Shawanna (Smith) LaVoy ’93 recently reflected on the profound impact her St. Ursula Academy education has had on her life.

During her time at SUA, Shawanna immersed herself in the fabric of the school community. She was active in the Afro Club/Afro Ball Court, Choir, Video Yearbook, and Spanish Club, and she served as an Intramurals cheerleader and member of the SFS Flag Corps during her sophomore and junior years. These diverse activities allowed her to explore her passions, develop leadership skills, and form lifelong friendships.

Shawanna holds fond memories of her time at SUA, including moments such as decorating the gym walls for intramurals, being part of the Senior Year halftime show, and forming cherished bonds with her SUA sister-friends. She also recalls the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, the mischievous Senior Year uniform violation that led to detention, and the excitement of her first day as a freshman. As she looks forward to the upcoming 30th reunion, she anticipates reconnecting and reminiscing about these cherished times.

After graduation, Shawanna attended the University of Toledo, where she received an academic scholarship through the Toledo EXCEL Program. She completed a B.B.A. in Marketing and an M. Ed in Education Technology from UT. For the past 25 years, she has dedicated herself to the university as the Associate Director for Toledo EXCEL, a scholarship incentive program that benefits rising 9th graders from the Toledo area.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shawanna is committed to positively impacting her community. Her involvement in organizations such as Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; West Side Montessori Board of Trustees; Leona Group Ohio Community Schools Board of Directors; and WGTE Public Media Board of Directors demonstrates her desire to make a difference. She has also served as an adjunct instructor at UT, nurturing the growth and development of first-year college students.

Looking back, Shawanna realizes that her years at SUA laid the foundation for her personal and professional life. SUA will forever hold a special place in Shawanna's heart as the institution that helped shape her into the woman she is today. And the legacy continues…Shawanna’s daughter is in the Class of 2029!