Service Award
Wanda Smith
Awarded 2024
Brenham, TX
If you ask anyone what word they would use to describe Wanda Smith (’10), odds are they will respond with perseverance. She has spent over 13 years working at Brenham Independent School District, pursuing her passion for educating the next generation.
Smith’s journey to lead a classroom of rambunctious first graders was a daunting one. Despite a lifelong dream of educating the next generation, she had to overcome adversity and fight to carry on when things were tough.
She got her start at the district by working as a bus monitor in the mornings and a custodian in the evenings. In the hours she didn’t spend working, Smith was taking care of her three children, checking in on her mother and sisters and attending night classes for her bachelor’s degree and teaching certificate.
Her path was littered with trials and tribulations. From her own health struggles, the stress of balancing her work, schooling and home life and the untimely deaths of her mother and sisters, Smith’s resolve was tested. She was able to carry on thanks to the support of her husband, children and friends who encouraged her to keep going and make her departed family members proud.
On the road to the front of her own classroom, she made waves in her community through her inspirational story and volunteerism. Smith has spent years serving the community at Champion Fellowship Church, the Washington County Juneteenth Historical Effort, the Brenham Heritage Museum, the Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Brenham Next, Brenham Elementary School Campus Education Improvement Community and the Magic Cool Bus, a reading-oriented outreach program.
Smith’s extensive work in the community and her embodiment of resilience has resulted in many recognitions. Her story has been featured in special reports by the Brenham Banner Press Lifestyle People Profiles, NBC affiliate KAGS, ABC 13 and the Today Show on NBC. The recognition didn’t stop there; Brenham Mayor Milton Tate Jr. proclaimed May 4 as “Be the Best You Can Be” Wanda Smith Day and she was requested to address her fellow Bearkats during the Fall 2021 commencement ceremonies.
This year, Smith gets to add another recognition to her list when the SHSU Alumni Association presents her with the Service Award during the 51st annual Distinguished Alumni Gala. The Service Award recognizes Bearkats who have made significant contributions to their profession, community or alma mater. Smith has no doubt made positive contributions to all of the areas mentioned through her passion and her dedication to uplifting the next generation.