Particularly compelling stories in the paper often provoke an emotional response in readers, leading them to question months later what happened to those involved. As journalists, we don’t like to leave stories unfinished, either. That’s why reporter Leslie Korngold’s story today about Hernan Kenny deserves a read. Kenny, a senior at Pelham Memorial High School, was hit four months ago on his way to football practice by a motorist who has since been charged with drunk driving. Since that accident, which left Kenny with severe injuries to his lower leg, Kenny and his family have been dealing with the emotional and physical fallout.
Korngold does a great job detailing for readers what Kenny and his parents are facing in terms of his multiple surgeries, physical recovery, emotional state and questions about his future. Readers have responded with well wishes for Kenny; and more than a few are waiting to see what happens to the accused drunk driver, Desmond Shand, as his case makes it way through the courts.
Here are a few of the comments so far:
Hernan, you sound like a very couragious young man and I’m sure that when you’re better any college would be honored to have a man like you. Stay strong and never give up on your dreams. My prayers are with you.
Once again we see the horror of drunk driving. This young man is damaged for life, and who knows what problems he will have.
My heart hurt when I read this. Here is this gorgeous young man with so much promise, and some lowlife almost took everything away from him. When are we going to start really coming down on these (people) who feel the need to get behind the wheel when they can’t even walk? I hope this guy gets a long time in jail and the family should file a civil lawsuit against him (if they haven’t already).