Unsung Heroes
Vanessa Rose Brown
Vanessa Rose Brown is a proud graduate of Grambling State University and currently serves as the Regional Director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Louisiana (Timber Ridge). She oversees the club’s daily operations, providing leadership and support to Club Directors in facility management, staffing, and program budgeting, ensuring the successful delivery of Boys & Girls Club programs. Ms. Brown also collaborates with the Director of Development to identify resource and revenue growth opportunities and develop effective media strategies.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Ms. Brown is actively involved in her community. She is an associate member of the Junior Auxiliary of Ruston, where she was active from 2015 to 2021, leading various community service projects. She also serves as Secretary for the Evening Star Ch. #93 in Grambling, LA, and volunteers on the food service and decorations committee at Russell Road Church of Christ. Ms. Brown is passionate about fostering connections through service, always striving to support those in need.
In 2021, she was honored with the Maytag Dependable Leader Award for her work. She spearheaded the “Responding with Connections” initiative, which facilitated relationships between local citizens and first responders in partnership with the Shreveport Police Department. Maytag’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America recognized and supported this program.
Ms. Brown is dedicated to continuing her leadership journey and is committed to positively impacting one person and one interaction at a time.
Sydney Franklin
Sydney Franklin is a dedicated and accomplished student with a passion for healthcare, leadership, and community service. As a freshman at Grambling State University, she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to become a registered nurse. Sydney has demonstrated a commitment to excellence from a young age, making history at eStem High School by becoming the youngest licensed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) at the age of sixteen. This milestone fueled her desire to impact her community through healthcare initiatives.
In high school, Sydney was a Scholar-Athlete and a member of prestigious organizations such as the National Honor Society, Beta Club, and The Ladies That Lead. She actively participated in varsity sports, including cheerleading, basketball, soccer, and softball, while maintaining a place on the Dean’s and Director’s lists. Sydney was also selected as one of the Top 378 Students in Arkansas to attend Arkansas Governors School.
Sydney’s leadership abilities shined as she organized Syd’s Vital Sign Pop-Up Shop, an event designed to provide free health screenings and educate her community on the importance of regular health checkups. She took the vital signs of 200-plus participants, and the event emphasized her dedication to serving others and promoting health awareness.
Her achievements have earned her numerous honors, including a Letter of Commendation from Mayor Frank Scott, being named Arkansan of the Day on KTHV Channel 11, and receiving the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Biden. For her community contributions, Sydney was also featured in the September 2024 Issue of Urbane (Arkansas’s Largest African American Magazine).
Through her educational experiences, Sydney remains committed to using her skills and knowledge to uplift her community and inspire others to do the same. With her sights set on nursing, she continues to build on her leadership and service, striving to make a lasting impact wherever she goes.
Edwin Mason
I am the son of Edward and the late Gussie Murphy Mason and the husband of Cynthia Hill Mason. I have one sister, Dr. Phyllis Mason and one brother, Edward Mason, Jr and his wife Mary Jefferson Mason. My sister, Bonnie, is deceased. I also have 3 nephews, Jordan, James, and Jeremy. I am a lifelong resident of Arcadia. I graduated from Grambling State University in May of 1998. I have a Masters plus 30 from Louisiana Tech. I have been an educator for 27 years currently serving as the Principal of Crawford Elementary in Arcadia.
Service:
Arcadia Town Councilman for District 4, Co-chairman of Recreation, Public Safety, and Town Beautification committees.
Active member of New Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Arcadia, Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School Superintendent
Active member of NAACP #61 AD
Life member of Crawford-Arcadia Schools Alumni Association
Active member of Beta Eta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, Inc., Director of Education
Active member of Beehive Lodge #105 PHA, Worshipful Master, Past Senior Warden
Active member of Saul Staff Chapter #63 Holy Royal Arch PHA, District Deputy Grand High Priest for District 15
Active member of Ruston Newbin Consistory #344 PHA, (33rd degree Mason)
Active member of B.T. Crawford Alumni Chapter of GUNAA, President (2002-currently)
Board member for Louisiana Association of Principals-District 2
Louisiana Reading Association Member-North Louisiana Council