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January 2008
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ALUMNI NEWS |
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Education Pioneer Sally Smith Remembered
Education pioneer Sally Smith touched thousands of people in her life, many of whom packed Bender Arena in early December to remember the vibrant founder of the nationally renowned Lab School. Smith was also a professor of education who headed the master’s program in special education: learning disabilities in AU’s School of Education, Teaching and Health. She passed away on Dec. 1. Her creative approach to teaching children with learning disabilities began with her own effort to help her son with his own learning challenges, and evolved into an arts-based approach that has earned national acclaim. Founded by Smith in 1967, the Lab School of Washington, D.C., has close ties with AU, often serving as a laboratory for graduate students. It emphasizes hands-on learning with a focus on the arts and drama, a passion that stemmed from Smith. Many of the speakers recalled her penchant for bright colors, infectious energy, and devotion to children with learning disabilities. “Across American University, there is a profound gratitude for the inspiration, leadership, inexhaustible energy and legendary hard work that marked Sally’s time with us,” said AU President Neil Kerwin, who remembered her as “a model scholar-practitioner.” Smith was a prolific author who shared her Lab School methodology through her teaching and writing. In recent years, schools modeled on the Lab School have been founded in Baltimore and Philadelphia, and its arts-based approach has inspired educators around the world. “How do you say farewell to someone who has been such a light and dynamic force in each of our lives for so many years?” asked Pauline Schneider, a friend and Lab School supporter since the early 1970s. “Celebration today is not easy,” she continued, her voice cracking, “but Sally would want us to celebrate, for hers was a life lived with grand style and purpose.” The mourners in the crowd each had their own story to tell, as well. “She cared about all of us individually,” said Samantha Husbands, who graduated from Lab School in 2002, as she filed into the arena with a long line of Smith’s colleagues, friends, and former students. “Sally was like a member of our family. I don’t know what we’re going to do without her,” said Tom Bryant, who became involved decades ago with the Lab School when Smith tutored his son. Both father and son became members of the Board of Trustees. “I wouldn’t have been where I am today if it wasn’t for Lab School,” said a medical researcher who attended Lab School until eighth grade. The memorial service was held at AU’s Bender Arena, which was packed with people who came to pay their respects. It was followed by a reception at the Katzen Arts Center. Smith was 78 and died of complications from myeloma. But she never retired. “She has always been a ball of fire,” longtime supporter Stocky Clark, a one-time neighbor, told the crowd. “How many of us have lit our torch on the fire of Sally Smith?” he asked. “Sally’s roaring fire is now glowing embers. It’s up to us to keep our torches glowing brightly.” -Sally Acharya (originally published in American Today) | |||
