About Edward Shenault

My name is Edward Shenault and I am the 2019-2020 Blue Heart President. I am 17 years old and attend High Tech High San Diego.

I was raised by a “village” so academics were never a big problem for me because I had so many people in my corner making sure that I was on top of my work. My grandfather was a Pastor before he passed. He was a huge part of my life, taking me to school for many years. He always asked me how I was doing in school and would say, “Don’t fool me now” when I responded. I knew this meant that he was expecting me to always do well, and I’ve worked hard to not disappoint him. So, when he passed, I told myself that I was not going to let him down.

I made sure I did the best I could to make him proud. While being raised in church I was around many different positive role models. Being around these prestigious men and women I have had a lot of time to take in wisdom that has been given to me throughout my entire life and add my own touch to it to fit my life. With the advice that was and is still being passed to me, by my grandmother, mother, father and others, I have been able to navigate my way through school and tough times. Aside from being raised in church, I was also very engaged in sports. For seven years I played football where I learned the basics of teamwork, becoming a leader and working in a community.

I joined Blue Heart about a year and a half ago. I did not join because my grades were low, I joined because I wanted to be a part of a brotherhood. I wanted to learn how to become a better leader and learn how to be a better young man for my community. Even still, I did not really understand the purpose of the organization, so I did not value my time in it. Initially, I was not very open to stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things.

After attending the monthly workshops and community service events, I have been able to slowly step out of my shell towards being the kind of leader that will bring my brothers together and create unity. The turning point for me was when I became President. When I became President, I realized that I had a bigger responsibility ahead of me than just showing up; it allowed me the opportunity to understand the history and purpose of Blue Heart.

“My favorite experience has been the step practices because I have been able to see how my brothers’ bonds feed off of each other’s energy and break out of my shell and bond with them.”

Blue Heart has basically opened my eyes to the real world. Blue Heart has taught me that as young black men growing up in this country, we have to carry ourselves properly because our every move is being watched in everything we do everywhere. Blue Heart has also taught me how to step up and take lead when no one else will and how to be a better man overall. My favorite experience has been the step practices because I have been able to see how my brothers’ bonds feed off of each other’s energy and break out of my shell and bond with them.

I have grown a lot since I first joined Blue Heart. I want to thank Tracy for choosing me to be President. At first, I was unsure why he chose me because I had only been in the program for a few months, and I did not know if I was ready. However, he reassured me and with his guidance, and past president Amir Duke I was able to catch my groove and find my own way to lead my brothers. I am honored to be a member of Blue Heart and look forward to taking the tools that I have learned into the next phase of my educational journey.

About Jordan

Jordan was born in Fairfax, Virginia and raised in Alexandria where he attended elementary school. Jordan comes from a military family and in 2013, he and his family relocated to San Diego where he resides today. Jordan enjoys various activities and hobbies to include basketball, reading and volunteering in the community. As a senior, he served as the Olympian High School Black Student Union President.

Jordan has been a member of the Blue Heart Foundation for over a year and has benefited greatly from the mentoring and leadership opportunities provided. As a result of the Blue Heart experience, Jordan has gained more confidence in public speaking and engaging with mentors in the community. The community outreach, which is a part of the Blue Heart mission, has also been an important factor as Jordan recognizes “giving back” as a critical part of belonging to any community.

“He believes the HBCU experience aligns well with his personal values and the values that sees in the Blue Heart organization.”

Jordan has received acceptance letters from various colleges and universities to include Arizona State, Georgia State and LSU. All three schools have business programs that in the top 50 in the country. However, the importance of the Blue Heart impact on Jordan is best exemplified in his decision to attend [Blank] in the fall. He believes the HBCU experience aligns well with his personal values and the values that sees in the Blue Heart organization. His intention is to continue to serve as a community mentor and volunteer and intends to stay connected to Blue Heart moving forward.

Jordan will pursue a degree in business with an emphasis in entertainment and sports management. He is interested in attending law school following his undergraduate studies.

About Giordan Lee

My name is Giordan Lee, the 2019-2020 Student Vice President of The Blue Heart Foundation. I am a 17-year-old senior currently attending Olympian High School. I am a San Diego native with roots in Chula Vista.

With academics, most subjects were easy for me to grasp starting from preschool and up. Although I was involved in extracurricular activities like football and basketball, I was still able to maintain good grades. I have always had the support of my parents, whose discipline and leadership groomed me to be the person I am today. I learned the value of integrity and responsibility since my father was in the U.S. Navy and had to deploy often. Being of mixed race and changing schools frequently has always placed me in a diverse atmosphere. I have always been able to adapt to diversity and wanted to explore more of my black heritage and culture. Being a part of The Blue Heart Foundation allowed me the opportunity to experience African American brotherhood and community activism.

At Olympian High School, I am Vice President and step leader of the Black Student Union “Young Black Leaders of Excellence” (YBL). As Vice President of both Blue Heart and YBL, I am in a leadership position and have been able to develop my character, enforce ethics, and encourage teamwork for over 70 underclassmen. I have volunteered over 200 hours of community service and participated in a variety of workshops and events for the community. The workshops include character development, college preparedness, life skills, career paths, and opportunities to develop leadership. For 3 years I have participated in events such as local voter information meetings, the 2018 Democratic Convention, award ceremonies, March of Dimes Walk for Babies, and YMCA Community Christmas Events. Every time I leave a workshop, I think of all the possibilities the future holds. My participation in these events makes me want to dedicate my future to helping the next generation succeed and giving back to the community that helped shape me. I plan to continue to participate in community events while in college because the more knowledge I gain, I feel I should share with others.

“…my faith was strong and as much as I wanted Alana to beat this cancer, I wanted to beat it too along with all of the stereotypes placed on a young man like myself.”

In November 2018, my girlfriend Alana was diagnosed with Stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma Cancer. I was shocked, angry and could not understand why cancer had to happen to her. I did not know exactly what to do or how to handle the situation besides just being there showing love and support. My parents were concerned and thought this situation would send me into a deep depression, cause me to neglect my schoolwork, and give up on my dream of going to college. However, my faith was strong and as much as I wanted Alana to beat this cancer, I wanted to beat it too along with all of the stereotypes placed on a young man like myself. After a year of Alana’s chemotherapy and other cancer procedures, I have been able to meet my educational goals while encouraging and supporting her. I never want to take my wellness for granted and I vow to make every moment count, especially when it comes to my education.

As an inspired young man looking to increase my knowledge and further my educational goals, I am ready for the next journey that college has to offer. I have developed several skills in my youth that have prepared me for this moment. Growing up in a disciplined family, learning to be reliable and responsible at an early age…

being part of organizations that develop character and leadership, and being able to conquer adversity and emotional mishaps have all groomed me to be college ready.