Career and Technical Education student honored for daring to be different

Student celebrated for her volunteer work in the community

Senior Briana Benjamin of Woodlands High School was celebrated for her hard work and dedication to her community as a Youth Honoree at the recent Women Who Dare To Be Different 10th Anniversary Awards Gala. The Computer Information System/Medical Administrative Assistant student joined hundreds of guests at the Theodore D. Young Community Center in White Plains for an evening of celebrating Women's History Month. She was one of four Youth Honorees recognized.  

“I was nominated based on my essay and my grades. I’m also very active in my community. I participate in a group where we donate food to the homeless,” said Briana. “During the holidays we visit nursing homes to make the residents feel like they have a sense of community and they aren’t alone.”

The gala celebrated women who stand out in their community and who are considered future leaders.

“These women out here are women who dare to be different,” said Colby Jenkins, founder of Dare To Be Different Westchester.

The honorees enjoyed a night filled with a fashion show, fun, and food. Guest speakers headed to the podium to offer words of encouragement and to celebrate the women for the good they are doing in their local communities. 

“We will not only save our communities. We can save the country. We can save our world,” said Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “Women, continue to dare to be different.”

Briana admitted she was a bit shocked but also ecstatic when she learned she was chosen as a recipient of this year’s Women Who Dare to Be Different Award. She offered the following advice to others who enjoy helping their neighbors.

“Continue to help in your community because it makes an impact. Reach out to people in your community,” said Briana. 

She added, “We are all different in our own way. Be different in a good way.”