Guidance counselor Erica Snelson will never forget the academic journey of one of her students at Grand Center Arts Academy. The girl had lost both of her parents within three months of each other.
“For her, who was raised by her brothers after her parents passed away, she didn’t think college was an option,” Snelson said.
However, Snelson worked closely with the student and helped pave a way to an Iowa college. Although the student had some last-minute jitters about leaving St. Louis, she ultimately took the leap and even Facetimed Snelson when she arrived at her dorm.
“Seeing kids in a space that they didn’t think they’d ever get to makes me feel that every day is worth it,” she said.
On Saturday, October 1, Snelson will receive the 2016 SEMO Counselor of the Year award at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala.
Snelson arrived at the academy when its future first graduates were juniors – just a little more than two years ago.
“Students in the academy’s first graduating class, whose members walked across the stage in May 2016, were accepted into prestigious colleges and universities in states spanning from the West Coast to the East Coast,” said Matthew Frederickson, head of school at Grand Center Arts Academy.
Of the first senior class of 100 students, 99 percent graduated, and they earned more than $900,000 in scholarships, Frederickson said. Most of the students have plans to go to college, while others plan to perform as professional dancers, musicians, actors and artists or join the military.
“We’ve had our first Missouri Scholars Academy attendees, our first Bright Flight recipient for ACT scores, and 49 percent of our seniors scored a 21.5 or higher composite on the ACT,” Frederickson said. “We could not have done all of this without the leadership, team work and selfless service of Ms. Snelson working to provide opportunities for our students.”
One of Snelson’s biggest strengths is making the school a one-stop shop of resources to help the students.
“I try to bring as many resources in the building, so the kids don’t have to worry about ‘how I’m going to get there,’” she said.
Many of her students are first-generation college students, so she works closely with families to make sure they understand the application and financial aid process.
Snelson is beginning her 15th year in education, all working at urban charter schools in St. Louis. She has served as a special-education teacher, federal-programs coordinator, at-risk coordinator, school counselor and college counselor. Snelson was an important part of preparing Lift For Life Academy, St. Louis’ first charter school, for its first graduating class in 2012.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Missouri State University, a special education certification and a master’s degree in school counseling from Lindenwood University. She has one daughter, Mariah, 10, who keeps her busy with a competitive cheerleading schedule that allows for them to travel often.
Growing up in St. Charles, Snelson was raised by her mother, also an educator.
“One of the biggest things that I’m most proud of is that fact that I’m able to form good relationships,” Snelson said. “My mom was a teacher, and I think back to how you get to run into so many students at a gas station or a restaurant. But now, with social media, I get to really see where they are.”
Her first graduating class just turned 30 years old, she said.
“I get to see where those kids are in the world,” Snelson said. “One is traveling the world in a circus. That’s the biggest thing. It’s seeing students achieving things that they didn’t think they could.”
The 2016 Salute to Excellence in Education Gala will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, October 1, 2016 at the America’s Center Ballroom, following a reception at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Individual tickets are $85 each/$850 table, and VIP/Corporate tickets are $1,500 table. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.stlamerican.com and click on Salute to Excellence, or call 314-533-8000.
