Matt Smith | 1996

What do you teach at South? | Intro to Business, Credit Recovery, Financial Algebra

What's Your Favorite Quote? | "We were not called to easy" (This comes from my beautiful wife)

Favorite Saxon Memories as a Student | Daily connections with students/staff, music state championships, sports competitions/playoff runs

Favorite Classes when a Student at South | Consumer economics, sports medicine, pre-calculus, history (any history classes), typing (have used this the most in my lifetime)

Favorite Saxon Memories as a Staff Member | *Getting to see students go from being unprepared/unsure/struggling in their school work, to being able to not only show they understand the material but be able to apply it to everyday life. I love to see growth in students!!

*Winning a state championship in soccer. Was a special group of players/coaches and was an amazing journey to the top!

*I love getting to be a part of a 9th graders journey in high school and get to see them graduate and move on to great things. The joy of teaching does not just end in the classroom, but continues on outside of school as well. I still keep in contact with many students who have already graduated.

*DECA!

What were you involved in at South? | Soccer, baseball, wind ensemble, symphony, ASB officer (president), national honor society

List any highlights in life | I have use many of my skills learned in high school later in life:

*business/economics classes helped me not only earn a degree in business, but get jobs in business and I now get to teach business classes

*advanced math classes led to me getting an endorsement in math to teach

*amazing music at south led to me having the opportunity to be the principal trumpet player at OSU and get to travel the world playing in symphonies and jazz groups

*Was able to come back to South and coach soccer and win a state championship in 2009

Besides working your dream job, what else are you up to in life? | I have 4 children so that keeps me really busy. Love coaching, traveling and just getting to hang out with them. We are very involved in our church and youth group. We also have two amazing dogs we love to hang out with.

What don't we know about you? | A lot of people don't know I love photography and the digital arts.

I also compete in PDGA sanctioned disc golf tournaments and love to sling it! I have also taught overseas.

What advice would you give your high school self? |

Serve others first

Choose your battles wisely

Be patient

Love others even when you don't feel loved yourself

Surround yourself around those who truly care about you

Set challenging and attainable goals