As Highland senior Fetu’u Brown prepares to graduate, she is focusing on spreading positivity and goodwill among her classmates. Her hope is to make Highland better with each friendly “hello.”
Brown is this year’s SBO spirit chair and with the nickname “Star” it seems only fitting that she is the one lighting up the school spirit at Highland.
“I want them to remember a spirit chair who was always happy, full of energy, and wanted the best for her school,” Brown said.
Being the youngest of five children to attend Highland, Brown has made many memories as a Ram. And she hopes to continue the legacy of kindness her family has built for themselves.
Brown’s siblings have been a part of many teams, including football, track and field, volleyball, basketball, and more. They have been heavily involved in Highland activities for years, stretching over the past decade. The Brown family preaches love and kindness. Her parents, Lynda and David Brown, are always positive, and they support their children in everything they do. Whether it’s by organizing team dinners, taking team photos, or cheering from the stands, they are there for it all.
“My family’s favorite things about Highland are the love, the family, and the friendship that they find here,” Brown said.
While all five siblings have contributed to their family legacy, they all made strong impressions on Highland as individuals as well. They built their own legacies. Specifically, Brown’s older brother, Max Brown, and older sister, Sokopeti Brown.
Max and Sokopeti had big influences on the Highland community during their time at Highland. Their spirits shined so much that Max has an award named after him and Sokopeti has a memorial scholarship in her name.
Max is known for having a big heart, being a motivator, and having an immeasurable amount of spirit. It was these characteristics that won him the Taylor Munroe Spirit of Highland Award.
The award is presented to a Highland senior who exemplifies or inspires the positive values and behaviors that define ‘The Highland Way’. It’s given to those who go above in beyond in support of Highland’s mission and Max Brown was just that.
The Max Brown Award is an award given to one of the football players that represents and displays Max’s characteristics.
Like her brother, Sokopeti was also known for being an incredible person. She prioritized family values, school, friendship, service, and more.After she passed away suddenly in 2022, a scholarship was established in her name to recognize other Highland Rams who share some of her beloved qualities.
“The Sokopeti Brown Scholarship is an award given to a person who exemplifies leadership, academic excellence, and service and just being an incredible person,” Brown said.
Brown hopes to make a name for herself like her siblings did before her. She already shares a lot of the same characteristics; Brown is a friend to all.
While most people walk into the cafeteria, find their friends, and mind their business, Brown walks in and meets new friends. If there is ever someone sitting alone, Brown goes and sits with them. She asks them their name and how their day is going. She has a big heart, and she knows it’s the little things that make a difference. In being herself, she is uplifting Highland.
“If I had to describe Highland spirit, I would say we’re very supportive and we just want the best for Highland,” Brown said. “One way I hope to improve school spirit is by having lots of people just support everyone and every sport.”
In addition to her role in student government, Brown is a member of the basketball and the track and field teams. Brown can be seen encouraging her teammates not only on the court but off the court as well.
No matter the situation, she keeps a smile on her face and her teammates love that about her. Brown is making sure she leaves Highland with as many happy memories as possible. And though graduation day will come up fast, Brown is looking forward to the future of the Brown family legacy.
“I’m definitely going to miss the family and relationships I’ve built here,” Brown said. “Being the last to graduate from Highland is pretty sad but it’s exciting because I want my nieces, nephews, and other generations to graduate from here and live the Brown legacy.”
Brown is a shining star. She is the embodiment of the Highland spirit.
