Alysia Smith was nominated by a friend, Brad Weber.
"In the 1990s, some students entered ninth-grade reading at a fourth-grade level. Alysia's goal was to undergird the high schools in their mission of making everyone a high school graduate. Understanding that high school preparation is a journey and a process, it was necessary to open up a small charter school to ensure every student would have an individualized educational program," said Weber.
"This small charter school opened in 1999 serving students who were homeless, in foster care, have incarcerated parents, are second language learners, had a high population of special education students, and students who were gang members and at-risk youth. Fast forward to 2023, and many students still fit that profile. What is remarkable is after Holly Drive Leadership Academy's program, those same students end up graduating from Holly Dr entering high school and not only graduating from high school, but many of them end up being the valedictorian and salutatorian and ultimately college graduates," said Weber.
"Small by design, HDLA would seek to make learning applicable using a 'classroom without walls' approach to education. This charter school teaches thematic units and then provides real-world application by engulfing the students in workshops or physically taking the students where the lesson itself becomes tangible. If the students are studying civics and the three branches of government, then the students will take a plane ride to Sacramento, tour the capitol, and sit in on the House of Representatives meeting. If they are learning about table setting and social etiquette, they will see a professional fashion show where they will be served a five-course lunch and use their etiquette and table setting skills," said Weber.
"Alysia Smith has the reputation of being the master of teacher efficacy and the warrior for children who need second chances. Alysia has spent two decades seeking out students who are two to three grade levels behind, students who are on expulsion and on their way to court schools, and students who have difficult circumstances and home lives to take them, love them, and make leaders out of them and ultimately send them back to San Diego Unified School District high school ready and college-bound," said Weber.
I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the LifeChanger of the Year Award than Ms. Alysia Shaw Smith. Working under her amazing leadership, she has shown me day in and day out what being a true professional is. She exemplifies perfect attendance to a tee and will always be there to support the many communities that she is involved in which in my opinion is her superpower. She is the most selfless person I have ever met and the time that she invests in bettering every person that she encounters in life is truly an inspiration to all. She is able to be fully present in every role that she is involved in and her charismatic nature lights up any room she walks into. I feel blessed to have such a fervent example of a mentor, educator, and overall person in my life because of the impact she has made in my own life as well as the communities that she serves, just show how truly rare she is. Profound people like her deserve to be recognized for her feats and willpower. She makes impossible endeavors seem effortless. Her positive influence resonates with so many making her the perfect definition of being a life changer.
"Ms. Smith has solidified her position as a leader in the community. Ms. Smith captivated the community with her eloquence, impassioned delivery, and commanding Presence. Ms. Smith played a pivotal/crucial role in changing the lives of many students/children's future. Ms. Smith believes every child deserves to reach their full potential. Ms. Smith, thank you for your dedication to the betterment of many students/children."
Dear National Life Group,
It is with immense respect and genuine admiration that I nominate Alysia Shaw Smith, the esteemed Principal of Holly Drive Leadership Academy, for the "Life Changer of the Year" award. My name is Charles Alexander, and I have had the privilege of witnessing Principle’s Alysia profound impact firsthand.
Alysia Shaw Smith has not only elevated the educational standards at Holly Drive but has also fostered a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student feels valued and empowered. Under her leadership, our school has seen remarkable improvements in reading, math and test scores.
What sets Alysia apart is her exceptional blend of qualities - integrity, compassion, visionary leadership, and an unwavering dedication to student welfare. Her innovative approaches have sparked a love for learning, encouraged critical thinking, and promoted a culture of kindness and respect.
Moreover, Alysia commitment to personal and professional development is inspiring. She actively support teacher development programs, ensuring that our educators are equipped with the latest
pedagogical strategies to meet diverse learner needs.
In conclusion, Alysia Shaw Smith is a beacon of positive change and an exemplary leader who has dedicated her career to transforming lives. Her invaluable contributions have not only enhanced our school's reputation but have also profoundly impacted the lives of countless students, staff, and community members not only in San Diego, but Rialto, Los Angeles and the Moreno valley areas. It is for these reasons and more that I wholeheartedly nominate Alysia Shaw Smith for the "Life Changer of the Year" award.
Sincerely
Charles Alexander
Ms. Smith is one of the best principals you could possibly have. Over the years she has gone above, and beyond for each student, and I am grateful to have been able to witness this journey. I had the pleasure of having Ms. Smith as my first grade, and now I have a child under her leadership. When I think of Ms. Smith I think of one word PHENOMENAL!
She is very dedicated to her students and school
Ms. Smith is a dedicated and devoted educator. She really allows the kids the she works to feel loved and like family. You can see how they respect her and how much they light up in her presence. She sees them all and it’s truly been such an honor to work with her. She truly inspires our team to be better and continue to see the good in what we are all doing for the community.
Caring, dedicated, loving, responsible and selfless . Most of us are fortunate to have people in our lives who have two maybe three of these admirable qualities.Alysia Smith exemplifies all five.Whenever you know her as Ms.Smith your principal or your math teacher or simply Alysia, your friend is an invited member of your family.Ms.Smith is always a positive factor in your life.She is the kind of person with whom you find an immediate connection and lasting bond.
Teaching is her life’s work.Alysia Smith dedicated more than two decades to serve and help children to get better education and create safe community.She is committed to help every one of her students to excel in their studies and build essential life skills. Alysia Smith always finds new programs and gives new perspectives to all of us students and teachers. Ms.Smith is strong support and outstanding mentor to me.
She is such a role model for many and her legacy is inspiring.
Alysia Smith is truly an incredible Person and great asset to her community.
I've had nothing but possitive interactions with Alysia for years. I have found her to be totally engaged in the well-being of her students and staff everything I've come to teach CPR and First Aid classes to her, the staff and the students. My children were raised in Ohio and are adults now. It would have been a major blessing to have enrolled them in the Holly Drive Academy on under her leadership if they were
I want to give my vote for Ms. Smith as she is a real live leader for our youth, giving them a hand up and always fighting for them to be the best virgin of themselves.
She leads an awesome team of teachers that care about education and the wellbeing of children in there formative years, which speaks volumes in this time.
She is a bright light in our community. She changed the life of 2 generations of youth in my family. Holly Drive LEADERSHIP Academy is a brilliant lighthouse because of the bright light, Ms. Smith.
Thank you,
Ms. Elaine Taylor
Alysia is one of a kind human, educator and leader. The passion she has for Holly Drive, her students and the community is undeniable in the work she does every day!
Ms. Smith, as an agent for change, works to move the needle for San Diego’s underserved youth population in miraculous ways. As a teacher, I served under her leadership. I saw firsthand how she went above and beyond to meet the needs of her school site through parent outreach, building strong connections with community partners, and cultivating a culture of professional development and connectedness among teaching staff. I highly recommend Ms. Smith for this auspicious award.
She is the staple of excellence…
Alysia has been a trail blazer in educating our youth for all of her adult life. She has never waver in her pursuit to better herself so she can better those around her especially her students. She is dedicated to the betterment of young people and it is evident in those students who has graduated and those now in college. She is certinly deserving of this award and more.
Alysia has been a trail blazer in educating our youth for all of her adult life. She has never waver in her pursuit to better herself so she can better those around her especially her students. She is dedicated to the betterment of young people and it is evident in those students who has graduated and those now in college. She is certinly deserving of this award and more.
As a leader of a Charter School Organization for 25 years, Alysia has demonstrated her commitment to the most needy community members of San Diego California.
Ms.Smith is without question a natural leader and mentor. I have had the joy of being her neighbor and friend. I’ve watched her raise fine children who will also be good Citizens of the world. She puts others first and you can see she cherishs her work at school. She lives acceptance and love without judgement or prejudice. Her sense of humor is wonderful and I wish her continued success in her roles.
She is wan of the best school directors in the whole district with a passion for the students and the families in the community. She is such a blessing to all the students and her passion to be the backbone of the school is such a blessing. A true inspiration and leader in her community.
Ms Smith has been in my life path for over 30 years . I have witnessed her enhancing ethics in all who surround her. As a public figure in a multitude of events , she is the epitome of endurance in faith trust and belief in all she pursues.She always travels in the sunlight of the spirit and she has definitely changed my life
I’ve had the great pleasure and privilege of working on several HDLA special events with Alysia . I’ve noticed with every event that we’ve worked on together Alysia loves her job, she really loves her job. She loves the kids and they genuinely love and appreciate her. Additionally, the interaction between Alysia and the teaching staff and the facility support staff is noticeably warm and affectionate. It’s quite obvious the staff there at HDLA hold Alysia in high regard as do I.
Alysia is an inspiration to everyone who knows or meets her. I have known her for over 20 years and her beauty, dedication, loyalty and talent never cease to amaze me and always puts a warmth in my heart. No one is more deserving of recognition.
May she continue to share her gifts with the world for many years to come.
Alysia Smith is an extraordinary leader and trailblazer, a 21 century, 3rd millennium EDUCATOR!
E- Empathy
D- Dedicated
U- Unconditional love
C- Capable, Can-do attitude
A- Accomplished, yet Accessible
T- Theological thinker
O- Openhearted, Open-handed
R- Redeemer and Reformer
Congratulations on your nomination for Life Changer of the Year! Your impact speaks volumes, and your dedication to making a positive difference is truly inspiring. Best of luck in the award process!
I want to give my vote for Ms. Smith as she is a real live leader for our youth, giving them a hand up and always fighting for them to be the best virgin of themselves.
She leads an awesome team of teachers that care about education and the wellbeing of children in there formative years, which speaks volumes in this time.
She is a bright light in our community. She changed the life of 2 generations of youth in my family. Holly Drive LEADERSHIP Academy is a brilliant lighthouse because of the bright light, Ms. Smith.
Thank you,
Ms. Elaine Taylor
Alysia is an amazing educator. She cares about students, leads by example and is dedicated to improving the educational process. Under her leadership Holly Drive is teaching new educational heights.
Alysia Smith is an amazing and effective educator and administrator. She goes out of her way to welcome students, parents and staff to an educational system built with love, encouragement, and high expectations!! I believe she is a life changing administrator!!
Alysia Smith is an excellent, dedicated, and devoted leader in our education system. Her strong and compassionate leadership has changed the lives of so many students at HDLA. She is so deserving of this acknowledgment.
Alysia Smith has been apart of not just my upbringing but also my families as well. Before I graduated I was shy and didn’t really like to socialize with others. Within months of demonstrating a behavior in which my peers could follow. Alysia and Holly Drive helped me find my inner voice. Right before I can blink I was bless with my first internship at Lincoln high school and from there things took off. I am forever grateful for the journey and pleasure of being apart of the Holly Drive Leadership Academy family.
CEO Alysia Smith, exemplifies true leadership that is life changing daily. Working with students and families that are under her leadership impacts the lives of these children and families. Under Alysia’s leadership every child that enrolls in her school is excepted from all levels of learning. Through her life changing leadership I’ve seen firsthand how their lives are changed to excel. Both academically and socially. I recommend Alysia for the most prestigious award.
Ms smith is the best leader I know. She cares so deeply about the work she’s done which is why she has so much longevity in her field. Ms smith has worked and mentored so many kids who really needed a role model in her 24 years as the principal of Holly Drive. Ms smith is more than a principal, she has been family to so many
Ms. Shaw is an amazing person. My son attended Holly Drive Leadership Academy and so did my granddaughter and took them under her wings and showed so much love, compassion towards their education. We are like family. She cares about each student and will do everything that she can to assist and help them achieve their educational goals. Congratulations! Ms. Shaw, so well deserved.
I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award. Truly, life changer is an understatement. Ms. Smith is a champion for the San Diego community, and the biggest advocate for our kids- exposing them to new adventures they may not experience otherwise. The impact she has had on my life, both personally and professionally, has given me the momentum to propel forward. Ms. Smith is a GEM of a human, the personification of grace and resilience, and the hope our youth need to make it in this world. Students, parents, and community members who get experience even just a moment with her, always leave better than they came!
Miss Smith is a phenomenal woman her Personalityis without words.
Her character speaks for itself.She is a pillow and the neighborhood. We are so happy to have her standing and speaking on our behalf. Her standard is excellent, her spirit and love is
extraordinary,this why Ms.Smith means so more to everyone she some in contact with.
Thank you for being apart of me and my family. Holly drive and yourself has helped us find our purpose in life.
Beautiful Christian lady and educator.
Well done!
I couldn’t think of a person who is more deserving of this award. Truly, life changer is an understatement. She is a champion of this community and always keeps our kids at the forefront, exposing them to life changing adventures they may not get the opportunity to experience otherwise. Not to mention, the impact she has had on my life, both personally and professionally, has given me momentum to propel forward in the hardest moments. Ms. Smith is truly a GEM of a human who always sees the best in everyone. Any student, teacher, parent, or community member who gets to experience even a moment with her, will leave better than they came!
I was honored to meet Ms. Smith last year when I had to move my daughter from our neighborhood school to Holly Drive. She is one of the most caring principal I have ever met. Her dedication and determination shows everyday when deal with students and families. We are so blessed to be part of the Holly Drive Family. Continue to put the kids first. Me and Hayden love you and thanks for all you do, not only for the Holly Drive but for the community.
Alysia Smith has dedicated her life to the students of Holly Drive. She is a hands-on principal who is in the classroom daily teaching kids! All the kids know her name, know who she is and love being around her. She is always thinking about the kids and how to give them experiences outside of the classroom.
I have been at Holly Drive for 14 years and she is the reason why us teachers and staff stay. She not only supports the community but us all who work there. Not a day goes by where we are not supported or appreciated by her. No one deserves this more than her!
Alysia…Thank you for the unprecedented support you show to our youth at New World Academy Foundation…words can’t explain your commitment to the learning process!
Ms. Smith is a frontier pioneer when it comes to creating a fresh innovative approach to teaching the otherwise unreachable and troubled students at her school. Ms. Smiths focus is not only aimed to rehabilitating the students but in some cases rehabilitating the parent as well. Respect of others, honesty, integrity, hard work and determination are taught under her roof there at Holly Drive. Her staff respects her for what she brings to the table and that is unity and a sense of family. Nothing is sterile at her school. Everything is done out of love and compassion for the future leaders who attend her academy.
Alysia Smith is truly a life changer for multiple generations of kids. She built a school in the battered neighborhood she grew up in. She could have fled for an easier environment, but she didn’t. She has stayed and done the hard work to see that the students of her community are educated and become productive citizens. This has meant her spending time with these kids beyond the school day. From first airplane trips to the Capitol for civics, to formal dinners at a restaurant for etiquette lessons, she has dedicated herself to educating the whole child. This had also meant she’s had to spend her free time to fundraise and cultivate business relationships to make her empowering education program happen. Because of her dedication, multi-generations of students have beaten the odds and are on a path of success. If only every school had a dedicated leader like Alysia! She truly deserves Life-Changer of the year.
Congratulations! Alysia Smith continues the legacy of her great great grandparents, Lemmon and Rosa Edwards, who valued faith, family and education. Staff and students are a part of her extended family.
Ms. Smith continues to fill in the gaps where needed for inner-city youth. No child is not mentored, advocated for, or provided an opportunity to see their worth in the community of education. Along with her staff, she opens doors of wonder to places some student would not venture. Thank you for your compassion and vision for the students at Holly Drive Leadership Academy as a foundation for Greater.
Ms. Smith continuously goes above and beyond to make sure her staff, students, family of students know that they are cared for !
