The Family of Ellis Jerome Shaw, better known as Mr. Shaw or Sleepy, decided upon his transition to establish educational programs to honor his legacy. A bit about him:
Ellis Jerome Shaw
Ellis Jerome Shaw was born in Detroit, Michigan, but raised in the Delta of Mississippi in a small town called Hollandale. He graduated from Simmons High School and then proceeded to Mississippi Valley State University, where he received a BS in Industrial Arts. Later, he received a Master’s in the same and a Certificate in Secondary School Administration from Northeast Missouri State University, currently Truman State University. Mr. Shaw was recruited to begin a career in education as an Industrial Arts teacher at Kennedy Jr. High School in Kinloch, Missouri—the first organized city in Missouri. The Kinloch School District soon merged with the Ferguson-Florissant School District. Mr. Shaw remained with the newly organized district as an Industrial Arts teacher at Ferguson Middle School, then transitioned to Dean of Students and Assistant Principal at Berkeley Senior High School. During his tenure, the St. Louis Lambert Field International Airport purchased BHS for expansion.
Mr. Shaw was instrumental in constructing its replacement, which became known as McCluer South Berkeley High School (MSB), presently known as the Steam High School at MSB. During his tenure at MSB, Mr. Shaw served as the Interim Principal and then retired in 2008. In addition to the pride in assisting with the design, planning, and opening of MSB from the ground floor, Mr. Shaw felt his most significant contribution to education was encouraging young people to push through to graduation. Ellis Jerome Shaw lived an incredible life of possibility, dreaming, and accomplishing goals that bore more weight than the foundation he was issued at birth and encouraging others to do the same. In his memory, put your dreams down on paper and place action behind accomplishing them.
About:
The Program aims to encourage students to set their career goals and equip them with educational resources and support. This event, held annually, will provide connections to scholarships, mentors, and opportunities for pursuing postsecondary training and education.
Students will make progress in building their Educational Career portfolio. All attendees—students, parents, guardians, and supporters—will have the opportunity to connect with various agencies and individuals to assist in building their students’ Educational Career portfolio.
What to Expect:
Educational and Career Connections:
Representatives from a select number of colleges, universities, and trade schools will be on hand to speak about their application process and special institutional opportunities.
Mentorship:
Interested students can sign up to receive a mentor. Mentors will provide guidance, motivation, and role modeling.
Scholarship Opportunities:
Scholarship representatives will be present to provide eligibility information on their scholarships. On-site pop-up scholarships are available to eligible students who have completed information cards in Educational and Career Connections areas during the program.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Building a strong resume includes volunteer service. Learn about opportunities available to get involved locally.
Career Presentations:
Community leaders will speak about their career paths and the impact of their work on their constituents’ lives.
Voter Education:
Our democracy depends on an informed, enthusiastic electorate. Through your VOTE, your voice amplifies loudly to elected officials and others. Information will be available to answer voter questions, register new voters, or update personal information (i.e., change of address, name change, etc.).