Ashley Hensel-Browning (Cavendish)
2003 Notable Student
Springfield High School

As an eight grader, Ashley was so inspired by civil unions that she wrote a four-page article for her alternative school's magazine. For Ashley, this was the beginning of a long journey.

Her high school's Gay/Straight alliance, with Ashley as it's leader and founder, has organized a Day of Silence; written articles for various newspapers; offered support to students who were coming out; held concerts with local rock bands; had movie nights; put up informational posters; and had many intense discussions.

Ashley wrote in her essay, "I will never forget the first e-mail I received from a friend in need who had known he was gay since sixth grade but was afraid to tell anyone. He graduated last year. It is for those people, who live in fear, that the Springfield High School's Gay Straight Alliance was formed. We are proving that there is love."

Ashley graduated early from Springfield High School this past June and will continue her journey this fall at Hampshire College where she will study Dance and Dance Education.