On May 13, the Dragonbrcommunity gathered at White's Chapel UMC to sing the praises of Josie Smith.brThe beloved Rockenbaugh Elementary music teacher is retiring after 39 years inbreducation to spend more time with her grandchildren. Smith's current and formerbrstudents, RESPECT choir members, parents, friends and colleagues gathered at abrspecial open house to celebrate her career. SouthlakebrStyle asked Smith to reflect back on her years of teaching and share what she’sbrexcited about in the next chapter of her life.
SouthlakebrStyle: What have you enjoyed the most over your 39-yearbrteaching career?
Smith: I’ve enjoyedbrtrying to make a difference. I’ve taught several subjects during my career.brMusic has been the subject I’ve taught the longest. The joy of sharing what youbrare passionate about has made my job not a task, but a glorious gift to bebrpassed on for hopefully years to come.
SS: Howbrdid it feel to be honored at your retirementbrcelebration?
Smith: I wasbroverwhelmed with the love and support from parents, current and formerbrstudents, family friends, college friends and my wonderful family. I wasbrsurprised and so honored to have three former students that I taught back inbr1980 show up. Two of them I had not seen in 35 years. I even had a preciousbrgrandmother fly in to see me. She always came for her two grandsons andbrgranddaughter’s performances, and I was so thrilled she took time out for me. I was pleased to see so many kids who are not kids anymore. They arebrgrowing up to be the best, and I’m delighted to have been a small part of theirbrlives.
SS: Whatbrare you looking forward to in the next chapter of your life?
Smith: I keep thinkingbrI am going to slow down. I am not sure if that’s going to happen. My plans arebrto move to Lubbock and be with my daughters, their husbands and my grandson. Ibractually have another grandchild coming in July.
I am also planning to work with a church and their children's musicbrdepartment. That's a part-time position and will leave me some time to get re-acquaintedbrwith the city I left 11 years ago to move to DFW. Lots of great friends, formerbrparents and students are waiting on me to get back quickly.
SS: Anythingbryou'd like to say to Dragon families?
Smith: I have to firstbrthank Russell Maryland Many of you don’t know, but if it wasn’t for him andbrhis committee doing “Digging for Dragons” in 2006, I would not be here. I alsobrwant to thank the administration at Carroll ISD. Trying to retire, sell a house,brfind a house, purge a house and pack a house has been the most challenging forbrme. I’m still working on it, but they were on my side and were very supportive.
I must thank all of the teachers and staff members at Rockenbaugh Elementary.brThey, too, have shown me so much kindness and support during my journey. Finally,brCarroll Dragon parents, grandparents and students: I thank you for your never-endingbrlove and support. I know tradition is of the utmost importance. I want you tobrknow that my husband, Coach Norm Smith and I will be Dragons forever.
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