Wha’s Happ’nin’ By Sis Frank

Sherman Browne

Guess Who’s Pictured on the Corn Flakes Box?
Sherman A. Browne is his name, a Sprauve School graduate in 1998, Ivanna Eudora Kean graduate in 2001. He then enrolled in Monroe College in the Bronx, New York City to further his education.

During his tenure at Monroe College, Sherman was the founding president of Students in Free Enterprise, a global non-profit organization, whose mission is to teach, inspire, offer hope and empower individuals by creating new economic opportunity through free enterprise education.

Sherman was recognized by Monroe College as the Alumni of Distinction for volunteering thousands of hours to assisting student organizations, students and the faculty and staff of the college. He was also awarded the SIFE Presidential Pin by President George W. Bush for outstanding leadership. In addition, he achieved the President’s List for seven consecutive semesters, he was awarded departmental honors, and was featured with the Monroe College SIFE team on the back of the Kellogg’s Corn Flakes box.

Under his leadership, the SIFE team was able to win, within its first year of operation, the regional SIFE competition, and to place second runner-up in the national competition.

Sherman’s vision allowed the team to develop educational outreach programs that were designed to teach others concepts in market economics, entrepeneurship, financial management and business ethics. This helped to improve the standards of living and quality of life for many individuals in the Bronx, New York City, and as far away as Uganda on the continent of Africa.

He currently serves as chairman of The Executive Strategic Planning Advisory Board for the SIFE team. Sherman also serves as an advisory board member for the Monroe College Business Department, the first alumnus ever to be chosen to serve on the board. He also conducts motivational seminars and serves as a mentor for high school and freshmen college students throughout the Bronx.

Over the past year, he has served as chief of staff for New York City council member Maria Baez, representing her at community meetings and events, drafting legislation, assisting in campaign management and providing consulting services to non-profit and community-based organizations in the 14th council district of the Bronx. Through his efforts in 2005, over 144 organizations were given the opportunity for funding through testimony to the Bronx delegation.

We, on St. John, remember an enthusiastic young teenager, who created his own dance team, “Analyze This,” who gave a sensational performance at Starfest 7 at the Reichhold Center.

He was also a valued employee at Ronnie’s Pizza and Mo’. His proud parents are Irick and Tracey Browne (Tracey is a nurse and the owner of Tracey’s Driving School, Irick is a minister).

This wonderful success story comes to us at a time when we are all under a strain from the daily disturbing changes on St. John. It is a joy to hear of Sherman’s successful endeavors in his life directed at helping other achieve their goals.

I am sure that our community joins me in congratulating Sherman and his parents. Let’s hope that his story will inspire the families who would want the same opportunities for the next generation. I would like to have Sherman return to offer advice to our students and show them that there are challenges just waiting for them. The key is get a good education, believe in yourself and go for it!

Helen Simon Returns to Hugs, Kisses and Cheers at The Beach Bar
“It’s so nice to have you back where you belong.” Carol Channing’s welcome home song rang out on Sunday when Helen made her first appearance since spending over two months off-island fighting an illness. She’ll be back at the gym lifting weights again soon, after she helps her “Music Man” husband, Steve, put on the Fourth Annual Blues Festival.

Great Idea for New Post Office Location
I certainly can picture the U.S. Post Office building and the two-level parking garage on the government-owned property behind St. Ursula’s Church and adjacent to the library. It could transform that whole area into an attractive and easily-reached space from the heart of Cruz Bay. Will the power that be consider this?