Straughn 'Leads by Example'

Senior Brittany Straughn has an outstanding academic record, is involved in her community and school leadership programs. Straughn was recommended for the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship and is just kind of student such an award seeks to recognize.

Boston University’s prestigious Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship provides four years of full tuition to a student who exemplifies King’s ideals of community involvement, commitment to social justice and academic excellence.

In his letter of recommendation Principal Jon Bernard notes, "She leads by example... she is able to motivate others to do good work as well... I recommend her without reservation... she parallels the good and important work of Dr. King... a finer example will be difficult to find."

Brittany’s many achievements in leadership started with her participation in grade eight when she joined the Peer Leadership group.

“Our purpose was to mentor sixth-graders,” recalled Straughn. “Entering middle school was a big adjustment. I wanted to reach out to these students. I knew how much that would have helped me.”

Ever since, Straughn has been devoting time to community service, school leadership and clubs that promote the acquisition of valuable skills.

Academically Straughn has been in honors classes since she was a freshman. She added advanced placement classes her junior and senior year. In her junior year she earned the University of Rochester’s George Eastman Leaders Award for her outstanding academic record and her extensive service to school and community.

Of all her accomplishments Straughn singles out Mock Trial club as her favorite. She intends to become a trial lawyer.

With that goal in mind she attended the National Youth Leadership Forum on Law in Washington, D.C. the summer after her sophomore year. She views her coursework as contributing to her career choice.

Straughn said she looks forward to her remaining months as a senior. She is anticipating all the shared activities the class will undertake particularly during senior week.

“The tightness of the class when it comes together for common experiences is great,” she said.

“I applied to private schools but the choice to stay in North Reading was the right one," Straughn said with pride. "Mr. Bernard, the faculty and the club advisors are so dedicated to us. It’s an incredible environment to be a part of.”