Erica Brown, a senior at Hidden Valley High School and powder puff champion, is eager to graduate and begin a new chapter in her life. After living in Roanoke for four years—following her move from Clifton Forge, Virginia—Brown has developed a strong passion for mental health and a deep empathy for those around her.
“My sophomore year of high school, my mom suggested that I talk to a counselor about my life and the things that were bothering me,” Brown said. “I was in therapy for about five months but realized I wasn’t getting the right help. Fortunately, being at Hidden Valley meant I had a support system of teachers and friends who saved me in ways they didn’t even know.”
Among those who had the greatest impact on her, Brown credits teacher Beverly Newbern for helping her grow both personally and academically.
“Mrs. Newbern has been one of the most important teachers in my development,” she said. “Because of her care for students beyond classwork, I was able to find myself and feel comfortable in school.”
Graduation holds special significance for Brown, as it marks the next step toward her dream of becoming a mental health nurse.
“I’m proud of how far I’ve come in the past four years and want to continue succeeding in college,” she said. “I’ll be attending Virginia Western Community College for two years as a psychology major, then applying to their nursing program to become an RN. After that, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to earn my BSN.”
Brown said she’s grateful for the support system that helped her navigate high school and named several individuals who made an impact: Emily Swartz, Harmony Hall, Maggie MacPhail, Beverly Newbern, Brian Harris and Kayla Beggarly.
As she prepares to leave Hidden Valley, Brown reflects on her earlier years and offers advice to underclassmen.
“I wish I had taken my classes more seriously,” she said. “Finding and mastering the perfect balance of maintaining good grades, a stable mental state and strong relationships is difficult—but not impossible. Don’t live for others. Live for the person you are becoming.”
