Grade: 11thSchool: Heights Preparatory School
GPA: 3.49
Activities: Street Team, Leadership Institute, JV Volleyball Team
Post H. School: Hopes to attend Texas A&M
Shanessa was matched with her mentor, Erin Lewis, in 2009. She has been part of the Leadership Institute for 2 years, participating in Street Teams and the summer internship program. She is now part of the Mercy Street Student Leadership Team and helps lead a small group of 6th and 7th grade girls each week.
Shanessa is a leader not only at Mercy Street but at Heights, as well. Her Bioethics teacher, Mrs. Gaines, had this to say about her: "Shanessa is a very active participant in my class. She continually impresses me with her participation. Shanessa is a critical thinker, and the comments she adds to our class discussion are very valuable and always offer a unique perspective. Shanessa also impresses me with her character. She is a born leader who is willing to stand up for what is right. There have been a few instances over the last couple of years where she has mediated conflict amongst friends. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to teach Shanessa the past 3 years. She is a rock star both inside and outside the classroom."
