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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Statistics show Black males have the lowest graduation rates among any population in the country.

The graduation rate for Black male students nationwide is 59%.

However, a Dreher High School senior is working to change this.

Benjamin Brown has made history by becoming the first quadruple Career and Technical Education Student of the Year to hold that title four times. He’s also Richland School District One’s first male student to win quadruple Career and Technical Education Student of the Year as well and this is just a snapshot of all his achievements.

This week on Awareness, Billie Jean Shaw speaks to Brown on his achievements and how he plans to inspire others.

Brown has over a 4.0 GPA and plans to become an anesthesiologist after graduation. Brown is getting prepared for that goal now as he is involved in several student organizations that are preparing him for his role in leadership outside the classroom. He discussed his leadership roles and how he balances them all.

Achieving greatness is not new to Brown. At the age of 8, he co-authored his first book with his mother to inspire readers to stand up against bullying.

“The Day Dennis Lost His Whooo,” can be purchased here.

Brown revealed how his life could’ve ended differently as he faced a number of illnesses at birth. Benjamin describes how his faith and family have kept him motivated and shares a message to the youth to stay inspired to beat the odds just like he did.

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