Words of Inspiration from 2024 Distinguished Alumna Lynnette Jackson Crenshaw ’93

Alumnae Weekend kicked off with a Distinguished Alumna Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 16. This year’s recipient, Lynnette Jackson Crenshaw ‘93, Senior Vice President, Key Private Bank and Community Leader, delivered a speech to fellow alumnae, family, and friends at the dinner. In it, she called upon her memory of seeing “The Wiz,” a reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz,” with an African-American cast and urban setting. Below are a few excerpts from her inspiring speech.

“What really made an impression on me was the female force that was Dorothy. She was no shrinking poppy. She had a goal to achieve and she knew she had to call on her skills of teamwork and collaboration in order to overcome the obstacles and nemeses that might stop her from reaching it. Dorothy may have survived a tornado but it didn’t dampen her spirit. Instead, it propelled her to the height of female leadership and empowerment. And, she had the wherewithal to create a compelling vision that her collaborators could get behind. A life lesson that I carry with me every day.

“Like Dorothy, I have considered my life a journey of selfdiscovery, guided by curiosity, determination, and the unwavering belief that there is no place like home. My Laurel School years were filled with challenges and triumphs, moments of uncertainty and moments of clarity, but through it all, I learned the importance of courage, resilience, and staying true to oneself.

“Just as the Scarecrow yearned for a brain, I embraced the pursuit of knowledge and intellectual growth. My Laurel School education instilled in me a love for learning, a thirst for knowledge, and a commitment to lifelong curiosity. It taught me to think critically, to question assumptions, and to approach challenges with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

“As a Laurel student, at the start of each school year, I was always excited in anticipation of the very many wonderful activities, experiences and organizations in which I would participate.

“Like the Tin Man, who sought a heart, as a Laurel student, I discovered the power of compassion, empathy, and human connection. My educational experience was enriched by the relationships I formed, the friendships I forged, and the moments of kindness and support that shaped my journey. It taught me the importance of empathy, of lifting others up, and of fostering a sense of belonging and community.

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“At the age of 26, my personal yellow brick road took me to the city of Cleveland and the mayoral administration of Jane L. Campbell. The remarkable opportunity I was given allowed me to help build community and lift others in the city I loved. All under the tutelage of Cleveland’s first and only female mayor.

“Like the Cowardly Lion, who longed for courage, I found the strength within myself to face my fears, to embrace challenges, and to pursue my dreams with determination and resilience. My Laurel School education taught me that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in spite of it. It taught me to believe in myself, to take risks, and to stand up for what I believe in, even in the face of adversity.

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Editor's note: Lynnette highlighted several examples of adversity she faced during her tenure as Director of the Board of Trustees at Laurel. The pandemic, racial unrest and civil protests across the globe, and a divisive political climate were all at the top of her list. But losing her own father during this time made for even more heartbreak for Lynnette.

“One of these circumstances would have been extremely challenging on its own, but going through all of them at the same time, had me feeling that just like Dorothy, that I had been tossed around by an F5 tornado. But through it all, I learned that not all storms come to destroy you. Sometimes they seek to implore you to find the courage within.

“In ‘The Wiz,’ the concept of ‘home’ transcends the physical location and delves into a deeper, more emotional and spiritual understanding. The message conveyed is that ‘home’ is where one feels a sense of belonging, love, and acceptance. It’s about finding oneself and understanding that true happiness and contentment come from within.

“My first sense of belonging, love and acceptance came from my family, from whom I always knew I was valued, loved and worth sacrificing for. My parents sacrificed by providing me, and my sister Cheryl (the best gift they ever gave me), with a Laurel education.

“The second-best gift my parents ever gave me was the gift of my Laurel education. It is truly the foundation of all my career and community achievements. My second sense of belonging, love and acceptance have come from my Laurel kinships. The people I have encountered at One Lyman Circle have been inspiring beyond measure. I’m forever indebted to Leonard and Micheline Jackson for making the decision and commitment to sacrifice to make it possible for my sister and me to matriculate in such an amazing and rich environment. Cheryl and I truly hit the parent lottery and it is not lost on me that not every child gets the opportunity to be nurtured and challenged in the Laurel culture.

“Dorothy’s journey through Oz teaches us that the feeling of home is not tied to a specific place, but rather to the people we cherish, the relationships we build, and the inner peace we achieve. As she meets characters like the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, she learns that they each possess the qualities they seek within themselves. Similarly, Dorothy realizes that she always had the power to return home, symbolizing the idea that we often have the strength and resources we need within ourselves.

“As I accept this award today, I am filled with gratitude for the teachers, mentors, and friends who have supported me along the way, for the lessons learned and the memories shared, and for the enduring legacy of excellence and integrity that defines our alma mater, our beloved Laurel School.”

Lynnette spoke with Laurel’s Upper School and shared lessons learned from her time and Laurel. A video of her remarks is available online.