When I share my story, it’s not to brag about the things I’ve achieved with the help of others. Instead, I’m hoping to inspire you to think about the reasons you and I might work together to make Ward 1 everything it can be.
We share a home . I’m the son of Britt Smith (owner of Eaton, Babb, and Smith CPA, a local business on Bankhead Street) and Patrice Parks Smith, an active member of the community and a lifelong resident of New Albany. If you’re out on the streets of Ward 1, you’ve probably seen my wife (Vance), my four daughters (Doro, Julia, Louisa, and Mary), and I walking the neighborhood together. We share your belief in New Albany for an important reason: it’s our home.
We care about having great schools. Just as I did, a lot of you graduated from New Albany High School, where we benefitted from one of the very best public school programs in the state. So you’ll understand why, when the time came, I felt well-prepared to go on to the University of Mississippi, where my passion for public school education led me to earn a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.
I learned even more about the importance of a great high school education when I went to work with the Mississippi Teacher Corps — an organization committed to improving public schools in small towns. During my time in Sardis, I was appointed by the State Conservator of the North Panola School District to serve on the principal’s leadership committee and to act as a mentor for freshman students. My colleagues also elected me class speaker for the 2008 Teacher Corps.
If you have kids in New Albany’s public schools, it’s likely they know me — I’m the head of New Albany Middle School’s History department. I’ve been teaching there for almost a decade, and I’m a candidate to be a National Board Certified Teacher. I’m also a bus driver, so when you see me driving my route in the morning and afternoon, be sure to wave — and to watch out for the kids as they get on and off the bus!
We believe in community. Some of you watched me grow up in one of our local scout troops, where, with the help and guidance of my parents, friends, and many of you, I became an Eagle Scout. Programs like scouting matter; that’s why I’m still a volunteer fund raiser for the Yocona Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Do you try to make the most of the local events in New Albany? If so, you’ve probably seen me there: at Riverfest, at Freedom Fest, at tree lightings and Christmas parades, at Shop the Block for Charity, at Holiday Open House, at the Biscuits and Jam farmer’s market. Supporting local businesses and attractions is one of the most pleasant ways we have to enjoy what we share today … and preserve what we have for tomorrow.
Let’s work together. I’m running for alderman because I believe in New Albany … both what it is and what it can be. We’ve got an exceptional location on I-22. We’re the birthplace of one of our nation’s greatest writers. The Tanglefoot Trail trailhead opens onto our vibrant downtown, with unique stores and locally owned restaurants. I believe we can work together to promote what’s appealing, preserve what’s great, and make progress toward becoming an even better community.
I believe in New Albany. If you do, too, I hope you’ll vote for me.