Published on Nov. 20, 2024
It is not uncommon for past scholars to return to future Academies in hopes of adding to the magic in their own unique ways. This Academy phenomena manifests in several ways –- from simply showing up to Alumni Day to hosting an afternoon activity to becoming a long-time faculty member.
This year’s recipients of the Standing Ovation Award are shining examples of how alumni come back and make a lasting impact on MSA. The recipients of this award were recognized at this summer’s closing ceremony and asked to share a few words with scholars and guests.
We would like to thank Elana Sanders-Braxton (MSA’17, RA’23-‘24) and Paula Mathers (MSA’15, Office Staff ’19, ’22-’24) for their unwavering dedication to the Academy by awarding both the 2024 Standing Ovation Award!
Elana Sanders-Braxton
A 2017 scholar from Kansas City, Elana Sander-Braxton said that she didn’t anticipate how grand of an impact being a scholar would have on the rest of her life.
“The curiosity and drive for learning that had faded from my mind had suddenly returned to me, as vivid as ever before,” she stated in her 2024 closing ceremony speech, “MSA gave me the spark I needed to pursue things fully, dive in headfirst, and give each endeavor my all, and I hope it has done the same for all of you.”
Perhaps this “spark” is what led her back to the Academy as a first-time RA in 2023 and again in 2024.
Fellow RAs described Elana as possessing a quiet confidence, having a calming presence, and being deceptively funny. She effortlessly combined her natural talent as a leader and her soothing energy to succeed in her role during house meetings and Cor: Personal and Social Dynamics.
The 2024 Coordinator of Resident Life, Grace Sullentrup, worked closely with Elana and summed up these sentiments perfectly.
“Through her cool, resolute presence and perfectly timed jokes, Elana makes an amazing leader,” Grace said, “Always willing to do for others, [she] has a huge heart for scholars and her fellow RAs.”
The mention of her heart is fitting for her effort in her Cor (Latin for “heart”) groups. It is easy for RAs to feel intimidated by facilitating Cor: PSD activities. However, leading such discussions seemed like second nature for Elana. Co-facilitators say that Elana successfully cultivated a safe space for scholars to express themselves and connect with each other daily.
Elana’s ability to create welcoming and inclusive environments extended beyond these classes as well. She played a primary role in the development of programing surrounding the intersection of being Black and gifted. From table talks to afternoon activities, Black scholars had the opportunity to connect through shared identities and experiences.
Faculty member Stephanie Hasty said that Elana understands the importance of being a Black female college student and she – ultimately – is an inspiration to her.
“I think that having affinity and ally-based groups is such a plus for scholars who may live in areas of Missouri where there may not be people who look and think like them,” Stephanie said, “Elana helps bridge the gap between those who lack confidence in being themselves and those who need to learn more about others.”
In 2023, Elana graduated from Truman State University with a BA in classics. Now, she is continuing her studies by pursuing her Ph.D. in ancient Mediterranean studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
She credits MSA with strengthening her passion for learning, adding that, “[MSA] taught me how to learn and fall in love with learning, perhaps the most important lesson of them all.”
Paula Mather
The Mark Twain front desk is like the frontal lobe of MSA. Office staff are responsible for organizing, planning, and coordinating. We would be lost without the people who make sure the front desk – and the Academy as a whole – runs so smoothly.
Since 2019, Paula Mather has operated as head office staff. This is a position that is understood by few but impacts many. Although she is mostly behind the scenes, Doug Valentine, who happened to be Paula’s major teacher in 2015, spoke to the importance of Paula’s hard work, saying that, “she quite literally is the singular force that holds the Academy together.”
“More than likely, most of the [scholars] have no idea what happens behind that desk. I still don’t,” Doug admitted, “But believe me – if things weren’t running smoothly back there, we would ALL know it.”
However, Paula is more to us than just the friendly face behind the front desk. During the school year, she teaches Spanish at North Kansas City High School. Like many members of faculty and staff, she brings her passion for teaching to the Academy each June. This past summer in particular, Paula hosted her very first afternoon activity.
In her activity, Paula engaged with scholars on the topic of cultural activism by highlighting the life and work of Gloria Anzaldúa, a Chicana scholar and author. They read from Anzaldúa’s book Borderlands and ultimately connected their insights back to their own identities.
“After attending Paula’s afternoon program, I realized that teaching is something very true to her spirit,” said RA Roland Knight, “Her engaging classroom environment and deep connection to the culture made the afternoon a memorable one.”
Many fellow faculty and staff members also recognize this passion in Paula.
“It comes as no surprise to me that she is this year’s Standing Ovation recipient,” Roland later added.
To be honest, we aren’t surprised either but so very thankful.
In her 2024 Closing Ceremony speech, Paula’s dedication to MSA shined through her words: “For me, it boils down to anything and everything for the good of 320 scholars, 19 RAs, 20 faculty members, two coordinators of residential life…and on and on…doing anything and everything for the good of the Missouri Scholars Academy.”
The “do anything” attitude that Paula mentioned is well engrained within her and the spirit of MSA.
The 2024 Academy may have been the last time we will see Paula running the front desk, but we hope she will return to us in the future. Not only is she the brain of MSA, but a large part of its heart, too.