Jun 29, 20192 min read

Nakyah Smith, NSE Scholar & Published Poet

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." Maya Angelou

Sometimes the best person to tell the story is a parent. Nichole Shirell is honored and very impressed with this brilliant and talented young lady. We also recognize and applaud the support and encouragement of her family. So moved by her mother's words, we knew no one could share Nakyah's story better than her loving mother LaQuita Perry.

Ladies and Gentlemen meet our award winning and published poet, Nakyah Smith!

Hi Nichole, First of all, thanks for this opportunity. I have the pleasure of introducing my daughter in this email!

Nakyah Smith was born June 11, 2001. She plans to attend Jefferson State Community College for 2 years and then continue her education at a 4 yr University. Although Music Therapy has been her only passionate career choice, she has now decided to explore Occupational Therapy as well. She has researched this option and plans to shadow OT's and later decide where God and heart guides. She is naturally and spiritually gifted in music and also has a heart to help. Really either one of these choices will fit her perfectly. She is very Special in many ways.

She is definitely a trendsetter and leader that is true to herself. One way she illustrated this was by starting a well needed group "For The Culture" in order for all minorities to have a safe place to speak at her school. (Helena High School) It was challenging to start it but she was persistent and got it done. I am beyond proud and overwhelmed with joy for where she is now, and the prosperous future God has for her.

Smith graduated from Helena High School, May 2019. She earned a full ride choir scholarship and will attend Jeff State in the fall. Her short poem "Today" won a monetary steepen and it is published in the Nichole Shirell Enterprises 2019 Youth Chapbook. She is a talented musician and songstress. Her favorite quote is included above. Scroll below and experience her extraordinary talent.