EPHS's BROWNING to West Point!

Most high school graduating seniors will spend their summertime on the beach or in a summer job while getting ready for college or work in September. East Providence’s top ranked senior, Catherine Browning, however will report to cadet basic training – or “BEAST” training – at West Point Military Academy in New York on July 2nd. “Oh yes, I have to complete a full army basic training,” Browning said with a smile when asked. The military program begins on your first day at West Point. Most military training takes place during the summer, with new cadets undergoing Cadet Basic Training - or Beast Barracks - the first year, followed by Cadet Field Training at nearby Camp Buckner the second year. According to West Point publications; “renowned as the world’s premier leader development institution, West Point accomplishes its mission by developing cadets intellectually, physically, militarily, ethically, spiritually, and socially. The student body, or Corps of Cadets, numbers 4,400 and each year approximately 1000 cadets join the Long Gray Line as they graduate and are commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.” Cadets spend their third and fourth summers serving in active Army units around the world; attending advanced training courses such as airborne, air assault or northern warfare; or training the first and second year cadets as members of the leadership cadre.

EP’s Browning was nominated by United States Senator Jack Reed and will be one of only 4 or 5 Rhode Islanders to enroll this September. Browning was accepted at Brown University and Brandise as well as just about any college or university she could choose. She was a recipient of an ROTC scholarship which would apply to any school with an ROTC program. But in the end, Browning chose to serve in the military and to do so at West Point. “I looked into the Coast Guard and Naval Academy but it was West Point and the army which appealed to me the most,” Browning said during an interview with the Reporter in the high school library. When asked if she was ready for the tough regiment ahead, Browning smiled slightly and said, “they’ll (army) help me get ready. I will have many educational and job opportunities with West Point.” The enrollment process for West Point is complicated. There are rigorous academic, medical, physical and leadership qualifications that a candidate must possess before even being considered for acceptance. Browning is a quiet and humble person as she negotiates the crowded hallways and classrooms of EPHS and seems a perfect fit for West Point. She is not only the top academic scholar at East Providence High School but she is a formidable athlete. Browning has excelled in Cross-Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track, and has received rowing training and has completed a triathlon. Browning’s top physical condition and sharp intellect will certainly bode well for a West Point education. Upon graduating from West Point she will be commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. “Yes, I am prepared to serve my nation and accept deployment anywhere in the world. I plan on making this a life-long career and may consider an eventual future as a doctor or other work in medicine or maybe Neuroscience,” said a contemplative Browning. Not sure yet of her eventual career path she knows that she will seek higher military rank. “Second Lieutenant is the lowest rank after finishing the Academy. My goal is to aim as high as possible,” Browning added.

Catherine Browning is as well-rounded as a student could be. A member of the school’s National and Rhode Island Honor Societies, class Valedictorian, a top athlete and an accomplished musician – are just some of Browning’s many accomplishments to date. She is also active with the volunteer ‘Townie Athletic Board’ and “Newspaper Club’. She doesn’t classify herself as “overly religious” but she is active in her church, is a Sunday school instructor at Newman Church and has “helped out with Vacation Bible School.” Browning adds that “church is important.” She likes to read as a hobby and keeps up with events in the world by reading “all the news magazines and publications.” Not a very big television watcher, she does enjoy Masterpiece Theatre and the comedy, ‘30 Rock’. Her hectic academic and athletic schedule has caused her to scale back her music. “I play the jazz guitar and a euphonium (sort of a tuba) and have played a bit with the Rhode Island Philharmonic, but haven’t dwelled on my music lately,” she said. Browning does plan to keep music in her future in some manner.

Browning attended Myron J. Francis Elementary and Edward Martin Middle schools before entering EPHS. “I think East Providence provided me with a great educational opportunity and I made the most of it. School is what you give to learning. I did my best,” she said. Browning has a brother in graduate school and a brother who is an EPHS sophomore. “I have no regrets attending EPHS (instead of a private school) and I have lots of people to thank. My parents and family, my teachers, my coaches and people in the community - all have been important to me,” said Browning.

“I can honestly say that Catherine might be the finest student athlete that I have had the honor of coaching. She has been a 6 season captain, JR & SR Cross Country, Indoor and Outdoor Track,” said EPHS teacher and coach Robert Duarte. “She is an extremely hard worker that has dealt with a lot of setbacks because of injury,” Duarte continued. As a freshman, Browning was one of the state’s top distance runners. Injuries may have kept Browning from being one of the best high school athletes in a long time. “My freshman year was awesome. I was introduced to different levels of cross country, I met many great distance runners,” said Browning. “I enjoyed and will miss my teachers and coaches.”

Browning said that she can recommend EPHS to anyone. “The school offers much, you must work hard and give back,” she said. Coach Duarte may have summed up Browning the best - “She is reliable, dependable and does whatever has been asked of her, she is usually the first one to practice and the last one to leave.” Duarte added, “She is on her way to West Point, it will be West Point’s gain to get Catherine, she is a fine young woman.” Indeed, she is one fine Townie.