For Michele Black Abrams ’69, life has been about educating, inspiring and leading – in classrooms, communities and business. The roots of her diverse achievements can be seen in the range of her involvements while at SHS: Student Council, class officer for three years, American Legion award for outstanding female student, member of Top Ten Percent Honors group, legislator at Buckeye Girls State, Whippet Band majorette all four years, member of State superior-rated concert band and choir, member of Mel-o-ettes girls ensemble, and a participant in theatrical productions.
After graduating from SHS, Shelly earned a bachelor’s degree in education at Miami University where she also did graduate work. For more than a decade Shelly served as an educator, teaching in Cincinnati-area high schools. She then spent 11 years working to spur business growth as vice president of the Middletown Area/Mid-Miami Valley Chamber of Commerce. While there she won the Ohio Leadership Award for Community Leadership Development.
In the business arena she also worked in community affairs for AK Steel Corporation. Shelly has been deeply involved in community activities, often taking on leadership positions. She has chaired and/or served on many community Boards, including American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Lebanon Mini Festival, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Area Artists Series and Middletown Area Safety Council. Shelly lives in Lebanon, Ohio.