The David Michael Smith Memorial
by David Wesley
On the night of July 29, 2006, Ferndale High School student David Michael Smith, 16, was tragically struck by a speeding train on the railroad tracks near Hilton and Saratoga. Ever since that horrific night, once every year, his parents Dianna and Lloyd Smith hold a fundraiser in their son’s honor to help benefit Ferndale Youth Assistance. They chose this local organization because it works with children who face challenges, and FYA hands out scholarships to those who just not only get straight As but who have also overcome great challenges in their lives. Hundreds of children attend the Ferndale Youth Assistance award ceremonies each spring.
In addition to the scholarship awards they fund, the Smiths also ask the children to stay off the railroad tracks. “The kids get to hear David’s story,” Dianna Smith said. “A lot of them really don’t realize the dangers.”
I recently had an opportunity to talk to Dianna Smith about their efforts to turn a great tragedy into an opportunity to help others.
Ferndale Friends: Dianna, I want to preface my questions with a quick back story of how I knew David. He was two years younger than me, and we were classmates in Mrs. Hysni’s history course and Ms. Matthew’s biology course. He was always the color of the classes. We talked often about hockey and magic, two mutual interests and passions. We respected each other and got along exceptionally well. He was seen as a remarkable person in everyone’s eyes. When he passed I was distraught like everyone else, and I am very glad to help proliferate his memory in my own way.
Dianna Smith: It’s always nice to hear from people that actually knew David and what a fun guy he was. His birthday is coming up on October 26. His favorite time of the year was Halloween.
FF: Were you and your husband involved in charity work prior to David’s accident, or was his passing the catalyst?
DS: No, we have always been involved in the community. Lloyd was a soccer, baseball and roller hockey coach, and assistant coach for ice hockey and manager. He was one of the original members for the Dream Field committee that turned into the Dream Cruise. I was on the bond committee and PTA for the schools back when we had Washington Elementary before it turned into the Kulick Center.
FF: How has the reception been from the Ferndale community regarding the annual memorial event in David’s honor?
DS: The reception has always been great. The Buffalo Wild Wings event is always a huge success. This event brings in people from Saint Clair Shores and surrounding areas where David played hockey, teachers and classmates from Ferndale, along with our many friends from work and the dog shows that Lloyd and I show our dogs at.
FF: Do you have any inspiring stories or people you would like to give credit to who you and your husband have helped through the memorial fund?
DS: This year the Memorial fund had presented its tenth $500 scholarship to two well-deserving Ferndale High School Senior graduates. We have helped out with funding for Anti bullying programs for the Elementary and High School levels. And we have helped support the FYA Camp programs, and other programs.
For more information on the David Michael Smith memorial event, you can contact Dianna Smith on Facebook.
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