Uncrowned Community Builders

Janet E. Barnes is an experienced public school administrator, teacher of music, and community activist. She earned a BA, EdM, SEA (Specialist in Education Administration), and MS in Public Affairs from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Since 1995 she has served as an Assistant Principal at Buffalo Traditional School in Buffalo, New York. Her professional experience before this position included serving as Coordinator, Buffalo Alternative; Teacher, Buffalo Schools; Administrative Intern, Kensington Preparatory and BVTC; and Teacher/Administrative Assistant in Buffalo Public Schools.

She has educated thousands of students academically and emotionally; building self-esteem and lifting goals in those with exceptional needs. Among her teaching and administrative career highlights she includes assisting with planning and implementing EPIC Program parent, student, and teacher workshops. In conjunction with Raymond Perreault, she also reorganized and improved the Buffalo Alternative Junior High School seventh and eighth grade satellites.

A devoted musician, Janet has worked for over twelve years as the Church Musician for First Trinity Lutheran Church in Buffalo. Prior to this she was Organist and Choir Director for Calvary CME Church also in Buffalo. She was a guest vocalist at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition, she played keyboard and sang on Quest, a nationally released cassette recording.

Janet works to encourage other individuals' participation in the performing arts. She coordinated a Buffalo-based Talent Competition for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and served as a judge during the Fraternity's National Talent Program in Baltimore, Maryland. Locally, she organized and directed a talent showcase that was presented by Buffalo Public School students in the Marquee for three consecutive years.

Her professional affiliations and elected positions include President, National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club; Treasurer, St. Andrews Board of Managers; Buffalo Council of School Administrators; Immediate Past President, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Phi Omega Chapter; Trustee, Elite Temple #143; Northeast District Corresponding Secretary, National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs; Honorary member and Awards Committee member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and member of the Erie County Chapter of the Links, Inc.

In addition to the above-referenced affiliations, she has several community affiliations. These include past Secretary, Metropolitan Democratic Club; Buffalo Political Women's Network; present Educational Advisor and past Secretary, North Fillmore Democratic Club; Advisory Council Member, Artists of African Descent; past Committee-Woman and Secretary, Fourth Zone Democratic Organization; present Senior Vice President, Housing Opportunities Made Equal; and the Colored Musicians Club.

Awards and Achievements

* True Bethel Church Task Force, Community Service Award
* Alpha Kappa Alpha, Gamma Phi Omega Chapter, Outstanding Music Award
* Alpha Kappa Alpha, Gamma Phi Omega Chapter, Leadership Award
* Canisius College, Partner in Education Award
* Fourth Zone Democratic Club, Outstanding Educator Award
* First Trinity Church, Divine Servant Award
* IOTA Lambda Sorority, Apple for the Teacher Award
* N.A.N.B.P.W.C., Inc., Appreciation Award, Special Achievement Award in Education
* Alpha Kappa Alpha, Outstanding Talent Competition Award
* Kensington Preparatory, Outstanding Teacher Award
* Fourth Zone Democratic Club, Community Service Award
* Kensington High School, Appreciation Awards