Southport senior gets $10,000 college scholarship

She's triumphed over health issues, plays in band, excels academically and has helped others through tutoring

Indianapolis, Indiana, Star
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090219/LOCAL0402/902190337/1023/LOCAL04

Southport High School senior Lauren Brown lives by a simple motto: “What doesn't kill you makes you stronger,” she said last week.

She should know. Born with an interventricular hemorrhage, causing water on the brain, Brown survived that ordeal only to develop ulcerative colitis this year, resulting in the removal of her colon. Through it all, Brown carries a 4.1 grade-point average on a 4-point scale while staying active in band and tutoring younger students.

In recognition of her achievements, Brown was awarded a $10,000 scholarship from the Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis at its 34th annual Abe Lincoln Awards at the Murat Centre.

“When you make it through, you'll be a better and stronger person,” Brown said about overcoming life's obstacles.

Three other Far-Southside students were honored with Circle of Valor awards from Kiwanis for staring down adversity. They are Romeric Amoa, Perry Meridian; Brenna Doyle, Roncalli; and Noell Pickler, Beech Grove.

Next month, Brown, 17, will know whether she's been accepted to Harvard University, realizing her first step in becoming a neurologist.

“I've always wanted to go to Harvard,” said Brown, who plans to major in biological science. “I've always wanted to do my best with everything. I figure Harvard is the best.”

Aside from health issues, Brown has dealt with distractions beyond what most area teenagers could fathom. She grew up in a low-income neighborhood –she is bused to Southport High—and a murder occurred at a neighbor's house last fall as Brown prepared her college applications.

“ ‘You would never know this part of Lauren, because she doesn't speak of it, and she doesn't make excuses for it,’ “ Thomas A. Steiner, a Kiwanis member who presented Brown's award, said, relating a quote from Brown's school counselor.

Of course, there was illness.

A shunt was placed in Brown's body when she was three weeks old to keep her brain from swelling. This year, she developed ulcerative colitis. She was forced to make a decision: have her colon removed or take medication that could cause cancer.

“You can skip that part; it's fine,” she told doctors about taking the medication, drawing laughs from the crowd.

Several weeks in the hospital forced Brown to miss the first month of her senior year. During her recovery, she had difficulty walking, had trouble climbing stairs and couldn't lift more than 10 pounds, Steiner said.

Brown drew strength from her mother, who never left her side. “I would love to be a mother like that,” Brown said of her mom's devotion.

Brown excels at playing the saxophone, clarinet and piano and received the best musician award in marching band. She also is a member of Key Club, Student Council, academic decathlon, Riley Dance Marathon and National Honor Society. The topper? A homecoming queen nomination this year.

“I pray every night,” Brown said of what keeps her going. “I believe I wake up every morning to do what God wants me to do.”