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North Beach Elementary is so fortunate to have such a beautiful playground on premises. The playground was dedicated by the Turken family and friends in the memory of their daughter Jennifer Beth Turken.
Biography of Jennifer Turken
Jennifer Beth Turken
The Jennifer Beth Turken Playground is named after, and in dedication of, a sweet, beautiful little girl who, in her short life, touched the souls of everyone she ever came into contact with through her remarkable courage, spirit, and zest for life.
Jen was brilliant and her thirst for knowledge was unquenchable. Before she enrolled at North Beach as a kindergartener, when she was only three years old, she would add and subtract while riding her bicycle with her mom and dad. Her preschool teachers told her parents that she knew how to read, even though her parents had only read to her. Her curiosity about everything around her made just taking a walk with her an endless exercise of answering questions.
Jen had a confidence and a contagious laugh that lit up a room. Even after she became ill and lost her hair, her confidence never abated. She knew she was beautiful and always felt good about herself, and made everyone around her feel the same way about themselves.
It never mattered to her what someone else looked like, and by her actions she taught her friends to feel the same way. The worst thing she ever said about any one was he or she was selfish!
Jen was fearless; there was nothing she was afraid to try. On her fourth birthday, she told her mom she was ready to ride a two-wheeler, and insisted that her parents take off her training wheels. Within two days she was riding her bicycle without the training wheels all around the neighborhood.
Perhaps the only thing that eclipsed Jen’s beauty and intelligence and pure goodness of heart was her remarkable courage and spirit. For three years she fought her horrible illness. She endured twelve brain surgeries, intense chemotherapy, radiation and gamma knife treatments, a bone marrow transplant, and experimental immunotherapy. Throughout all of this she hardly ever missed a beat. She kept up with her classes, played with her sister and friends and dogs, and – two days after one of her major brain surgeries—actually went rollerblading around the neighborhood with her helmet.
It is in tribute to Jen’s life and what she taught all of us about the importance of enjoying every minute we are on this planet that this Playground has been built. Honor it, and, by doing so, you will be honoring her memory. And, most importantly, have a really fun time.
Rededication Ceremony
Rededication Ceremony for the
Jennifer Beth Turken Playground
On February 14, 2007, North Beach Elementary School celebrated the life of Jennifer Beth Turken through the rededication of the playground in the front of the school. This achievement was accomplished through the hard work of her parents, Mr. Bobby and Mrs. Dana Turken , her sister Danny and her brother Sammy and their families and friends. Additionally, recognized for their efforts on this projects behalf are:
Commissioner Saul Gross from the City of Miami Beach, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Dr. Rudy Crew and Miami-Dade County School Board member, Dr. Martin Karp, Region 11 Superintendent Ms. Enid Weissman, North Beach Elementary School Staff, Mr. Luther Gray, Principal, Mrs. Maria Costa and Mrs. Dalia Villar, Assistant Principals, former principal of North Beach, Mrs. Aida Marrero and Mrs. Shari Lombardi, Teacher. There was a cadre of facilities operations gentlemen, without whom this project couldn’t go forward. The team was spearheaded by Mr. Ignacio Palacio and Mr. Ralph Kugel.
Commissioner Saul Gross from the City of Miami Beach, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Dr. Rudy Crew and Miami-Dade County School Board member, Dr. Martin Karp, Region 11 Superintendent Ms. Enid Weissman, North Beach Elementary School Staff, Mr. Luther Gray, Principal, Mrs. Maria Costa and Mrs. Dalia Villar, Assistant Principals, former principal of North Beach, Mrs. Aida Marrero and Mrs. Shari Lombardi, Teacher. There was a cadre of facilities operations gentlemen, without whom this project couldn’t go forward. The team was spearheaded by Mr. Ignacio Palacio and Mr. Ralph Kugel.
There were music presentations, jump rope teams, poetry readings, plaques to be hung in the school and finally, a ribbon cutting to officially open the playground. The day was happy and sad at the same time; but through the playground, we will remember Jen doing what she loved, playing with friends. What a fitting tribute to such a brave, beautiful and happy little girl. Jen will forever be a North Beach shining star.
LITTLE MISS BRIGHT EYE
BY S. MONTAIGNE
HER EYES WERE BLUE AND BRIGHT,
HER HAIR WAS CURLY AND LIGHT.
SHE LOVED TO SHARE,
AND BE A PART OF EVERYTHING
BECAUSE AS LITTLE AS SHE WAS,
SHE CARED.
SHE IS A NORTH BEACH SHINING STAR
AND NOW WITH THIS PLAYGROUND IN HER NAME
IF YOU LOOK WITH YOUR HEART
YOU WILL SEE HER BECAUSE
SHE WILL BE FOREVER PLAYING IN EVERY SINGLE GAME.
A poem read by Stephanie Montaigne at the Rededication Ceremony
Kindness Award
Kindness is Cool!
North Beach Elementary School is proud to offer the Jennifer Beth Turken Kindness Award. This award program was established by Robert and Dana Turken and serves as a tribute to Jennifer Turken who was a former student who passed away from a virulent brain tumor. In her short life, Jennifer touched the hearts and souls of all who knew her. As a result of a Miami-Dade County School Board action, this perpetual award recognizes and rewards children for their kindness, respect, and sensitivity toward one another. The monthly winners receive certificates and ice cream parties, catered by The Frieze, which they share with their classmates.
At the end of the school year, one winner from each grade will have their name engraved on a plaque and hung permanently at the school. Additionally, they will receive a brand new bicycle and helmet that will be selected just for them. The hope of the Turken family, who sponsors this award, is to encourage students to develop into nicer, more caring, and compassionate young people.