MADISONJENNE' BROWNISAMEMBEROFTHEAMERICANBALLETTHEATERSTUDIOCOMPANYIN NEWYORKCITYASWELLASASENIORHOMESCHOOLSTUDENT.SHEISTHEDAUGHTEROFDR. ANDMR.REDICKBROWNII.SHEHASBEENAMEMBEROFTHEPALMBEACHCHAPTERFOR10 YEARSSINCEITSINCEPTIONIN2012. IN2018,MADISONPERFORMEDCONTEMPORARYPIECESON NBC’SWORLDOFDANCEANDIN2019SHEGRACEDTHECOVEROFDANCESPIRITMAGAZINE SHE HASWONNUMEROUSNATIONALDANCETITLESANDHASPERFORMEDFORTHOUSANDSON INTERNATIONALSTAGESFROMMEXICOTOPORTUGAL EARLIERTHISYEAR,SHEVISITED SWITZERLANDWHERESHEPERFORMEDATTHEPRIXDELAUSANNE OTHERINTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCELOCATIONSTHISYEARINCLUDEHONGKONG,PHILIPPINES,ANDJAMAICA MADISONASPIRESTOBEAPRINCIPALBALLERINAFORAMERICANBALLETTHEATRE SHELIVESBYTHEMOTTO“DON’TLETTHEWORLDCHANGEYOURSMILE,LETYOURSMILECHANGE THEWORLD.”
G A B R I E L L E L ' A M O U R K I M I N Y O
Since the age of 7, I have been an active member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc, which brings together and nurtures black youth through social, cultural, and enrichment activities As a chartering child of the Teddy Bear Palms in 2012, I have been able to create a stronger connection with culture and have also fulfilled multiple leadership roles including Teen Recording Secretary in the 2021-22 programming year and Teen President of the teen group for this programming year
Moreover, I have been a member of the Class Council for all of high school in the role of Recording Secretary throughout the first three years and this year as co-Vice-President As Recording Secretary, I took minutes and sent them to the council weekly Currently, I am President of my school’s chapter of the National Honor Society for Dance Arts After being an active member of the organization during my junior year, I applied to and won the role of President In addition to managing the Executive Board, I coordinate community outreach events where our dancers partner with local schools and organizations to share our love of dance I am the events coordinator of the Artists Reaching to Society Club at school; the biggest club on my school’s campus I also am part of the National Honor Society, and the National Honor Societies for English, French, History, and Dance
In my sophomore and junior years, outside of school, I earned dual enrollment credit from The MacArthur School of Leadership at Palm Beach Atlantic University, where I broadened my leadership skills through mentorship, guest speakers, a collection of stories, video links, and news articles Lastly, I am an AP Scholar and a YoungArts Honorable Mention Award Winner in the Modern/Contemporary category.
Itwillbeadayforbuildingyourwalls Onthatdaywillyourboundarybe extended.“
Madison Mingo is a senior at Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach, Florida and is the daughter of Kimberly and Todd Mingo. She has been a member of Jack and Jill for 16 years and served as Teen President and Vice President. Madison has played on the varsity basketball teams for both Boca Raton and Cardinal Newman high schools. Madison is active in her school’s activities club, green club and takes advantage of various community service opportunities. After deciding where to pursue her undergraduate studies, Madison aims to attain a degree in sports management or sports communications.
“You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world But it takes people to make the dream a reality.”
– Walt Disney
as a Strings Major, where I played the violin in both the Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras. I earned the National African American Recognition and AP Scholar Awards, was a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Varsity Tennis Team Additionally, I was the Treasurer of the Palm Beach Chapter of Jack & Jill, Event Coordinator for the Black Student Union and Recording Secretary of the Music Therapy Club. Outside of school, I instructed elementary school children on the basics of violin principals, performed as a paid violinist at gigs for organizations and individuals, and baked, decorated, packaged and delivered cookies for events and businesses. This Fall, I will attend my dream school, The University of Michigan, to study Architecture.
"Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Harriet TubmanALEXANDER W. DREYFOOS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
This past year was filled with a bunch of ups and downs I learned a lot about myself and growing up into an independent self sufficient young man. I am proud of all that I was able to achieve I started a Carribbean Heritage Club at my school which provides a space for students with Caribbean backgrounds to interact and share their culture I was inducted into not only the National Spanish Honors Society but the Quill and Scroll, the national honor Society for high school journalists All of my hard work has paid off because I was accepted into and will be attending one of my top colleges, Pepperdine University!
"Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations " –Dr Mae Jemison
I truly believe that the best way to predict the future is to create it My high school years have been a time of creating memories, learning experiences and opportunities that will last me a lifetime I cherish the relationships forged while in Jack and Jill of America, Palm Beach Chapter, since the tender age of 6. I have learned so much and have grown from my interactions with everyone I have encountered While I will be forging a new path in a university setting, I am encouraged to know that I have the support of my lifelong friends I have made in Jack and Jill, Palm Beach Chapter
Caring for others and solving problems that will improve the quality of life of others is my passion I put my passion into action by founding two groups: The Association of Blacks and Latinos Entering the Sciences (ABLES), and Kindness Matters 365 The mission of ABLES is to empower underrepresented groups at Suncoast High School to enter STEM fields and build their capabilities. Kindness Matters 365 encourages all students at Suncoast High School to become kinder and more mentally capable in the communities
“Somebody has to stand when other people are sitting. Somebody has to speak when other people are quiet ”
~Bryan Stevenson
Some of my more memorable experiences were attending Harvard Medscience Summer Program at Harvard University, tutoring elementary school students in math, earning my place in The National Honor Society, being a member of the Varsity Track and Field team, being the Vice President of the West Palm Beach Kappa League, and placing several times with the Speech and Debate Club (Extemporaneous Speaking), and being a Key Club member
I feel blessed to have a head start at the university of my choice due to my efforts and successes in AP classes I was granted the National AP Scholar award However, the college credits earned toward my Bachelor's degree is most rewarding. A wise person once said, "You can't move forward without giving a nod to your past " With this, I nod to my past and look forward to my future with gratitude.
"FROM WHAT WE GET, WE CAN MAKE A LIVING. WHAT WE GIVE, HOWEVER, MAKES A LIFE."
– ARTHUR ASHE
Be who you are but ASPIRE to be better.
This school year I learned a lot about myself as a person. I volunteered at various places with different organizations. I also learned basic life skills I will need to use for the rest of my life like maintaining a job, driving places, and how to balance a busy schedule. Jack and Jill introduced me to a lot of community service opportunities and how to grow as a person.
This has been an incredible year! I worked hard to achieve a number of goals that were important to me – was elected to the National Honor Society was elected president of the National Spanish Honor Society, was chosen to be a Cambridge Scholar and attend a two-week program at Cambridge, and was recognized for my work in art and architecture with two Scholastic awards I co-founded the Black Student Alliance at my school, hosted our first Black History Month celebration and organized a Lego drive for a new Lego Club at a local elementary school
I also continued to participate in my chapter as Corresponding Secretary for the second year in a row and helped to design our award winning teen conference t-shirt for 2022 As I approach my senior year, I’m excited to see what’s next on this journey
ASPIRE not to have more, but to be more.
Teens like me are changing the world one step at a time through innovation, entrepreneurship, activism, great ideas, and sheer determination. I have been concentrating this year on my business adventure I have been the President and CEO of my online company and am in the process of starting another business This year was one where I got my driver’s license as well as my lifeguard certification
In school, I have been concentrating on taking standardized college tests and figuring out the colleges that interest me I have been visiting colleges and I am narrowing my choices
“The best tip I could give you is to be ACTIVE. So many people TALK about what they want to do and they just love words. Don’t be a talker. BE A DOER.” Kevin Hart
I can not believe I am so close to being a senior This year has been awesome for me. I have grown in ways that I would have not thought possible one year ago I absolutely love the life I am creating for myself. Animals and nature are my happy place. I enjoy cooking new meals from different cultures and learning more about history and the enivroment.
In school, I continue to maintain my honor roll status. I am a member of chorus, student council and National Honor Society. I am a member of the track team and love softball and volleyball
Peace begins with a smile.”
~ Mother Teresa.
THIS HAS BEEN A VERY BUSY, YET EXCITING YEAR. I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO PARTICIPATE IN MANY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES SOME HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE BEING SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN LEADERSHIP GROW FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY. IT HAS BEEN AMAZING HAVING BACKSTAGE ACCESS TO PROFESSIONALS IN VARIOUS FIELDS ACROSS THE COUNTY INCLUDING AGRICULTURE, HEALTHCARE, AND STEM. IN ADDITION TO THIS PROGRAM, I HAVE ENJOYED SCHOOL-BASED ACTIVITIES SUCH AS KEY CLUB, NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, BLACK STUDENT UNION, WEIGHTLIFTING, AND TRACK. DURING MY TIME AWAY FROM SCHOOL, I HUMBLY SERVE AS THE TEEN VICE PRESIDENT OF OUR JACK AND JILL CHAPTER IT HAS TRULY AFFORDED ME AMAZING EXPERIENCES THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE OTHERWISE BEEN ABLE TO DO I FEEL A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT WHEN WE GIVE BACK THROUGH COMMUNITY SERVICE AND HELP OTHERS WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE. IN ADDITION TO SCHOOLWORK AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, I ENJOY WORKING AS A CASHIER AT PUBLIX AND LEARNING HOW TO SAVE AND BUDGET IN THE PROCESS.
"THE FUTURE DOESN'T JUST HAPPEN. WE ARE BUILDING IT, AND WE ARE BUILDING IT ALL THE TIME."
-HANNAH FRY
This year has been pretty eventful but also a lot of fun I have learned a lot of new lessons that I will carry with me for a long time. I have also made a lot of new friends I spent a lot of my time honing my skills as an actress and giving back to my community through community service I look forward to being on the board next year.
“Stop talking about how you will build an EMPIRE and start building it right at this very moment. Time never waits for anyone to feel perfectly ready ” –
Edmond MbiakaThis year has been very eventful and fun Serving as foundation/ fundraising chair and going to many events was a rewarding experience. I am most proud of our chapter’s fundraising and community service efforts At the MLK Day of Service I gave blood for the first time I was very scared but I was happy that I was able to save a life that day.
The highlight of my year was when my high school soccer team made it to regional finals with an undefeated record up until then. Betwen Club ans high school soccer, I soend most of the time on the soccer field competing in a game that I love!
Words to live by: If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again!
This has truly been a ‘ year of fruition’ for me At school I was nominated by my peers for the Lorant Fellowship for Most Earnest Endeavour – a fellowship that recognizes a student with the most ‘fire in her belly to succeed'. Last summer, I completed an internship with Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL, where I worked in the Rejniak Research Lab and contributed to Moffitt’s goal of developing personalized treatment for patients with bladder cancer I was also accepted into the 2023 Research Science Institute (the world’s most coveted and competitive high school science research program ) hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
I’ve also achieved a number of successes in my creative pursuits My photograph, “Hold Yourself” was presented and sold for charity in Palm Beach County’s Power of Portrait Exhibition The same photo was also awarded a Regional Silver Key in the Scholastics Art and Writing Competition.
I have truly found a community at school and I am excited to continue deepening my friendships & perfecting my crafts as high school flies by
"Everything I do is for the 17year-old version of myself"
Virgil Abloh
What a year!!! Honored and happy to serve as Teen Recording Secretary for our Palm Beach Chapter This programming year, I participated as teen moderator for "When We All Vote" Forum and volunteered with Children's Home Society and MLK Day of Service
Outside of Jack and Jill, during my Sophomore year I have excelled in my academics and tackled two new sportsfootball and shot put. Still a gamer at heart, I also participated in the first ESports team at my school. Enjoying this journey to greatness !!
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take."
Wayne Gretzky
This year has been very eventful, fun, and inspiring for the future Serving as JJPBC Teen Legislative Chair, being a member of the National Honor Society, playing basketball, and being a member of the Economic Leaders of America club have all served a role in making me a better person. Serving my community on MLK Day and seeing my favorite players on the Miami Heat both illustrate the greatness of Jack and Jill, and how thankful I am to be a part of this chapter
“You cannot build an empire hands folded.” – Matshona Dhliwayo
It was a great year! I had the honor of serving as Historian on the Jack and Jill of Palm Beach Chapter's Teen Executive Board I participated in the stock market change and volunteered for several events including the MLK Day of community service and the Urban League of Palm Beach's turkey giveaway As a student-athlete, I played two varsity sports, and I joined my high school's Christian League.
In addition to my love of cars and serving the community, I am a golf and culinary enthusiast who enjoys teeing off on the weekends and making delicious cuisine for my family and friends. A travel buff too, I am very excited about the upcoming Jack and Jill of America cultural trip to the Greek Isles and life's journey overall
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4:13
This past year has been filled with exciting events and lots of fun During the year I participated in many JJPBC events meeting a lot of cool new people and learning valuable lessons. I played basketball for my school, serving as the team captain leading my team to have multiple wins and was the color guard commander in the MCJROTC program This year has definitely helped me realize how much love I have for Jack and Jill. I hope to have even more fun and good times in my next year.
"If you don't like where you are , move . You are not a tree."
This year has been an awesome but challenging year! I transferred to a new High School and now attend an international sports academy boarding school for soccer. However, I am allowed to travel home. I am learning about time management, dealing with new coaches, and last minute game and training scheduling changes. I haven't always been successful but I am figuring out how to maintain other commitments such as Jack and Jill.
For the first time I really paid attention to how happy I felt during our community service projects Seeing the smiles on the children's faces was priceless at the Toy Drive as well as when we distributed food during Thanksgiving. I gave my mom a hard time getting up in the morning but I ended up not wanting to leave until all the families received food I am looking forward to those community service projects next year.
This year has been truly amazing! I made some new friends and went to some new in exciting places! I recently did an HBCU college tour across the East Coast, and finally settled on what I would like to do for a career and what college I might go to I did cheerleading and I am the president of black student union and I absolutely love it so much!
“MY GOAL IS TO BUILD A LIFE I DON’T NEED A VACATION FROM.”
- ROB HILL
This has been an incredible year, full of successes. I was accepted into Dreyfoos School of the Arts as a Sophomore, where I now major in Communication Arts.. As such, I have worked diligently on my school’s awardwinning publication and was recently chosen as an Editor I was a member of my school’s Speech and Debate team As a novice member, I competed and placed in Congressional Debate and Public Forum and hope to continue improving in my latter high school years. Outside of my Communications work, I swam for my school’s Varsity Swim Team, where I placed at our District Championship meet, and was a member of various clubs, including the Black Student Union and A.R.T.S. Club. I also volunteered as a crew member at a local church’s Vacation Bible School.
"The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work hard for them."
Michelle Obama
This has been an exciting and eventful year for me! I started high school and became a Jack and Jill teen! I participated in Jack and Jill Days at the Capitol where we met Senators, visited the Supreme Court and toured FAMU I volunteered for our MLK Day of Service and served as a moderator for the When We All Vote School Board Forum I attend the King’s Academy where I am an honor student and play on the Junior Varsity Tennis Team and a member of the Visual Arts Conservatory I am also an Officer in the BSA 4116 Girls Troop and a part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Twenty Pearls.
“If you ’ re interested in the living heart of what you do, focus on BUILDING things rather than talking about them.”
– Ryan Freitas
This past year has been eventful, unexpected, and more. Starting high school, getting nominated for a new position, and begin the search for what I want to do in life, even as a freshman. I have volunteered at numerous activities that have helped me grow and exposed me to many different career options, and people with different interesting backgrounds. I have found countless opportunities due to Jack and Jill. I have found community, sanctuary, and endless possibilities in Jack and Jill
“Don’t just build a business. Build an empire.”
This has been a busy and exciting freshman year I made the football team and helped my school return to the game. I was also a member of the soccer and track teams I enjoy being active and trying new things I flew a plane for the first time and did some rock climbing At school, I co-founded the Black Student Alliance and worked to host our first Black History Month celebration.
Community service continues to be important to me whether through school, church or Jack & Jill I really enjoy giving back to the homeless providing them the essentials and serving at the food bank I was also an active member of our chapter and look forward to another exciting year in the teen group
Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion.
Michael Jordan
This year has been really eventful but for the better. I have volunteered at St. George's community center. I bought socks, and gave away shoes to wear. We also helped serve food to the homeless. It felt nice to do something like that for people in need and to hear some of their stories, it has been a really good experience. I have also volunteered at Christ Fellowship and Feeding South Florida. I really enjoyed it. It felt good to help ,my community.
“You don’t build a business, you build people, then people build the business.” – Zig Ziglar
Even though this year started off being a challenge, starting my freshman year of High School, It has now become the most amazing year of my life I have learned so many things about myself and the people around me School and my classes are amazing, and I am finding out where I will land in my career path and maybe for the rest of my life I joined many clubs and participated in sports and activities So far, my favorite Club has been S W A G , which is in collaboration with the Village of Wellington and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority It is an amazing opportunity with an amazing group of mentors
Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to travel domestically and internationally where I volunteered, experience new cultures and tasted new food I have learned more from my traveling than in the classroom.
Jack and Jill is special to my family My mom is a legacy member, she always tells stories about her growing up in Jack and Jill.I also meet her friends from Jack and Jill The lasting friendships, the memories, the volunteering is what will always hold a special place in my heart
"Don't be Afraid Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered."
-Michelle Obama
“Every great building once begun as a building plan. That means, sitting in that building plan on the table is a mighty structure not yet seen. It is the same with dreams.” – Israelmore Ayivor
Entering high school has been an adjustment. However, I have welcomed the new adventure I decided to step out of my comfort zone and run for Freshman treasurer. I won! That was pretty awesome. I have been working very hard and doing well in my classes
As for my year in Jack and Jill, it has been my safe space I get to experience many activities and build life long friendships I've also learned the importance of giving back. I'm looking forward to many more adventures with my Jack and Jill family
“Build an EMPIRE with same bricks that were thrown at you. ”
As I reflect on my year, I am excited about the learning opportunities I've encountered Entering high school made me realize how much I am maturing and growing in a variety of ways. I've had some amazing opportunities to help younger kids in one of the local elementary schools! As I reflect on being that young kid trying to figure things out, I was able to assist a 4th grade boy cope with losing a basketball game. I spoke to him about not feeling defeated I also talked to him about dreaming and never losing your fire Dreams do become reality if you work hard to achieve them!
“A winner is a dreamer who never gives up”
~ Nelson Mandela
Royal Palm teens received guidance and inspirational messages from Jack & Jill parents including fathers in the auxiliary group and associate fathers who are/were elite professionals in their respective fields Teens and fathers had an opportunity to engage with one another in an “all in-one”” elevated bowling, gaming, and entertainment experience Teens were able to engage in one-to-one conversations focused on goal setting and career planning
JJPBC Teens traveled by Brightline to The Gabriel Hotel, a Black owned hotel located in Miami Florida Upon arrival, participants engaged in an ice breaker by grade group to kick -off their experience while Participants were engaged in a number of workshops over the course of their two days together to include:
Following chapter-wide 10th anniversary outing, teens will have an opportunity to debrief on the movie Wakanda Forever This activity will promote critical thinking and bonding as it will give teens an opportunity to engage in dialogue regarding various elements of the movie including the theme of loss and mourning (Mental health) Teens will have an opportunity to practice leadership skills as they will each be required to facilitate specific discussion questions Questions include, but are not limited to:
What thoughts does this movie spur in you?
What is your emotional response to this movie? What moments, character, or ideas resonated with you while watching this movie?
What themes are present in this movie? What is this movie saying about our world? Why would someone want to watch this film?
This was a really helpful activity We talked and learned from JJPBC alumni We were asked to identify key topics that we wanted to discuss at this event One of our JJ moms The alumni shared personal stories and made the thought of college a reality Since it was the holiday seasons, we did a gift exchange
We were ready to bring the heat After taking the Brightline to the Miami Dade arena We enjoyed a match up between the Heat and the Atlanta Hawks We met Burnie the mascot, and a few players We enjoyed sitting in the skybox. Finally we net with Coach Caron Butler and received a copy of his book.
MADISON BROWN: AMERICAN BALLET THEATER ALEXANDER HANCOCK: BOARDING SCHOOL, MICHIGAN MCKENZIE WILLIAMS: BOARDING SCHOOL, MASSACHUSETTS
What a fantastic year the JJPBC teens had this year We participated in many smaller community service activities, like donating Halloween costumes and socks and shopping for and delivering school supplies However, we had a few significant ways we wanted to BUILD up our community
In November, we got up early to help with food distribution during the Thanksgiving holiday We helped set up stations packed bags passed out helpful information, and loaded cars with fruits, vegetables, turkeys, and other items to make the holiday brighter for some local families
In December we wrapped holiday gifts for the Children's Home Society during our chapter's holiday party Knowing our donations and efforts in wrapping their gifts felt like we were ASPIRING to make a difference
In January, we were back at it We met at the park and packaged 200 care bags of hand sanitizer, lotions, and soap We also made lunches and passed them out at a local church.
