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Andrea Mayes, a senior at Jenks High School, and an Urban Tulsa Weekly editorial intern during the summer of 2012, died Sept. 13 in Houston of complications related to the congenital heart disorder Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

Andrea had undergone five heart surgeries during her childhood, and had received a pacemaker at the age of four. Determined to be of service to others, she became involved with the local chapter of the American Heart Association and volunteered with other organizations, such as the Mended Little Hearts program, helping children with heart conditions and their parents cope with illness.

Andrea told UTW in May of her plans to study English and comparative literature before pursuing a master's degree in journalism. She hoped of being a news reporter at a major newspaper.

Fellow interns and UTW employees remember Andrea as a young woman of keen intelligence, maturity for her age, dedication to learning, and determination to achieve goals. She combined these qualities with a humility and sincerity that was immediately appreciated by her peers and supervisors.