Written by Jeily Uriostegui Granados, CTEC HOSA President, EVHS Student
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month this September, students in the Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC) Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) program along with National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) organized a heartfelt LEGO drive to honor “Team Kendrick.” The event was created in memory of Kendrick Jenkins, a 2020 Eastern View High School (EVHS) graduate and Sheriff’s Office Cadet, who passed away in 2021 after courageously battling childhood cancer. Kendrick was known for his creativity and lifelong love of LEGOs.
HOSA, a national organization that prepares students for healthcare professions, showcased its members’ compassion and leadership through this project. As of Thursday, October 16, 2025, the CTEC HOSA chapter had gathered 167 LEGO sets, which were presented to Kendrick’s parents during their visit to CTEC.
Jeanie Barlow, CTEC’s Medical Assistant instructor and HOSA sponsor, explained that community service lies at the heart of HOSA’s mission. She was the school nurse at EVHS when Kendrick attended. “There is no greater reward than seeing the pride and emotion in my student’s eyes as his parents thank us for keeping their son’s spirit alive—a testament to the lasting impact of compassion and remembrance”.
Additional support came from Culpeper Middle School (CMS), where staff generously purchased and donated 15 LEGO sets.
When Kendrick’s parents, Tammy Souder and Jonathan Jenkins, visited CTEC to accept the donations, it was a touching and emotional moment for everyone involved. Tammy shared stories about her son and his journey, expressing deep gratitude to the students for keeping his memory alive. Jonathan added, “These LEGO sets are going to bring so much joy to kids in the hospital.”
Several HOSA students shared how much the experience meant to them. One student said, “It was a heartwarming experience.” Another added, “It made me feel good that we were helping others that needed it.” Others reflected on the connection to their future healthcare careers, saying, “It made me appreciate the field we’re in because it got me to see what our work does to other people.” Many described the moment as “very emotional,” and “sentimental and happy,” especially when meeting Kendrick’s parents and hearing about his story.
Through their organization, Team Kendrick, the Jenkins family continues to host an annual LEGO drive each fall. The effort begins with a community kick-off event and donation boxes placed throughout Culpeper. Last year, the drive collected 226 LEGO sets in total. Thanks to the CTEC HOSA students, this year’s campaign is already off to a strong start, nearing last year’s total.
Team Kendrick delivers the LEGO sets to pediatric cancer centers, spreading hope and happiness to children undergoing treatment. More details are available on their Facebook page, @TeamKendrick.
The CTEC HOSA LEGO drive not only paid tribute to Kendrick Jenkins but also demonstrated the powerful sense of unity and kindness within the Culpeper community. By coming together to support children battling cancer, these students embodied the true meaning of service, compassion, and remembrance, ensuring that Kendrick’s legacy continues to inspire others for years to come.