Brinkley-Lane Profile: Brooklyn Stratton
One aspect of a visit to East Carolina University helped Brooklyn Stratton make her college decision.
“I chose ECU as I loved the sense of community that I experienced during my visit as a Brinkley-Lane Scholars finalist,” she said.
Stratton is one of 20 incoming Brinkley-Lane Scholars, which is the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for both in-state and out-of-state students and unique high impact experiences, as well as the ability to explore the world with a $5,000 study abroad stipend. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means committing to creating an impact on others and the ECU community while also pushing myself to grow. I want to utilize all opportunities and mentorship provided and make the most of my next four years as a scholar,” Stratton said. She added that she plans to study abroad but hasn’t decided on a location.
Stratton plans to double major in business and marketing while taking part in several College of Business student organizations including the Pirate Sales Club and American Marketing Association.
“One of the things about the ECU College of Business that caught my attention was its strong emphasis on students gaining real-world marketing experience,” she said.
At Currituck County High School, Stratton excelled in the classroom and in the pool as a member of the swim team. She has a 4.67 GPA and is an AP Capstone Scholar as awarded by the College Board. Additionally, she served as the Beta Club president, won the school’s Outstanding Student in Science award twice and represented her class on the homecoming court as a freshman and senior.
Swimming for the Knights, she is a two-time winner of the women’s swimming coaches award and was the freshman swimmer of the year. She also served as the team captain. Stratton qualified for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association 3A East Regionals in the 500-yard freestyle as a junior and senior.
She has made an impact in her community by designing and painting a symbolic mural for disabled veterans and leading painting workshops at an assisted living facility. The mural incorporated patriotic monuments inside letters that spelled “Freedom’s Porch” against a background of blue sky and clouds along with the American flag.
“Painting has been a hobby of mine since my freshman year of high school,” she said. “I wanted to paint the veteran’s mural and teach classes at the assisted living facility so I could use my passion for art to make a long-lasting impact on the community.”
This summer, Stratton wants to focus on preparing herself academically, mentally and personally for the transition to college while also spending time with family and friends.
Stratton, 18, is the daughter of William and Jacquelyn Stratton.
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means committing to creating an impact on others and the ECU community while also pushing myself to grow.”
High school: Currituck County High School
Intended majors: Business and marketing
Current City: Moyock