Glenda (Schalanskey) Smith

When you grow up in a northwest Kansas community where the KAY program is revered by everyone in the school and community, it is a given that participation in the organization will become a part of your life. And for Glenda (Schalansky) Smith, a lifelong resident of the Almena/Long Island communities, her participation and experiences has truly been life changing.

Glenda Schalansky attended school in Almena, KS in the 1960’s. She was a member of the Kayette program at Almena Jr. High, followed by 2 years at Almena Rural HS and 2 years at Northern Valley HS, graduating in 1969. While in HS she was involved in Pep Club and Teen Club (NOTE: this was pre-Title IX, therefore there were no girl’s sports). Glenda was actively involved in Kayettes, serving as the program director, participating in numerous projects and helping a friend run for area president. Her favorite service project was Caroling at the local Nursing Home during the holidays.

Glenda has a lot of fond memories from her involvement in the Kayette club. Some of the important lessons she learned were setting and attaining goals; acquiring social skills; developing many lifelong friendships. Glenda’s attributes her religious faith to the KAY program, which got her to church and eventually singing in the choir.

Additional memories from her involvement include getting to know Wanda May Vinson as a friend (not just the director); Going to Conferences (one time sitting between Wanda May and her sponsor Maxine Sebelius and responding to their questions with “You Better Believe It”).

Glenda’s had two outstanding Kayette sponsors while in school – Jean Ann Wilson (Jr. High) and Maxine Sebelius (Sr. High). Names of past members/officers include Barb Bieber, Marlit Field, Lois Griffin, Lynette Schukman, Linda Henry, Barb Wynn, Diana Keith and Janet Combs.

Glenda attended Kayette Leadership Camp 3 years and remembers how homesick she was her first year as an 8 th grader. But she soon found comfort from the dynamic song leader (Mary Maude Moore). She was asked by Wanda May Vinson to serve on the camp staff, which she did for six years. Among her many camp memories: WMV speeches; team activities; an encounter with a skunk while with fellow staff member Jolene Macy Thompson; and the singing. Her favorite song is “It Only Takes A Spark…” and all of the fun songs led by Sue (Rockwell) Buchman.

Glenda attended Ft. Hays State University, where she received a BS degree in Education. She was a primary and Title One teacher for 37 years -1 yr. in Hays (where she credits her connections in KAY in helping her get the job) and 36 years in Almena. Recently retired, she was honored with the Northern Valley Wall of Fame (recognition for teachers and staff who served the district 30 + years).

Glenda and her husband Kelvin work their large farm in Long Island. Their 2 daughters and 9 grandchildren live nearby.

“I am so honored to have been a part of the KAY program and now KAYAN! My heart pounds with excitement every time I get to be a part of it and the wonderful memories fill me with joy” stated Glenda.