Photography by Woodsy Wonders Photography
Meet Brooklyn. She is Beauty Revived.
We find beauty in so many different forms. It is easy to pick out physically attractive people, but real beauty is found in getting to know people. Nobody knows this better than Brooklyn. She has always chosen to be an inclusive and caring soul even at a young age.
I remember her coming home from the first day of second grade. She couldn’t wait to tell me about the friend she made who was sitting alone at lunch. It wasn’t until several weeks later I found out she had taken a special needs student under her wing. Still to this day they high five in the wide over-filled hallways of high school. Little did I know how this small act of kindness would later come full circle.
As President of Social Committee for Student Council her junior year, she was tasked with a community project and she chose to go BIG! While planning the social events in high school she realized the majority of the special needs students did not attend these events for a myriad of reasons; some had sensory issues or needed physical assistance, some were insecure, some could not afford the appropriate attire and so on. Based on this information, Brooklyn created the Jolly Jive, a prom-like event just for the special needs students at McKinney North High School. The dance was a huge success and included a professional DJ and photographer, donated dresses for those who could not afford one and a hair and makeup station to ensure the students felt beautiful on their big day. During the dance, Brooklyn was thanked endlessly by the parents of these students and several with tears in their eyes said they’ve never seen their child so happy! It was clear this would be a reoccurring event for many years to come. As Senior Class President this year, she is currently planning this event again except this time it will include all 3 high schools in McKinney! I could not be more proud of the legacy she will leave behind as she graduates. Her compassion for others truly runs to her core and has never wavered.
Brooklyn’s strength of character can best be explained by her drive to better herself. On top of being Senior Class President in charge of planning not only the Jolly Jive but every other social event this year, she is also in the top 10% of her class, a member of National Honor Society, Editor of the Yearbook, works part time as a swim instructor and still finds time to hang out with her biggest fan – her Granddad (even on a Saturday night). As is the case with any teenager, this time in her life is wrought with temptations to make decisions that can carry with it serious consequences. Her focus to do what she expects of herself and her ability to carry herself with a rare mix of confidence, humility and warmth has been quite astonishing to watch as her parent.
Brooklyn has managed to take these opportunities in her life and build a foundation for herself that will carry her far. She has high hopes to attend the University of Texas to study Neuroscience with an emphasis on Cognitive and Developmental Disabilities after she graduates. I am excited for her future and have no doubt she will continue to do what she can to make the world a better place.
About the Photographer
Erica Williams of Woodsy Wonders Photography specializing in families, newborns and seniors based in Celina, Texas serving all of North Dallas.
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