Feb 28, 2008 6:29 pm US/Eastern
Track Star Shines Through Tragedy
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
It's a story of sadness to success for one area family. After recovering from his death, the family of a slain transportation officer now has reason to celebrate.
Peggy Lee joined the Brooks family on a special day.
With a simple signing of her name, a Seton Keough senior takes a major leap in her life.
Erin Brooks, 17, accepted a full scholarship to Wake Forest University, where she'll join their track team.
"Pretty exhausting, but you know, it was good. Guidance was amazing in helping me, so it went pretty smoothly, but I'm glad it's over," said Erin Brooks.
"She's never ceased to amaze us. Anything that you could want out of a child, she's it," said father Derek Brooks.
But the party is bittersweet, with a member of the family missing from the celebration.
On New Year's Eve, Erin's 40-year-old cousin Courtney Brooks was killed while working traffic duty for the Maryland Transportation Authority on I-95.
The 13-year veteran died after being hit by a driver who then fled the scene.
"He would have been here because he's the photographer of the family, so he would have been here, running around and taking all the pictures. But I know he is here," said Erin.
"She didn't come out and say it, but I think in the back of her mind she sort of dedicated a lot of what she was doing over the last two months to her cousin," said track coach Jim Lancaster.
Tragedy also struck the Brooks family four years ago, when Erin's cousin Van was left paralyzed after being injured during a high school football game.
Still the high school track star has jumped high hurdles. She is not only an excellent student, she currently sits as president of the student body government.
"She has been involved in every area of our school. I can honestly say that she is the model Seton Keough student," said athletic director Jackie Boswell.
But her biggest feat her parents say was pulling the family through their darkest times.
"She rose to the occasion, and the rest of the family basically held on to that," said Derek Brooks.
Erin is expected to graduate in June.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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