Milani Nicole Smith

A pre-law undergraduate at The University of Texas at Austin, pursuing degrees in English and Government, with an expected graduation in 2029. Academic background includes coursework at Angelo State University, and a strong foundation in communication, research, and team collaboration. Recently served as Editor-in-Chief of a student newspaper and Brewista at 7 Brew Coffee, fostering leadership and adaptability in team settings. Committed to creating inclusive environments and honing skills in public speaking, editorial decision-making, and operational efficiency, with long-term aspirations in law and advocacy.

• Microsoft Word, 2024
• Food Handlers Certification, 2021

• National Student Leadership Conference, Washington, DC, 1 week, 2024, Participated in Mock Trial Competition, Learned foundations of legal research, Learned principles of courtroom procedure, Networked with DC attorneys & judges, Gained insight into leadership styles, Built a network of peers and mentors, Visited the Supreme Court of the United States, Listened to special presentations in the museum
• Waterfront Mission Trip, Washington, DC, 1 week, 2022, Ran Waterfront Church VBS, Spread Gospel to DC Residents, Held childcare, Assisted in cleaning building facilities, Ran arts/crafts/and sports activities for children
• Vertible Mission Project, Navajo Reserve, 1 week, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, Painted restored houses, Rebuilt stairs, Made dinner for residents, Cleaned buildings
• Mission Arlington, Arlington, TX, 1 week, 2023, Assisting food pantry, Arranging resale store, Supported children in low-income housing, Helped clean facilities
• One Way Church Camp, Happy, Texas, 1 week, 2019, 2023, 2024, Participated in Bible studies, Assisted prayer groups, Facilitated art, crafts, and music, Built relationships with members of the church

• City of Lubbock Christmas Parade - Volunteer, Monterey Cheer, 12/06/22, 4, Made a float, Handed out candy to parade watchers, Represented Monterey Cheer at the parade
• City of Lubbock Cinco De Mayo Parade - Volunteer, Monterey Cheer, 05/01/22, 4, Made a float, Handed out candy to parade watchers, Represented Monterey Cheer at the parade
• City of Lubbock Independence Day Parade - Summer Volunteer, Monterey Cheer, 07/01/22, 4, Made a float, Handed out candy to parade watchers, Represented Monterey Cheer at the parade
• Waters Buddy Fun Day - Summer Volunteer, National Honor Society, 05/01/22, 5, Set up a face-painting station, Watched children and ensured safety, Created a fun environment, Cleaned up after
• Honey Fall Festival - Honey Elementary Volunteer, 10/01/24, 3, Assistant to the Library Manager helped check in students, Ran bounce houses and cleaned up, Reshelved books and kept the library organized
• Monterey Magic - Evans, Waters, OL.Slaton, Mc-Cool, 11/01/22, 6, Spoke highly about Monterey, Represented Monterey Cheer, Did fight song/and cheers, Served as a leader to incoming freshman
• Lubbock Wildlife Rehab Center - National Honor Society, 05/01/22, Donated supplies, Transported supplies to wildlife center
• Special Needs Monterey Christmas Party - CFA Leadership, 12/01/24, 5, Decorated band hall, Set up food/drinks, Created fun, engaging games, Made a fun environment with holiday cheer, Cleaned up decorations
• Chick-fil-A Elementary Book Signing - Monterey High School, 11/01/24, 2, 1, Packed elementary students' books, Wrote encouraging letters to each student
• Aldersgate VBS - Aldersgate Methodist Church, 06/01/21, 3, 1, Taught Bible lessons to 300+ kids, Leading/supporting students, Ensuring children's safety throughout the day, Setting up snacks and drinks, Greeting families signing in and out
• STAAR Elementary Pep Rally - Waters, Honey, Miller Elementary, 05/01/21, 8, 1, Put on a pep rally for feeder elementary schools, Encourage students to take the STAAR test, Create special cheers for students, Provide a fun, stress-free pre-test environment
• Little Plainsmen Cheer Camp - Monterey Cheer, 09/06/24, 12, 24, Assigned 4 out of 138 girls, Taught stretching, Taught cheers, Choreographed routine, Set up performance at a football game, Gave out snacks and T-shirts
• Monterey Plainsmen Pal Halloween Event - Monterey High School, 10/01/23, 2, 1, Provide pumpkin for 'plainsmen pal', Connect and mentor pal, Decorated/carved/painted pumpkins, Had a meaningful impact on your pal's life, Serve as a leader for future plainsmen
• SPC Feeder Trunk n Treat - Monterey High School, 10/31/24, 4, 1, Set up a Halloween-themed table, Decorated gym, Handed out candy to hundreds of special ed students, Created a game for students to play, Took down all decorations and picked up trash
• Aldersgate Church BOOnanza - Aldersgate Methodist Church, 10/31/22, 2, Set up decorations, tables, bounce houses, and candy centers, Face painted students, Led games, Cleaned up decorations

Opening Statement Mock Trial Simulation, 2022 Bivens v. Albuquerque Public Schools Prosecuting Attorney, 2022 Chris Archer v. New Columbia Mock Trial Simulation, 2023 Karmia Kahn v. Keith Kahn Mock Trial Simulation, 2023 Bail Bond Process, 2023 AP Capstone: Analysis of Social Media's Effect on Generation Z's Political Advocacy, 2024 AP Capstone: Political Lens On The Constitutional Extent Of Gun Reform, 2024 AP Capstone: To what extent does an Artificial Pancreas replicate a functioning Pancreas, 2023 Harrelson vs. Texoma, 2024

• AP Capstone Diplomat 2024
• The University Interscholastic League (UIL) - Placed 6th in Ready Writing 2024
• AP Scholar Award 2024
• The University Interscholastic League (UIL) - Orchestra Sweepstakes Award 2021, 2022
• LISD 4.0 Scholar 2023, 2024
• All Region 1st Violinist 2021
• Varsity Orchestra 2021, 2022
• Varsity Cheer 2023, 2024
• Top Journalist: Plainsmen Press 2023
• Editor-in-chief Plainsmen Press 2024
• Varsity Cheer Co-Captain
• Monterey Mock Trial Best Witness 2024
• Monterey Mock Trial Witness Captain 2024

• Editor-in-chief Plainsmen Press, Monterey High School, 08/01/22, Present, 10, 43, Overseeing the entire newspaper staff, Setting goals and ensuring all team members meet deadlines, Delegating assignments and responsibilities effectively, Creating an editorial calendar and determining publication schedules, Deciding on themes, topics, and overall direction for each issue, Ensuring a balance of news, features, opinions, and creative content, Reviewing and editing articles for accuracy, grammar, and clarity, Providing constructive feedback to writers and section editors, Making final decisions on which stories to publish, Helping new staff members develop their writing, editing, and journalism skills, Encouraging teamwork and maintaining a positive working environment
• FCCLA Member, 08/01/23, 05/31/24, 1, 32, Attend chapter meetings, Developing public speaking, teamwork, and organizational skills, Volunteering for events like food drives and community needs, Collaborating with peers, teachers, and professionals, Upholding FCCLA's focus on personal growth, Encouraging others to join and benefit from FCCLA programs
• UIL Current Event Competitor - Logistics Lead, 08/01/24, 05/31/24, 1, 46, Prepare by strengthening current event knowledge, Watch news/read articles, Tested on the current events internationally
• Ready Writing UIL - Competitive Writer, 08/01/24, 05/31/24, 1, 46, Timed competition, Given prompt to write scholarly paper, Compete against Texas students
• UIL Speech & Debate - President, 08/01/16, Present, 1, 36, Develop essential skills in research, Utilize critical thinking skills, Improve public speaking, Present argument to judge
• JAM (Jesus at Monterey) - Small Group Member, 08/01/24, 05/31/24, 2, 36, Worship as a congregation, Read the Bible, Participate in deep spiritual conversations
• UIL Journalism - Editorial Writing Competitor, 08/01/24, 05/31/24, 1, 46, Reviewing UIL rules, guidelines, and scoring rubrics to ensure compliance, Upholding UIL journalism standards for accuracy, fairness, and ethical reporting, Wrote article in a timed matter on newsletter scenario
• Aldersgate Church Missionary, Aldersgate Church, 06/01/19, Present, 168, 1, Focused on spreading God's love, Providing food and clean water, Painted homes, Started new congregations, Cleaned low-income houses
• All-Region 1st Violin - Violinist, 08/01/19, 05/31/22, 7, 3, Tried out with hundreds of students, Qualified for all region seat, Practiced long hours, Perfected 3 high-level songs, Performed at All-Region Lubbock Concert
• Varsity Symphony Orchestra - Violinist, 08/01/19, 05/31/22, 2, 36, Following the conductor's cues for timing, dynamics, Perfecting individual parts at home, Following the conductor's movements and motions
• Varsity Cheer Co-Captain - Monterey Cheer, 06/01/23, 05/31/24, 13, 46, Lead the crowd in basketball and football games, Use signs, megaphones, and props to amplify the engagement, Perform choreographed routines during half-time, Assist teammates who may need extra help, Represent the team at parades, fundraisers, and charity events
• National Honor Society Member, 12/01/21, 05/31/24, Uphold GPA requirements, Serve as a role model for academic achievement, Volunteer for school and community service events, Organize food drives, charity events, Encourage others to strive for academic and personal excellence
• DECA - Competition Law Ethics Event, 08/01/24, 05/31/24, 1, 30, Studied legal concepts, Studied ethical guidelines, Completed assessments, Analyzed cases, Created solution-based strategies
• Mock Trial: Witness Captain - Monterey High School, 05/01/24, 05/31/24, 8, 30, Managed a team of 15 students to research and brainstorm the best direct/cross-responses, Memorized hefty mock trial cases, Memorized personal fact statement, Roleplay as a witness, Delegate witness responsibilities, Direct witness procedures in court, Correct weak points in witness statements
• Leading Ladies - Leadership Member, 08/01/21, 05/31/22, 1, 36, Participated in volunteer events, Helped arrange Christmas party, Assist teachers
• Speech and Debate - Informative Speaker, 08/01/24, 05/31/24, 5, 46, Researched topics, Wrote informative speech, Memorized 10-minute speech, Presented speech at competitions to judges
• Shift Leader - Blue Sky Restaurant, 05/01/17, 08/31/17, Prioritizing excellent dining experience, Checking schedules and staffing, Maintaining cleanliness and organization, Guiding new employees on procedures and policies
• Aldersgate Youth Group - Member, 06/01/18, Present, 2, 10, Attend bible studies, devotionals, Engaged in games, team building, Formed meaningful friendships, Support fellow members through prayer
• Chick-fil-A Leadership - Monterey High School, 08/01/24, 05/31/24, 1 month, Learning leadership skills, Creating meaningful relationships, Learning the importance of leadership and skills, Participating in community service activities