Student of the Week: Diamond Brown | News

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- She may not fully understand how huge her accomplishment is, but 10-year-old Diamond Brown knows it was her Black History Month essay that won her a full, 4-year scholarship at any state college in Florida.

"I think it means that my mom doesn't have to pay for college," Diamond says with a quizzical look.

Diamond received the award, from Governor Rick Scott himself and has the pictures to prove it.

Diamond chose to write her essay on the first black cardiologist, who performed the first successful heart surgery.

Why him?

"My grandmother, who I call Mimi," Diamond explains, "is alive today because of the work of Dr. Daniel Hale White.

"Mimi had to get 3 of her heart valves replaced so she could feel better," Diamond wrote in her essay.

Diamond's biggest fans at W. E. Cherry Elementary School, say her motivation -- will inspire others.

"She's modeled for her peers and communities that scholarship opportunities are attainable no matter what age or what passion you may have," Hoffman explains proudly.

"Because Diamond and her family were so proactive about her educational future, now the sky is the limit for this little girl."