When Brandon entered high school, he had a rocky start adjusting to the new academic rigors. Luckily, as a BGCA-affiliated Youth Center member, he was surrounded by the encouragement, community and resources he needed to succeed. His grades soon improved, as did his leadership skills.

Youth Center staff and his peers encouraged Brandon to run for student council at his high school. They helped him every step of the way, from making posters to printing flyers to offering words of encouragement. He won the race for junior class recording secretary and, later, student body parliamentarian. Brandon discovered a passion for leadership, and also clinched positions as a BGCA-affiliated Youth Center  Military Teen Ambassador and vice president of Fort Jackson’s Keystone Club.

Brandon plans to attend Winthrop University and hopes to become a TV correspondent.