Pubdate: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 Source: Huntsville Times (AL) Copyright: 2004 The Huntsville Times Contact: http://www.htimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/730 Author: Woody Sanderson Note: Woody Sanderson, an attorney with Lanier Ford Shaver and Payne P.C., is a Lee High Parent and former president of The Schools Foundation. THE LESSONS FROM A TRAGEDY Lee High Will Survive This And Be Stronger For It Sometimes events come out of nowhere - so unexpectedly that they leave you speechless, unable to comprehend reality. Such was our community experience last week when the news broke that a fine man, husband, father and well-respected principal at Lee High School had apparently fallen prey to the insidious drug culture that is all too prevalent in our society. Since the fall of 2002, the Lee community has been excited about its new principal. Dr. Harry Smith brought to the job a strong commitment to academics, an emphasis on discipline and family values and a clear vision for Lee's future. He was immediately impressive, and his commitment was as good as his rhetoric. It became virtually impossible to attend a Lee event without having your hand shaken or your neck hugged by this pleasant, engaging man. The few feathers he ruffled needed ruffling. Students with disciplinary problems found themselves in Saturday classes, learning their way out of trouble. Teachers not performing up to par found themselves with an observer in the classroom. He was an instructional leader whose intent was to bring Lee the same reputation for academic excellence that it enjoys in the arts. His enthusiasm was contagious and the results were already beginning to show. So the news of Smith's arrest last Thursday struck like a thunderbolt. Shock and disbelief prevailed. Fortunately, it is rare that one so universally respected falls so suddenly, so irrevocably, and in direct contradiction to all that we think we know about him. Yet it happened to one among us. Then true to what we thought we knew, within hours he did the honorable thing, resigning his position and expressing remorse and concern for Lee's students. What lessons are to be learned from this personal and community tragedy? Perhaps the first lesson simply is confirmation of what we should know by now. Dangerous addiction can occur anywhere, anytime, to anybody. None of us can claim immunity, and when addiction strikes, the resulting disaster is just a matter of time. Another lesson can be found in the behavior of shell-shocked Lee students. In spite of a heart-rending sense of loss and bewilderment, they were a class act. They reported to school Friday in a disciplined manner. Later in the day, Lee students presented a flawless choral performance in district competition. Through these and other indicators, the obvious has been stated - Lee High is more than just one person. It is a vital and vibrant part of a strong and underappreciated school system. Its students and teachers demonstrated great strength that day, and Lee High School will survive this setback and be stronger for it. Finally, we must still remember that our success as a community depends on the totality of the commitment we make to excellence in educating our children. Unfortunately, human frailty will always be part of the process. But we must continue to do everything in our power to provide the best possible resources, enthusiasm, and public engagement if we are to succeed. And we must succeed - our future depends on it. Woody Sanderson, an attorney with Lanier Ford Shaver and Payne P.C., is a Lee High Parent and former president of The Schools Foundation. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman