“I remember moving to Houston at 12 years old. Having a teacher and Mentor like Mrs. Smith helped me a lot. She taught me that although people are different, they are still important and deserve respect. I could count on her to always cheer me up. Mrs. Smith is awesome and a great role model. I will always cherish her forever.”

Samantha T.

“Mrs. Smith she taught me many lessons. One lesson I'll never forget is perseverance. She told me "Excuses are made from nothing and people who use them are incompetent and they build bridges to no where". As a child I overlooked how strong that concept was, but once I entered college I started to hear Mrs. Smith’s voice every time I created an excuse to give up. I know that she will do a great job with the girls because she has done wonders for me. She helped me become a phenomenal young woman who now attempts to inspire girls just as she inspired me.”

Jasmine S.Texas Southern University

“I am forever grateful to have met one of the most inspirational and encouraging women ever. Growing up I never had anyone to look up to, but that changed the day I met Kelli. Her genuine spirit uplifted me in ways that continue to impact my life daily. She is a great listener and communicator as well as trusting, loving, and nurturing. Her unconditional love and passion for wanting to see me succeed is what drives me to be the best that I can be. It is truly heart-warming knowing someone sincerely cares about your future. I have truly been inspired by Kelli and I have no doubt in my mind that she would not only help young girls, but I know for a fact that she will most certainly leave an impact one will never forget.”

Keishia V.Texas A&M Univ.

“Mrs. Smith has greatly influenced my life. She is such an inspiration to me. She taught me to be my own person. She always pushed me to be the best that I can be. Even now, if I need advice, she's always there with a helping hand. She has motivated me to go to college and make something of myself. I'm so grateful that I've crossed paths with Mrs. Kelli Smith. Her words of wisdom and her warm heart are traits that she gives and also passes along. Mrs. Smith is great at what she does and would be a wonderful leader for girls who need that push to be great!”

Queichelle M.SFA Univ.

“Mrs. Smith was one of my first female role models growing up, and she truly is an inspiration. When I was younger I used to think to myself, "I want to be like Mrs. Smith when I'm older.” She was so smart and caring to each and every one of us cheerleaders. Mrs. Smith took the time to make sure we were okay with school, home life, and personal issues. She was basically our mother away from home. Mrs. Smith was always confident, put together, and beautiful. Any young girl would be lucky to have her as a mentor because she is full of wisdom and teaches lessons that would remain useful years later.”

Tayla R.Prairie View A&M Univ.

“My mentor, my coach, my voice of reason, my therapist, my fan, my motivation, and a mother when I needed one, that’s who Mrs. Smith is to me. She never gave up on me, truly a wonderful thing for someone who grew up without a positive mother figure in her life. She held on to me, even when I was letting go of myself. When everything else was falling into despair and I thought everything was going wrong, Mrs. Smith never turned her back on me. She took me in and helped me work for everything that I wanted. There were so many days that I truly thought nothing was right, but I’d go to her and talk to her about all the things that were stressing me and the things that were on my mind. I remember times when I let her down, but she still believed in me. She gave me the confidence that I needed, and as a result, I’ve flourished into the person that I want to be. Mrs. Smith is truly an inspiration and a great person.”

Jeysicia P.US Navy

“To know Mrs. Smith is to love her. She has a big heart and is genuinely loving. Mrs. Smith didn't accept excuses. She was very involved with her team and, she had a special relationship with each and every girl. She was like a mom to us. She checked grades, talked to teachers, and everything else a mom would do, she did. I can't speak for anyone else about what Mrs. Smith did for them, but I can honestly say if it weren't for her being an amazing role model and just an overall great person. I don't know where I would be or what my life would be like.”

Jai C.Lamar Univ.

“Kelli Smith is amazing. She began mentoring me during the hardest time of my life as my mother was dying. Mrs. Smith was always there for me to push me and make me better. Never did she think twice to give up on me. Mrs. Smith has the ability to make situations that seemed hard, look really easy. She has an unbelievable work ethic as well as a kind/genuine spirit. To this day Mrs. Smith continues to be a mother figure to me, someone that I look up to, and someone I aim to be like one day.”

Jazmine S.Prairie View A&M Univ.

“Mrs. Smith exhibits love to those around her. She has used her position as a Cheerleading Coach and Teacher to be a positive role model to all young ladies around her. Mrs. Smith encourages girls to get good grades and conduct themselves as young ladies who respect themselves. Mrs. Smith has been a mentor to me and has helped shape me into the person I am today.”

Brittney M.UTSA