For the third straight year, a Mount St. Mary student received the distinct honor of being named a “Girl of Distinction” by the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. Brynne Johnson ’21 was one of five young women chosen from area high schools to attend the 2019 Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony held on Thursday, August 29, at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock. According to the organization, the students selected for this honor serve in leadership positions, maintain high academic standards and strive to make their communities a better place.
The Girls of Distinction were invited to meet the members of the fifth class of Hall of Fame inductees and join in celebrating and honoring the historical impact these great women have made in the state of Arkansas. Stephanie Verdaris ’18 was named a Girl of Distinction in 2017, and America Alejandri ’20 and Annie Quo ’19 received the recognition last fall.
“It’s been absolutely incredible,” Brynne said of her experience with the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. “Being one of the five Girls of Distinction is such an honor, and I am so grateful to all those who have supported me and given me this wonderful opportunity. I am truly blessed with the new friendships I have made with the other girls and for the chance to get to know all the extraordinary inductees this year.”
Brynne is very involved at Mount St. Mary Academy. She serves as business manager for the yearbook and vice president of Latin Club. She is also a Mountie Messenger student ambassador and member of Beta Club and Mu Alpha Theta. Brynne is active in the community, as well, serving as a member of the 2019-2020 class of the Above and Beyond Sweetheart Leadership program and volunteering her time at Baptist Medical Center.
The goal of the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame is to honor women whose contributions have influenced the direction of Arkansas, preserve the history of their accomplishments and provide women encouragement and inspiration. The Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, founders of Mount St. Mary Academy, were honored as members of the second class of inductees in 2016. Former Mount St. Mary president and CEO, Karen Flake ’65, was inducted in last year’s Hall of Fame class.
Congratulations, Brynne, on this wonderful honor. Your Mount St. Mary family is so proud of you!
Mount St. Mary Academy, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, develops young women with a moral and intellectual foundation rooted in Catholic tradition. Mercy-minded and college-prepared, our students meet the future with wisdom, compassion and integrity.