–I was looking through files from last year and realized I never put this story up here. This is a story I did in October about a ten-year-old boy named Dakota I met during the South of 64 Workshop.
Dakota Needham, 10, plays during recess Sept. 30 at Carterville Intermediate School in Carterville. Andrea Needham, Dakota’s mother, said he was born with a cleft lip and palate, and has undergone three surgeries since then. She said his medical problems have left him with a speech impediment. Andrea Needham said other than not reading aloud in class, his impediment has not caused him any real social problems. Though he said he does get bullied from-time-to-time, Dakota said he does not let it get him down. – Isaac Smith | Daily Egyptian
Dakota Needham plays with Matchbox Cars Sept. 30 in the living room of his Cambria home. “I like playing alone sometimes,” Dakota said. He also said he enjoys playing with his cousin, McKala Needham. “He’s very independent,” his mother Andrea Needham said.
McKala Needham, 10, left, helps her cousin Dakota Needham, right, put away dishes Sept. 30 in Dakota’s home in Cambria. Andrea Needham said McKala stays with them during the week but on the weekends she often stays with her mother, Heather Needham.
Dakota waits to be put back into the game Saturday Oct. 1 at the Carterville Soccer Fields with fellow teammate Luke Stritzel, left, and assistant coach Chris Culp. Dakota said when he grows up he wants to be both a soccer coach and a police officer. Dakota made the All Star Traveling Team for his division Oct. 11. Dan Turnquist, Dakota’s coach, said though he was in the top five for talent, he was number one in terms of effort.
Dakota Needham, left, eats lunch during his cousin Jasmine Beckette’s birthday party Oct. 1 at his home in Cambria. Despite Dakota’s extended family being complicated, his mother said they try to get together as much as possible. – Isaac Smith | Daily Egyptian
Dakota Needham falls asleep Sept. 31 under the glow of a television set in his room.
Isaac Smith-Photojournalist 