PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dr. David Heflin
Jacksonville College
dheflin@jacksonville-college.edu
903-586-2515
800-256-8522
Fax: 903-586-0743
www.jacksonville-college.edu 

Cherokean Herald-Press 

 Local Lady Graduates with High Honor at JC 

Brandi M. Black, Salutatorian of Rusk High School in 2003, graduated May 6 from Jacksonville College with a perfect 4.0 GPA.  Miss Black is the third daughter of Travis and Glenda Black to graduate from Jacksonville College.  She plans to continue her education at the University of Texas at Tyler, with a major in accounting and a minor in Spanish. 

Brandi is continuing in the steps of her older sisters, Crystal, who graduated May 21 from Sam Houston University with a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology, and Tara, who is an Assistant Principle at Jean C. Few Primary School in Jasper, Texas.  Her twin brother, Brandon is attending Tyler Junior College. 

Brandi’s older sister, Tara Sells, believes Brandi will continue her education until she receives a Ph.D.  Mrs. Sells added that the secret to Brandi’s success can be traced to her family’s support:  “Our parents motivated us to set goals, persevere, and always trust in the Lord.  Brandi has always been active in Sunday School and church.  Our parents supported us and were always there for our ups and downs and were a source of constant encouragement.” 

Even as a child, Brandi loved learning.  An avid reader, she was awarded a plaque recognizing her as the student to read the most books at Rusk Elementary School.  While still a high school student, Brandi took dual credit courses offered by Jacksonville College.  In college, Brandi is a very disciplined student.  Jacksonville College Spanish Professor, Dr. David Heflin, said, “Brandi was one of my best students, and she kept an average of 100 for her major test scores.  She received the Spanish Award for best Spanish student her freshman year.  She was a very disciplined student who excelled in every subject she took.” 

Even though she has always excelled academically, those who know her describe her as loving and giving, and surprisingly humble. 

For Brandi, the sky is the limit.  She is focused on her educational goals, she has proven she has what it takes to succeed, and she has the full support of her family behind her to achieve her dreams.