Blog 179: The Herron Speaks Blog Proudly Salutes Tyler Clark

Tyler Clark, Senior at North Mecklenburg High School, was recently crowned “Miss RPO Inc.” at the 2014 Debutante Cotillion Ball. RPO Inc. is the philanthropic arm of Rho Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Sorority. Tyler is the daughter of

Melanie Pratt and Danny Clark, is granddaughter of Robert and Beatrice Cox and Calvin and Carolyn Clark. Through the Debutante program, high school juniors and seniors participated in activities/workshops that focused on leadership skills, public speaking, financial and fiscal health, social and professional etiquette, the importance of community service, and fund-raising skills.

Tyler, an A/B Honor roll student, has a 4.333 GPA and has taken all honors classes since 9^th grade. Tyler is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. She has been an active participant in many extra-curricular activities. She has been Drum Major in the North Mecklenburg’s Marching Band for the past two years. Other school recognitions/activities include President of Junior Class Council (2011-2013); webmaster for the student council (2011-2012); Co-Captain of the step team (2011-2013); Vice-President of the Family Career Community Leaders of America-FCCLA (2011-2013); Project Uplift participant at UNC Chapel Hill (2014); Participant in Scholar Day at UNC Chapel Hill (2O14); Peer Mediation and the NAACP.

Tyler has been connected with the YMCA youth programs for many years, first attending their annual summer camps. Through the YMCA, Tyler gained certification in baby-sitting, CPR, First AID, and as a Life Guard. Her first job was with the ‘Y’ last summer and she continued working during the school year on Saturdays. She has worked in several capacities including:

                   Summer Camp Counselor for 4- to 11-year-old boys and girls (2013)

Camp Cheerleader Counselor for 4- to 7-year-old girls (2013)

Girl’s Empowerment Mentor for 7- to 10-year-old girls (2013)

Cheer leaders Coach (football team 0 for 4- to 7-year-old girls (2014).

Recently, Tyler was asked back to work for the YMCA in their upcoming 2014 summer program.

Tyler is a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church where her dad and the Cox grandparents are members. She attends youth church, summer Bible school, and sleep-ins. Through her church, Tyler applied for and participated in the Black Pilots summer program where she gained the experience of flying a plane. Tyler also attends activities at her mother’s church-Life Center of Charlotte.

Community Service has been an important aspect of Tyler’s life. She is founder of Tyler’s Closet, an organization which collects new and gently used coats and socks, which are distributed to areas homeless shelters. Since 2006, hundreds of coats have been donated. She has done other volunteer and community service hours at Crisis Assistance Ministry, and the Salvation Army. During President Obama’s 2008 Presidential Campaign, Tyler assisted with voter registration and phone banking.

In 2011, Tyler participated in Microsoft’s technology summer youth program.

Tyler was recently chosen to represent North Mecklenburg High School in the Charlotte Post Foundation’s 2014 Top Seniors program, which recognizes graduating area seniors. These seniors will appear in a special separate 40^th commemorative  publication in late May.

Tyler plans to attend North Carolina Central University in Durham and plans to major in Criminal Justice.