Efforts are underway to establish a scholarship in memory of Dave Smith, a Vicksburg physical education and health teacher who died September 26.
Though the work centering on creation of the Dave Smith Memorial Scholarship is in its infancy, the idea behind honoring a man held in high regard appears to have universal support throughout the community.
He spent 30 years as a teacher for Vicksburg Community Schools.
A number of co-workers shared their thoughts about and memories of the 65-year-old Smith, who passed away Sept. 26.
Cody Caswell, Vicksburg High physical education and health teacher: “Coach Smith is what we all know him as and not just as a coach on the track or the cross country course, but in life as well. All students who had Coach Smith were impacted in a plethora of ways. I was able to experience his impact as an athlete on his team and I was also able to see the impact on student athletes when coaching with him. He poured everything that he had into his students and athletes, and his impact on the Vicksburg community will last as long as the students who he had stay in our community. I could go on but the biggest part that needs to be mentioned is the impact that he made.”
Mike George, Vicksburg High parapro: “Dave was one of the most generous people I knew. He absolutely loved teaching and coaching, and the students were such a priority to him. Dave exemplified kindness and acceptance, which he always modeled for his students and athletes.”
Keevin O’Neill, school superintendent: “I had the privilege of knowing Dave Smith for many years, both as a colleague and a friend. Dave had an incredible passion for teaching, coaching and mentoring students. He poured his heart into everything he did, and his impact reached far beyond the classroom. Dave was the kind of educator who made every student feel seen and valued. He had a gift for bringing out the best in people – whether it was helping a student find confidence in the classroom or guiding a team to believe in themselves on the field. His influence will be felt in our schools and community for years to come. While we are heartbroken by his passing, we are deeply grateful for the legacy he leaves behind. Dave touched the lives of so many, and his dedication to education and young people will continue to inspire us all.”
Dan Ouelette, Vicksburg High English teacher: “Dave was an honest, reliable, and generous man with his colleagues and students. He was as supportive as a teaching partner as he was a coach. He had a special talent to identify when someone was in need, and he could be relied on to give them exactly the support and pep talk they needed. He loved teaching and coaching more completely than any person I’ve ever worked with. He is irreplaceable in our school and in our lives.”
Adam Brush, Vicksburg High principal: “Dave was one of the most generous and selfless teachers I have ever known. He always put his students first, no matter the circumstance. As a teacher, coach and mentor, he poured his heart into helping others grow, both in the classroom and in athletics. His passion for teaching and coaching was unmatched, and the impact he made will be felt for years to come.”
