To All GHS Alumni: Share Your Memories!

Melahni Ake
Jul 19
2 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Hi! I’m Melahni Qualls Ake, a proud 1986 Graduate. I was a Varsity Athlete and Co-Founder of the Girls High School Softball Team. Yes, Kim Sedam and I petitioned for 100 signatures, found a coach, and got approval to start the team from our athletic director!

GHS was a fantastic source of inspiration. Many teachers, including Susan Edwards, Rebecca Blanford Ramsey, and Vicki Noblitt, helped shape my journey. They taught me the importance of capturing stories, taking leadership roles, and challenging perspectives. I know each of us developed our first “brief moment” of confidence from someone who influenced us during our time at GHS.

My Journey After GHS

What I learned at GHS has been invaluable. I worked for McDonald’s (on the train) with amazing people like Sheila Albright Martin and Pam Kite. I attended Ball State for Telecommunications and graduated from UINDY with degrees in Business, Leadership, and Psychology.

I’ve worked in nonprofit fundraising for the MS Society. I collaborated with influencers and key opinion leaders in GI medicine for decades due to my work with Cook Medical, the largest private device manufacturer in the world. I learned how to launch marketing programs and products globally.

The Impact of Influences

Reflecting on my life, I realize I wouldn’t have had the curiosity to learn without certain influences. All of this started right here at GHS! I believe we all have stories that continue to shape our community.

Our Media Production Studio

Today, my husband and I run a media production studio in the POLK PLACE building on Main Street. We create strategic media and marketing content for entrepreneurs, nonprofits, community events, and programs.

Capturing Greenwood Memories

I’m excited to propose a project to capture the essence of Greenwood Memories. I want to produce and host a podcast and YouTube channel to share the real stories that have shaped our community.

These stories include:

Teachers
Coaches
Administrators
Bus Drivers
Club Sponsors: Student Council, Theater, Language, Arts, etc.

Join Us!

If you’d like to learn more, help vote on a name for the program, share a memory, be on a committee, sponsor, or co-host a conversation, click the link below:

JOIN US in the Greenwood High School Alumni Project

I’m excited about the opportunities to help Greenwood be the CITY of PRIDE and PROGRESS! Let’s make a difference together!