2025 Gwendolyn V. Smith Scholarship Recipients
Rhesa McKelvy
Rhesa McKelvy is a senior at Middle Tennessee State University whose passion for education shines both in and out of the classroom. Rhesa is committed to creating inclusive learning environments, using her conversational Spanish and translanguaging skills to make sure every student feels seen, valued, and supported.
GNABSE
JaiShaun Smith
JaiShaun Smith is pursuing a career in Elementary Education at Delta State University. He plans to become an educator that will help in ushering a new era for learning in the classrooms. He states, “my desire is to become an educator who puts respect, morals, and fun together with the lessons my students, and even I, shall learn.”
GNABSE
Ah’Esha White
Ah’Esha White is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Middle Tennessee State University. Looking ahead, she plans to earn a master’s in education and continue striving to be the best version of herself—for her future students and for her own personal growth. “Teaching has always been more than a job to me—it’s a calling. And I’m excited for what the future holds,” says Ah’Esha.
GNABSEGNABSE is a group of professional educators aligned with the National Alliance of Black School Educators (www.NABSE.org) for the purpose of addressing issues that impact the success of children, particularly children of African descent.
OUR MISSION The Mission of the Greater Nashville Alliance of Black School Educators (GNABSE), is to promote excellence in the education of all children, particularly students of African descent.
Our Vision
Our vision is to become the premier affiliate of the National Alliance of Black School Educators.
Our Purpose
To promote and facilitate the education of all students, children of African descent, in particular.
Our Objective
Influence & impact local, state, and national policies that affect the education of all students, with a particular focus on African American students.
ACT Prep Seminar
With ZAPS Focused Test Prep from Doorway to College Foundation
GNABSE is pleased to announce the completion of two successful spring ACT prep seminars. The seminars were held on March 17th and March 21st, 2026 at East Nashville High School and First Baptist Church Capitol Hill. A total of thirty-three students took advantage of this opportunity to improve their ACT performance. The focus of the seminar is to enhance student scores and build confidence through strategic test-taking techniques, intensive practice, and subject matter review. First Baptist Church Capitol Hill provided lunch for the March 21st seminar. This school year, we are proud to have served sixty-six students through our fall and spring seminar series to support student development. GNABSE member, Dr. Iris C. Barbour, was the instructor for the seminars.