Staunton Schools Superintendent retires, prepares next chapter as educational consultant
The Augusta Free Press, June 18, 2025
During his first year as an elementary school principal in 2003 in Newport News, a 3rd-grade student was shot at home during a drive-by shooting and died. At a memorial service held at the elementary school for the boy, all of the students in his class hugged his mother and mourned.
“Nobody told them to do it, so, as I was sitting there, watching that happen, I thought to myself: ‘wow, kids are inherently kind, you don’t have to tell them. They know that mother needs a hug right now,’” Smith said.
Smith saw his career come full circle at Staunton High School’s graduation ceremony on May 17. After receiving their diplomas and moving their cap tassels to the other side, each member of the Class of 2025 hugged Principal Tammy Lightner.
