAIK, KEN DUKE (GOLF PRO)
WITH JOHNNIE GONZALES (2ND FROM RIGHT)
ARTHREX TEAM AT TIF 2014 CHARITY CLASSIC PRO-AM - BRANDON ROLLER, JOSH DAY, BONNIE BLANCHARD,
DUDLEY HART (GOLF PRO), MIKE MORRIS WITH JOHNNIE GONZALES
TIF GRADUATE
by Steven Kissinger inspired to succeed
J ohnnie Gonzales became involved with The Immokalee need of a higher income, he also worked at a farm in Immokalee
Foundation when he was junior at Immokalee High owned by his aunt. By his second year of college – since he
School. As a participant in Future Builders of America – was not making school a priority and his grades suffered – he
a workforce development and student leadership program now decided to drop out of school and focus on work.
known as TIF’s Career Development and Readiness program Gonzales began his days at 6:30 a.m., sometimes working
– Gonzales took part in numerous educational, construction until as late as 9 or 10 p.m. Although his aunt owned the farm,
and community activities. The program not only enhanced his he wasn’t given special privileges; he started out picking and
leadership and teamwork skills, but also taught him the value worked his way up. He gained experience and was able to put
of giving back. His senior year, Gonzales was voted president his leadership skills to work. He could see himself becoming
of FBA. content to stay at the farm. Fortunately though, he had
“It was a really amazing experience,” Gonzales said. “As continued his relationship with The Immokalee Foundation.
a group, we had over 1,600 volunteer hours. We built ramps “I still spoke with Miss Elda [TIF Career Development
for the disabled, helped build the foundation for a veteran’s Program Manager Elda Hernandez] regularly and volunteered
memorial, and teamed with Habitat for Humanity to construct for years at the Charity Classic Celebration,” said Gonzales.
homes in Immokalee.” “She would call and find out how I was doing and encourage
Through TIF’s scholarship program, Gonzales was offered me.”
a four year, tuition free scholarship to any school in Florida During one of those calls, Hernandez told him about
after he graduated from IHS. Although he was uncertain of a new partner, Arthrex. She wanted him to apply for their
what he wanted to do, he decided to take advantage of his apprenticeship program. “It offered great benefits and a great
scholarship and began taking classes at Florida SouthWestern pay scale, and I had the ability to move up,” Gonzales said. “I
State College, while also working as a pizza delivery driver. In thought, ‘What do I have to lose?’ ”
94 Life in Naples | January 2015
