Boston teacher competing to be 'America's Next Fitness Star'

BOSTON - Brandy K. Cruthird of Dorchester, a teacher at the Quincy Upper School, is competing to become "America's Next Fitness Star."

As a finalist in the national competition sponsored by ExerciseTV network, Ms. Cruthird is vying to win a one-year contract for her own fitness series and a year's supply of NewBalance footwear and apparel. Finalists' audition videos are posted on the network's website, where visitors can vote for their favorites. Ms. Cruthird's audition video is posted here: http://www.exercisetv.tv/promotions/anfs/submissions.php?id=28. According to Exercise TV, the winner of the competition will be named early in the new year.

Ms. Cruthird, who owns "Body By Brandy" Fitness Center in Roxbury, is also an alumna of the Boston Public Schools. She graduated from the Jeremiah E. Burke High School, where she earned All-State and All-American honors in basketball. After graduating from the Burke, she went on to James Madison University in Virginia, where she was named Rookie of the Year in Division 1 Women's Basketball.

Ms. Cruthird has won numerous other awards and has been featured in local and national media for her personal and professional accomplishments. In addition to teaching at the Quincy Upper School, she volunteers to support the annual walk-a-thon at another Boston public high school, Health Careers Academy.

The Boston Public Schools serves more than 57,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 14