On May 31st, 33 deserving young adults from the Wilbert Davis, Ybor City and Brandon Boys & Girls Clubs left Tampa for a 10 day trip highlighting landmarks and cultural and historical spots of South Africa.

For seven years, Brooks has sponsored similar trips in an effort to reward those who have maintained good grades in school and have shown positive effort and behavior.
"Derrick should be applauded for his efforts with the kids," said Bertha Gary, Director of the Ybor City Boys and Girls Club. "Otherwise they would not get this opportunity." 14 students of her students are making the trip this year.

Parents, youths, trip organizers, chaperons and cases of luggage made their way into a hotel near Tampa International Airport the afternoon before their departure. Most of the "Brooks Bunch" have never ventured outside of the country, and as they organized their belongings in quiet anticipation, proud parents waited together.
"I'm happy she's getting this opportunity," parent Jose Lara spoke of his daughter. "She's worked hard for it, all the kids here have worked hard for it, and now they're reaping the benifits of their hard work."

Devon Hamilton, a young man who has also been fortunate enough to benefit from Tyrone Key's Allsports Community Service, said that he had been waiting a long time for this opportunity. "I've put in a lot of hard work," he said. "I'm looking forward to it."

And indeed he has. Devon and the other eligible students had to study the history and culture of Africa at workshops, write essays, research and present a portfolio. Thanks to Derrick Brooks and the supporters of his program, these 33 will get to experience first-hand the culture, people and land they have been studying.

On June 10th, the "Brooks Bunch" will return to Tampa, and we look forward to hearing stories and seeing photographs of their experiences and sharing them in a more in-depth article.