SHS senior named Girl of the Year

It was one surprise after another Tuesday afternoon at Girls Inc. of Sarasota County. 

During a surprise gathering students helped announce and surprise the 2016 Girl of the Year recipient Tyesha Brown. Members helped in the reveal by holding cue cards with qualities that described Brown before announcing her name.

Poster boards with the words “adventurous,” “creative,” “strong,” “smart” and “bold” were flipped around until the final card with “Tyesha.” The moment it hit Brown what was going on was when the curtains were pulled to reveal her aunts, sisters and friends standing on stage to celebrate with her.

Brown, 19, is a senior at Sarasota High School and has been a member at Girls Inc. of Sarasota County for 10 years. She involved in the High School initiative program and is now a part-time employee. 

“What we’re looking for in a Girl of the Year is a girl who exemplifies the Girls Inc. values of smart, strong and bold,” said Angie Stringer, Girls Inc. of Sarasota County Executive Director. “I remember when Tyesha was a young girl when I was at Girls Inc. before and now I get to see her receive this honor.” 

Once Brown joined her friends and family on stage a special message from Dawn Wiley via webcam from the national Girls Inc. offices . Wiley worked closely with Brown in her previous position as the director of high school initiatives but has since joined the national Girls Inc. offices. She delivered the message that Brown is also the recipient of the Lucille Miller Wright scholarship for $20,000. Brown will also be making a trip to New York City for three days for the 2016 annual Girls Inc. luncheon.

“I don’t have to worry about how I’m going to pay for college anymore,” Brown said. 

Brown plans to study business at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. 

“Girls Inc. has taught me how to step out of my comfort zone and make the right decisions at the right time,” Brown said.