ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Leslie Valentine, Change Agent

Leslie Valentine '92, wanted to do something to memorialize her niece, Mekia. Through her nonprofit, the L&M Valentine Foundation, Inc., Leslie has established a student award endowment fund in memory of Mekia and the impact of Mekia’s educational and athletic experience at Greensboro Day School. 

Leslie stated, "Mekia attending Greensboro Day School in the 4th grade was the best decision our family made regarding her education. Mekia's time at GDS was great. She was exposed to so many opportunities that may not have happened had she not attended GDS. While at GDS Mekia was a girl scout, participated in several school plays in elementary school, a cheerleader, a track runner and a phenomenal basketball player. She met and became a part of so many families. She excelled in academics as an avid reader and writer. Because of what Greensboro Day School provided to Mekia, I feel it is only appropriate to honor her legacy by helping to ensure that a minority student and their family experience the opportunities and exposure our family saw at Greensboro Day School."

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The Mekia S. Valentine '06 Award will recognize a female student of color in the Upper School who makes outstanding efforts in several of the following areas: academics, extra-curricular activities, leadership, and community involvement. The award will be presented in the spring at the End of Year Athletic Awards Ceremony.