Amber Wilsondebriano just made history at her South Carolina high school!
The 17-year-old senior at Porter-Gaud High School recently became the first Black homecoming queen in the school’s 155-year history.
But becoming homecoming queen is just Wilsondebriano’s latest school achievement. She also takes multiple AP classes, has a 4.66 GPA, is the co-president of the Chinese Club, and has earned the seal of biliteracy twice. She also co-created the school’s first art club and co-founded the Porter-Gaud Black Excellence Society.
“On Homecoming night, I took so many pictures with young Black children, and I want them to look at me and believe that this is something that is attainable for them,” she told WCBD. “It feels like finally I can give them some sort of dream, and help them, even if I get to just stand here and wear a crown, it means so much more than just being the queen. My win is not just for me … it’s for all of the younger kids.”
She told USA Today, “There are less than 10 Black people in my senior class. When we have our meetings, every Black student in the school can fit in one classroom.”
Wilsondebriano plans to attend Savannah College of Art and Design to study painting and hopes to one day own her own business and illustrate children’s books.
Photo by Monique Wilsondebriano