IN THE COUNTY LEGISLATURE OF JACKSON COUNTY, MISSOURI
Title
A RESOLUTION recognizing Shanelle Smith for her dedication to promoting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and the development of the HBCU Walking Billboard.
Intro
RESOLUTION NO. 21671, July 16, 2024
INTRODUCED BY Donna Peyton, County Legislator
Body
WHEREAS, Shanelle Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, is a passionate advocate for education, and a supporter of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) leading her to establish the HBCU Walking Billboard nonprofit program to promote awareness of, attendance to, and graduation from Historically Black Colleges and Universities; and,
WHEREAS, Shanelle, a graduate of Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, attended the historically black Fisk University in Nashville, TN, where she excelled academically, double majoring in Business Management and Political Science, and graduating in 2003 with Summa Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa honors; and,
WHEREAS, personal tragedy meant Shanelle needed to take on the responsibility of supporting her younger siblings, leading her to work at the Full Employment Council as a Career Development Executive in the Youth Opportunity program; and,
WHEREAS, it was through this role that Shanelle discovered her passion for educating young people in her community, which led to the development of the HBCU Walking Billboard; and,
WHEREAS, throughout her career, Shanelle has held various roles, including classroom teacher, instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, assistant principal, online teacher, adjunct instructor, and currently serves as the Principal at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy High School and the English Methods Instructor for the Kansas City Teacher Residency; and,
WHEREAS, the HBCU Walking Billboard provides a year-long program offering college resources and network opportunities for high school students, helping them navigate the college application process and exposing them to the benefits and opportunities offered by HBCUs; and,
WHEREAS, the HBCU Walking Billboard program includes monthly meetings where students plan an interactive museum open to the public at the end of the school year, educating the community about HBCUs and showcasing the students' research and connections to these institutions; and,
WHEREAS, Shanelle’s 15 years of experience as an educator in the urban core have continually shaped future leaders, bringing activists, alumni, the mayor, and bankers to engage with youth and demonstrate that anything is possible with the support of mentors; and,
WHEREAS, Shanelle’s dedication to education and community empowerment embodies the spirit of service and leadership, making a significant impact on the lives of countless young people in the Kansas City Metro Area; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the County Legislature of Jackson County, Missouri that the Legislature hereby recognizes and commends Shanelle Smith for her outstanding contributions to education and her unwavering commitment to promoting Historically Black Colleges and Universities through the HBCU Walking Billboard program.
Enacted and Approved
Effective Date: This Resolution shall be effective immediately upon its passage by a majority of the Legislature.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____________________________
County Counselor
Certificate of Passage
I hereby certify that the attached resolution, Resolution No. 21671 of July 16, 2024, was duly passed on ______________________, 2024 by the Jackson County Legislature. The votes thereon were as follows:
Yeas _______________ Nays ______________
Abstaining _________ Absent ____________
________________________ ____________________________
Date Mary Jo Spino, Clerk of Legislature