Work in local youth organizations, her church and school helped South Central High School graduate Jade Brown win this year’s John Milton and Sue May Scholarship, awarded by the Winterville Chamber of Commerce.
“Every year our Chamber receives a donation from the May family to continue the legacy that John Milton and Sue May left for Winterville,” said Chamber Executive Director Rebecca Caveness. “The couple believed in higher education and community support. In their honor, the chamber choses a local high school senior who has shown their dedication to community and is preparing to attend a four-year university in the fall to help them in their monetary needs. We thank the May family for continuing to make this possible.”
Caveness said Brown stands out as “a remarkable young leader in the community.” Brown said she has been influenced by her mother, the director of high school programs at Pitt Community College.
“Having my mom at PCC has been such a blessing,” Brown said. “She has guided me to strive to be the best person I can be and always reminds me to never give up and to be the change I want to see.”
From a young age, Brown’s passion for sports and health care set her on a clear path. Her involvement in the BrodyRISE program at East Carolina University’s medical school was a turning point, she said.
“BrodyRISE gave me a chance to see so many different health care careers, including physical therapy,” Brown said. “I knew from then on that physical therapy was exactly what I wanted to do and I would love to go the sports route.”
Brown’s high school years were marked by her participation in the Pitt County Schools Health Sciences Academy.
“HSA has been the most impactful organization I have participated in,” she said. “I was able to do career exploration, get over 250 service hours, and even complete a paid internship all because of HSA. The staff of HSA are some of the most supportive people I have ever come across.”
Her advice to other high school students is to get involved early.
“Networking is such an important part of life and you never know where it will lead you or who you will meet along the way,” Brown said.
To local business leaders, Brown emphasized the importance of staying involved with the youth in the community.
“Some kids do not know exactly what they want to do after high school, and you never know what kind of impact a local business would have on them,” she said. “I would just like to thank any local business leader that has had an impact on my journey so far.”
Brown graduated from South Central High School ranked 10th in her class with a 4.47 GPA. This fall, she will begin her studies at North Carolina Central University in Durham, majoring in kinesiology with a focus on sports medicine. Her ultimate goal is to become a physical therapist.
“I am so excited about starting a new chapter in my life,” Brown said. “College is going to open so many doors for me personally, socially and professionally. I am looking forward to making new connections, forming new relationships, and starting my journey to my dream career.”
Caveness said Brown is “a shining example of the talent and dedication that thrives in our community. We are proud to support her in her educational endeavors and look forward to seeing all that she will achieve.”
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