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What's Brewing

The smile of a true winner

By SUSAN THURSTON
Published June 3, 2005

Your first thought might be to feel sorry for Joseph Browne.

Growing up, he didn't have fancy clothes or, at times, even enough food. He often had to study at the library because his house had no electricity. When he was in ninth grade, his father died of a blood clot.

But Joseph doesn't want your sympathy.

Instead, give him a big high-five.

Joseph was among 10,014 students who graduated from Hillsborough County schools in the past few weeks - a shining example that plenty of good can come out of public schools.

Joseph, 18, was valedictorian at Middleton High School and likely will finish with a GPA over 6.2. In August, he heads to Brown University in Providence, R.I., where he plans to focus on computer engineering and Far Eastern studies.

Thanks to scholarships and grants - including $40,000 from the Ron Brown Scholar Program - it won't cost him a dime.

He chose Brown from a field of seven after visiting the Ivy League campus in April. He liked the people and promise.

"I got the feeling I could do anything," he said with a broad smile. "It was more of a community than the other schools."

He knew from the day he started school he was going to college, regardless of what happened along the way. His parents didn't give him an option.

"You don't have much control of your life if you don't have an education," said his mother, Kathy, 49. "I've always told (my children), "Whatever you do, do the best you can.' "

Joseph and his three siblings had a good example to follow. Their mother went to Georgetown University at a time when it was "not very friendly" or helpful to minorities. She vowed that would never be her children's experience.

She made that happen by getting involved in her kids' educations. She volunteered at their schools, spending several hours a day in the media center or with the sports teams. Everyone at Middleton, a magnet for engineering and technology, knows her.

Her constant presence motivated Joseph to work hard. He got all A's in high school except for two B's, which still burn him to this day. A runner and wrestler, he was a National Achievement Scholar and a National Merit Finalist.

Throughout his education, his parents insisted that he and his siblings focus on school. His parents and God would take care of the rest.

"They grew up believing they are here for a reason and they aren't allowed to waste it," she said.

Tough times taught the family to be resourceful. When money was tight, the kids ate meals at school and at night studied at the West Gate Library in Town 'N Country. They read library books instead of playing video games. They turned $12 into several bags of groceries.

"A lot of people who have a lot don't try too hard," Mrs. Browne said.

Joseph credits his success to his strong Christian faith and shies away from talk about his struggles. In his valedictorian speech, he said: "We are all runners. To quit is to die."

He also credits people like Jason Mims, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, with helping him achieve his dreams. Mims works with young black students to give them the support and motivation to do well in school and go on to top universities. Last week, Mims and about 10 students and their parents, including Joseph and his mom, went to a graduation party at the Tampa law firm of Holland & Knight.

Mims met Joseph when he was a freshman in an honors English class. He immediately saw his potential and over the years stayed in contact with him to mostly pat him on the back.

"He's one of those rare stories that we need to celebrate," he said. "Absolutely he'll go far. And he's just not going out for himself. He has unique opportunities to make a contribution for his community, the nation, even the world."

Joseph blushes at the notion. For now, he has his sights on college, then possibly going to Japan to teach English. A job in telecommunications or the car industry would be nice.

His options are endless. So are his dreams.

THE LAST DROP: Support Ybor City's push for a daytime crowd while getting your garden growing by visiting Ybor City Fresh Market's Plant Sale. The sale runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Centennial Park, 19th Street and Eighth Avenue. While there, check out the city's new Arts Studio and shops on 19th Street.

Susan Thurston can be reached at 226-3394 or thurston@sptimes.com

[Last modified June 2, 2005, 08:00:13]