Meet Brandon High senior Makayla Vulpis. Her story, her grace, her kindness and her heart earned her a place in the latest edition of Beauty Revived, a national magazine that features the work of photographers driven to highlight the “real beauty” of women.
Her friends say Vulpis continues to embrace a selfless approach, yet even a person at the reveal party who knew nothing of her generosity would have quickly recognized she embraces the charitable spirit of her late mother.
Lester, who spent more than 20 years endearing herself to the Brandon community as a server at various restaurants, died last May after suffering an aneurysm and stroke.
Vulpis won over photographer Katrina Boone within minutes of their first meeting. Boone is a former teacher and preschool director who launched her own business, Gianna Grace Photography, several years ago. Photographers apply to be included in one of the magazine’s editions. If chosen, they seek out a woman living a “beautiful life,” a woman who helps others, often while overcoming adversity. Boone qualified to have her work featured in the “50 most beautiful seniors” edition, and then partnered with Brandon High to find a worthy subject. Students promoted the campaign with a flyer that said, “Do you know a senior with a heart of gold?”
Students overwhelmingly selected Vulpis.
