David Smith ’69
2024 Commencement Address
June 8, 2024
I have been very fortunate in my life, and almost all of what I hold most dear is in some way related to Pine Point School. When I was in fifth grade at a local public school, my mother was worried that I was painfully quiet, too cautious, and shy to interact with teachers. She was concerned enough and, if you knew my mother, Kathryn, determined enough to find the money to enroll me in a small local school, a school that prided itself on individual attention in a caring, safe environment—Pine Point.
Serious about individual attention
On the day of the entrance exam, Alan Houghton, the tall and somewhat imposing headmaster, addressed a small group of students in the library, which is now a classroom, and then Mr. Sindall, a veteran English teacher, entered the room. Of course, I avoided eye contact, and probably because of this, he singled me out and asked me to spell the word “grammar.” I was petrified and said nothing. This was, however, to foreshadow my experience at Pine Point. In my last school, I was adept at being invisible in the classroom, but I soon found that invisibility wouldn’t fly at Pine Point – they were serious about individual attention.
I was accepted in 1966 and entered Mrs. Mackenzie’s 6th-grade homeroom, still afraid to raise my hand to communicate with anyone over the age of 12. But then Mrs. Mackensie sat with me during a study period and asked me about my interests and goals. This was, quite surprisingly, a comfortable experience. An adult took some interest in me… in a nonjudgmental way—and I liked it. I looked forward to saying a simple “Hi” to Mrs. Mackenzie every morning.
I went on to play soccer on the upper field, right where we are sitting now, and I learned that it was OK to just have fun with friends across grade levels in a sport that I would later excel at in high school. There were high expectations for team play, but everyone looked forward to green/gold competitions and the occasional game with Williams and Madison Country Day. Of course, I was a “green” throughout my experience at Pine Point – a designation that I am proud of to this day.
The Zoom of the ’60’s
Unfortunately, I had an accident on a ski slope in 7th grade, a significant accident that landed me in a full body cast for two months and threatened to hold me back a year – unthinkable for a twelve-year-old. I expected to receive reading materials and math worksheets while recuperating at home, but I didn’t expect to receive a small, grilled intercom box that sat on my bedside table and allowed me to enter every class on my 7th-grade schedule. One of my best friends, Jim Corwin, carried a box very similar to mine and parked it on an adjacent desk. All I had to do was press a button to ask a question or respond to one. It was magic and, according to my mother, far beyond the call of duty. Of course, It was tough to concentrate without a visual, and I remember questions suddenly directed at me when I was unfocused—followed by an uncomfortable pause and student laughter—I was the comic relief for the Zoom of the ’60s. My teacher, Mr. Sindall, even visited me at home—unheard of in my small world. In June, I took final exams and passed every subject for the year. I found that it wasn’t OK to fail at Pine Point.
The following year, I had an English teacher, Mr. Clark, who created an atmosphere so gentle and accepting that I finally opened up in class. I couldn’t wait to share thoughts about reading assignments, and I developed a passion for what we used to call creative writing. My mother was beside herself, and I think she was a little relieved that she made the right decision.
In 9th grade, Louis Caputtio, Jim Corwin, and I created a band called Moss. It is still difficult to say this name out loud because Diane Corwin (Seltzer) made fun of it relentlessly. We were allowed and even encouraged by our teachers to play for a school dance with only five songs… that we played over and over again to friends who tolerated our questionable talent. We were so pumped after this “gig” that we accepted another gig at North Stonington High School with only a few additional songs. Even now, it’s difficult to describe how embarrassing this was. This student body was not as accepting and threw change at us while we played on stage. I suppose I should be happy that we retrieved almost $3 in change while cleaning up.
I left Pine Point with a confidence and interest in learning that would carry me through many years of study.
When I graduated from college with hair halfway down my back, I wanted to be a rock star – to find that elusive recording contract that less than 1 percent of young people with this inclination ever realize. Long story short, I left the band after two years of struggle and dashed hopes and returned to Pine Point to be an intern. After all, it was one of my homes, and it’s where I felt comfortable. Norm Jason (former Head of School) watched me teach and offered me a permanent position, and for the second time, I was extremely fortunate.
Soon after, I married Robin Rogers, a colleague and my “better half.” We had two boys, Scott and Brett, and watched them grow and achieve at Pine Point. Things could have gone two ways with my own children. Frequent advice and high expectations can lead to friction within a family, but I was lucky. I knew everyone at Pine Point treated my children fairly and kindly, and I tried as best I could to follow their example. I wouldn’t have traded the experience for the world. They were photographed on stage with Barry Bedrick first, then Paul Geise and Susan Kozel, as they accepted their diplomas – very proud moments.
Motivate students through high-interest content and meaningful experiences
The years that followed flew by with choral and stage performances, virtual trips around the world, class trips both domestic and overseas, real estate showings, architectural designs, service learning biographies, Twilight Zone episodes, an interdisciplinary program with Gary Williams, and spirited athletic competitions—wonderful experiences. Freedom to design and experiment with new methodologies was always contagious for Pine Point teachers, and I was given the opportunity to motivate students through high-interest content and meaningful experiences.
I was also fortunate to meet a new music teacher, Rob Kelly. We started a swing band called Razmataz and played professionally for over twenty years. Some of you may remember the White Rose Cafe fundraiser. Razmataz entertained everyone in the new gymnasium—happy to help raise money for the annual fund. Teachers and staff were always willing to help with fundraising events because we were all part of the Pine Point family.
I bounced between disciplines, survived the real estate crash, and watched with pride the funding for and building of a new gymnasium/arts complex, a new library, a new Early Childhood wing, and an observatory – never a dull moment at Pine Point – no shortage of ideas! Right, Paul?
Finally, I am fortunate to watch with pride and understanding as new talented teachers, administrators, and students under the guidance of Diana Owen continue this legacy—continue to experiment with new technologies and methodologies, help those less fortunate enroll their children (mom comes to mind in this regard), and create a warm, welcoming, and challenging setting that those who are lucky enough to attend will forever call home.
Be yourself, smile at people, embrace the arts, and enjoy the ride
I asked to speak with Sadie and Sam, our two graduates, in April because I wanted to get to know them before standing at this podium, and I came away from that conversation with two strong impressions. First, and this is no surprise for 9th graders at Pine Point, they were comfortable and articulate while sharing their experiences and interests with a near stranger. For example, we discussed the future of social media and AI, a light conversation, and they seemed comfortable sharing their insights and experiences. Second, they demonstrated strong convictions. At one point, we talked about the need to reach beyond four walls like these to experience nature, exercise, and apply some of the skills they’ve learned at Pine Point. All in all, I was impressed with our graduates and enjoyed the time we spent together.
Graduation speakers typically give advice based on their experiences and accomplishments, so I’ll tell you what I’ve taken away from my experiences at Pine Point as a student, parent, and teacher. First, be yourself—don’t pretend to be something you’re not, even if temptation is strong. Believe me, It never works out. It may not seem so at first, but you’ll find people who share your interests and values. Second, smile at people you make eye contact with—whether it’s at home, on the street, or where you work. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised; even if someone is having a bad day, it’s hard for them not to smile back if you smile at them. You may even help someone through a bad start to the day. Next, embrace the arts—any art because it’s good for the soul. Music has freed me, calmed me, and charged me to take risks. I wish the same experience for you. And finally, enjoy the ride. There is so much to explore and learn, and at times, the road will be tough – as it should be, but enjoy every minute of it because you only go around once. We celebrate our 75th anniversary this year at Pine Point, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been connected to this school in one capacity or another for over 58 years.
Congratulations, Class of 2024!
