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  • Duncan High School teacher Fonda Smith received the Inspiring Minds Excellence in Education Award from Cameron University. Derrick Miller

    Smith Recognized
June 6, 2010

Smith recognized by CU, student

Derrick Miller The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — For a teacher, there might be nothing more rewarding than to have a student acknowledge the role that the teacher played in his life.

Fonda Smith, Duncan High School English teacher, was awarded the Inspiring Minds in Education Award by Cameron University. Smith was selected for the award based on a letter written by Lyle Gay, CU student and 2008 DHS graduate. In his letter, Gay expressed how much Smith affected his educational life and his career aspirations.

Jamie Glover, associate vice president of enrollment management for the university, presented Smith with the award. Glover read portions of Gay’s letter.

“Everyone knows this teacher means business,” Glover said.

Prior to announcing Smith as the recipient, Glover read some of what Gay listed in his write up.

“She’s impacted life after life,” Gay wrote.

In the letter, Gay mentioned how Smith was tough but fair. Smith said she was a bit overwhelmed by the compliments Gay paid her in the letter.

Smith said she does her job because she enjoys it and because it gives her an opportunity to make a positive mark in each student’s life.

“It’s all about the kids,” Smith said.

She said she wants each student to realize his potential, and when he does, it becomes one of the best rewards. To do this, she doesn’t make her class a cake walk. Instead, the students have to work hard to make good grades, a trade that will carry over to college for some of the students.

Smith said she wants the students to learn in her class, not just book information, but life skills. She wants them to aim high and to succeed.

“I hold them to the highest standard possible,” Smith said. “It’s a character-building class.”

She said it’s always great to see the impact she has made on a student. While she may not hear what some of her other former students have gone on to do, the award signifies that her students are listening.

More importantly, they’re learning.

“When it comes from a kid, it makes it all worthwhile,” Smith said.



— Derrick Miller is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 160, or via e-mail at derrick.miller@duncanbanner.com.

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