Smitty served at one time as the school’s principal, becoming the first, and only, Black school administrator that the town of Sudbury has ever had. The speakers included Selectboard Member Dan Carty, School Committee Member Maura Carty and the Chief of the Sudbury Police Department Scott Nix, who was one of Smitty’s former students.
In a letter published in the Sudbuty Patch, community member Mary Warzynski reflected that the dedication ceremony “was truly about honoring a remarkable figure in Sudbury’s history. Growing up in the South during the Jim Crow era, Dr. Smith undoubtedly endured immense hate and intolerance, yet he chose to live a life defined by friendship, respect, and kindness.”
“His ultimate legacy is one of unity, amity, and our shared humanity. As a beloved figure in the community and our district’s first Black principal, his profound contributions to Sudbury Public Schools and the inspiring example he set for our broader community deserve to be celebrated and remembered,” she wrote.
Smitty’s family shared: “Smitty lived his life with courage, curiosity, and joy — always in service of justice, education, and the belief that we are all one human family. He met the world with optimism, made friends wherever he went, and changed challenges into opportunities for others. He blazed trails and he inspired others to do great things.”