Current:Home > NewsSouth Carolina teen elected first Black homecoming queen in school's 155 years of existence-InfoLens
South Carolina teen elected first Black homecoming queen in school's 155 years of existence
View Date:2024-12-23 16:57:05
A South Carolina high school senior made history as the school's first Black homecoming queen in 155 years.
Amber Wilsondebriano, a senior at Charleston's Porter-Gaud High School, was voted by her peers to become homecoming queen in 2023.
"When I was nominated, I didn't feel confident I would win," Wilsondebriano said. "However, throughout the week, many students told me they were voting for me. When the day came, and my name was called, I was relieved and honored because I knew I was a part of history. I was elated the whole night. My peers made me feel special for the day."
Wilsondebriano, 17, is one of Porter-Gaud High School's best students. She has a 4.66 GPA and is a co-founder of several clubs at the school. One of the clubs she is most proud of is the Black Excellence Society.
The Black Excellence Society is a club she thought the school needed to have Black students in the school come together and have a safe space. The club is also a space where the Black students at the school can find ways to bring more diversity to the school.
"There are less than 10 Black people in my senior class," Wilsondebriano said. " When we have our meetings, every Black student in the school can fit in one classroom."
When Wilsondebriano and her five friends pitched the club to the directors at Porter-Gaud High School last year, they immediately accepted the program.
"I can't say enough how supportive the school has been of the club," Wilsondebriano said. "They have funded catering for us and gave us a classroom to hold our meetings. I appreciate the school very much."
Book bans:Conservative leaders banned books. Now Black museums are bracing for big crowds.
Aspiring author also leads Chinese, Art clubs
Wilsondebriano is the Chinese and Art Club co-leader and plans to major in Painting at The Savannah College of Art and Design in the Fall 2024. Her goals are to illustrate and write children's books. She also dreams of someday owning a business and sourcing her artwork she will author.
"Amber is a very special child," Amber's mother, Monique Wilsondebriano, said. "She has taught herself how to paint. She is such a blessing. It's not surprising to me that the kids voted for her to become queen. She is a good friend and is very loyal."
Wilsondebriano's family is originally from New York but moved after her father, Chevalo Wilsondebriano, was injured in the 9/11 attacks. While working for the FDNY EMS as a medic First Responder, he sustained an injury to his lungs, causing his capacity to decline.
They moved to South Carolina to open their company called Charleston Gourmet Burger Company. Their products have been sold in Macy's, Whole Foods, and Walmart.
School bus driver charged:Oklahoma school bus driver faces kidnapping charges after refusing to let students leave
Nevada prosecutor arrested:Las Vegas prosecutor faces charges after police say he tried to lure an underage girl for sex
veryGood! (25)
Related
- All Social Security retirees should do this by Nov. 20
- Some states still feeling lingering effects of Debby
- Ryan Reynolds thanks Marvel for 'Deadpool & Wolverine' slams; Jude Law is a Jedi
- Debby’s aftermath leaves thousands in the dark; threatens more flooding in the Carolinas
- Controversial comedian Shane Gillis announces his 'biggest tour yet'
- In 60-year-old Tim Walz, Kamala Harris found a partner to advocate for reproductive rights
- USWNT wins its fifth Olympic gold medal in women’s soccer with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in final
- Chiefs WR Marquise Brown ‘will miss some time’ after dislocating a clavicle in 26-13 loss at Jaguars
- Chris Evans Shares Thoughts on Starting a Family With Wife Alba Baptista
- Olympics 2024: Tom Cruise Ends Closing Ceremony With Truly Impossible Stunt
Ranking
- Inter Miami's MLS playoff failure sets stage for Messi's last act, Alexi Lalas says
- Two men were shot to death before a concert at a raceway in Iowa
- Early Harris-Walz rallies feature big crowds, talk of ‘joy’ and unsolicited GOP counterprogramming
- Miley Cyrus cries making history as youngest Disney Legend, credits 'Hannah Montana'
- Stock market today: Asian shares meander, tracking Wall Street’s mixed finish as dollar surges
- Mike Tirico left ESPN, MNF 8 years ago. Paris Olympics showed he made right call.
- Dozens of pregnant women, some bleeding or in labor, being turned away from ERs despite federal law
- Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran directs homophobic slur at fan, issues apology
Recommendation
-
Fire crews gain greater control over destructive Southern California wildfire
-
Summer tourists flock to boardwalks and piers while sticking to their budgets
-
Maryland house leveled after apparent blast, no ongoing threat to public
-
The US Navy’s warship production is in its worst state in 25 years. What’s behind it?
-
Keke Palmer Says Ryan Murphy “Ripped” Into Her Over Scream Queens Schedule
-
Can I use my 401(k) as an ATM? New rules allow emergency withdrawals.
-
USA vs. France basketball highlights: American women win 8th straight Olympic gold
-
73-year-old ex-trucker faces 3 murder charges in 1977 California strangulations