Tatyanna Brooks, Queenstown resident and 2019 graduate of Queen Anne’s County High School, is the 2023 John T. Harrison Award winner.
With resilience and recalibration, Ms. Brooks rediscovered her passion for science and learned that helping others can fuel personal motivation.
A member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and winner of the Frederick Douglas UMD Scholarship, Ms. Brooks graduated from Chesapeake with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
During her address to the graduates, Ms. Brooks spoke of the importance of human connections.
“I place great value on building connections because communities are only possible because of individuals. Others believed in me so now I have the opportunity to believe in other people, as a tutor, teacher, friend, stranger, etc. No matter what you have been or are going through, your aspirations are not unattainable,” Ms. Brooks told her classmates. “You have the ability to accomplish all you need to live a fulfilled life, and if no one has made you believe in this possibility- let me be the first. Because every single person in this room deserves a life full of happiness.”
Ms. Brooks will transfer to the University of Maryland College Park this fall to complete a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to enroll in a Physician Assistant program and eventually work in either a pediatric emergency or Ob/Gyn setting.
As she managed her own studies, Ms. Brooks worked in the campus tutoring center. While providing instructional support and encouragement to students in historically difficult science classes, Ms. Brooks even developed a mock lab practical exam model.
Professor Kimberly Smoloski said of Ms. Brooks, “Her commitment to the college embodies the legacy of John T. Harrison. She is truly an outstanding candidate!”
The new graduate cites Dr. Kim Smoloski, Dr. Allison Barba, Lorelly Solano and Mary Lu Towey as the faculty and staff who inspired her at Chesapeake.
In addition to her community service at Chesapeake, Ms. Brooks also developed the children’s Sunday school program at St. Thekla’s Orthodox Church in Easton.
As she graduates from Chesapeake, Ms. Brooks is also interviewing for phlebotomist positions on the Shore. She also earned a Certificate in Phlebotomy at Chesapeake, so she hopes to work in the field to earn both income and clinical hours needed for future degrees.