Ty'Sheoma Bethea

Ty’Sheoma Bethea, (1995--) wrote, “We are not quitters” – words that moved the nation. Ty’Sheoma, an eighth-grade student at J.V. Martin Junior High School in Dillon, S.C., wrote those words in a letter to Congress. As a result of her efforts, President Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States repeated her words in his first speech before a joint session of Congress in February 2009.

She was motivated to solicit support from Congress after hearing her principal speak to the student body at her school. The principal talked to the students about President Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package and Ty’Sheoma decided that she could make a difference by enlisting help for her school and community.

At 14, Ty’Sheoma demonstrates the marks of a leader who wants to become the first female president of United States. Her confidence, vision and high standards are excellent indicators of her potential.