Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Shanell (Jackson) Lightfoot from the GHS Class of 2001.
Shanell has never been afraid to work. As a high school athlete and student, she always had drive. She never spent a lot of time bragging about what she was going to do because she was too busy working to make her dreams come true. As a basketball player, she invested hours alone at the Y working on her shot.
That drive and commitment has obviously continued as an adult. She has been successful at everything she does. And her commitment to make her community a better place is very impressive.
Favorite Classes/Teachers
French with Monsieur Nusbaum was always so fun. My French name was Celine. I enjoyed Miss Gibbs, Miss Gehring, and Mrs Aten. Mrs. Wynne was also my fav at Churchill.
Favorite Memories from Galesburg & GHS
Powder Puff Football during Homecoming our Jr and Sr years were a blast! Prom at the Ford Dome. The 98 boys bball team state run. Working concessions for the Varsity boys baseball team Senior year. Driving with beer goggles in Drivers Ed with Mr Hickey’s class. And of course, being apart of the girls basketball program- summer league was always so hot and so fun! Michigan Camps were always fun- one year our bags got stolen at Union Station, another year, the A/C was broke on the Amtrak train! The crowds who followed and supported us across the State during the post season were our competitive advantage.
After GHS Graduation
Attended and graduated from Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN. Met my now husband as a sophomore- we both lived in the honor’s dorm.
Your Career
I’ve worked in several sales roles in Orlando, St. Louis, and Atlanta. I was featured on HGTV’s House Hunters in 2021. Then, in 2024, I started Galesburg City Tours and operated that for 1.5 years.
You'll see my golf cart, Evie, on the grounds of GHS now… I closed the tour business and the Athletic Dept purchased the cart- Joey Range (GHS c/o 98’) actually helped me connect with AD Nick Young (GHS c/o 99’) to get the deal closed.
What Are You Up To Today
I’m blessed to not have to work a 9-5 anymore. My husband and I live with our children in Metro Atlanta. Our son, Kellen, is a freshman in college studying aviation and is an aspiring commercial pilot. Our younger son, Kendall, is in 5th grade. I always say he’s the child I was supposed to be… haha. He’s into the arts, loves baseball, is competitive, kind, and our “big guy.”
I’m an avid pickleball player, have coached middle school girls basketball in Kennesaw, GA for the last 3 years, volunteer with a local homeless coalition & Meals on Wheels Atlanta, plus, I recently lost 50lbs.
Advice to Students/Athletes
Leave the jersey better than you found it. Every generation of athletes inherits a tradition. Your job is to learn it, respect it, elevate it, then pass it forward. Live and play in a way that makes the next class of Silver Streaks proud to wear the same uniform.
Other Blog Stories on Shanell…
2012 Shanell (Jackson) Lightfoot: My Motivation
Shanell Lightfoot- Off-Season Advice
2001 Galesburg Revenge Over Sterling
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