News

When Groveport Madison High School’s Class of 2026 walks across the stage during the school’s 143rd Commencement Ceremony on May 19, one familiar face in the building will also be celebrating a milestone of her own. Longtime Groveport Madison High School substitute teacher Brenda K. Brown will be presented with her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Holistic Natural Health and Nutrition from the University of Natural Health in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ms. Brown earned the degree Summa Cum Laude, continuing an academic journey that began less than three years ago.

After retiring from the School Board of Sarasota County, Florida, Ms. Brown decided to pursue a longtime passion for alternative medicine and holistic health. Since beginning that journey in June 2023, she has earned her bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, all with Summa Cum Laude honors. A graduate of Wright State University with a bachelor’s degree in Social and Industrial Communications, Ms. Brown previously worked as a probation officer, educator and truancy worker throughout her career in education and public service.

Since coming to Groveport Madison High School near the end of the 2023-24 school year, Ms. Brown has become a familiar and valued presence throughout the building. She says the relationships she has built with students have made her time at GMHS especially meaningful. “To now hear the echoes of ‘Hi Ms. Brown’ and to give and receive hugs from so many students brings unspeakable joy,” she said. “This 2025-2026 school year has been an awesome year of student relationships. To be able to pour into the lives of students, one by one, is beyond words.”

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Ms. Brown is also a proud mother of three adult sons and grandmother of three grandchildren. Groveport Madison Schools congratulates Dr. Brenda K. Brown on this incredible accomplishment and celebrates the example of lifelong learning she continues to set for students each day.