After more than 50 years in education, Meridian High School chemistry teacher Ernest Smith still looks forward to the first day of school.

“When I was child, I looked forward to seeing my fellow classmates and teachers. Now, I look forward to seeing my students,” Smith said, as he prepared his room for today’s first day of classes.

Each new school year is an opportunity to help students become the best they can be, Smith said.

“I’m here to teach them about chemistry, but I’m also here to help counsel them in the direction they want to go careerwise and with their lives,” he said.

Smith describes his teaching approach as provocative.

“I provoke students to learn and I expect them to come to class prepared to work,” he said. “They have to study every night as if they are having a test the next day.”

While pencils, paper and books are the essentials for class, a 4 x 4 index card is Smith’s No. 1 asset.

“The first day of class I have each student to fill out a data card,” he said.

In addition to the student’s name, address and information about their parents, the card includes the student’s interests and, most importantly, their planned career.

“I counsel them on which courses they need to take for the field they choose,” he said. “And if during the year they realize the field is too difficult or not something they want to pursue, I let them know that there’s nothing wrong with finding something else.”

Smith uses seventh period for planning and giving students extra help.

“If a student didn’t understand something in class, they can come to me during that seventh period and I will explain it to them one-on-one,” he said.

He also uses the time to apply for scholarships — for students.

“There are so many scholarships available for students to go to school — federal and state funds. You just have to know where to look for them and how to apply for them,” Smith said.

“I know the sources and I call the schools — not just Mississippi, but throughout the country, and Ivy League schools. Anyone who wants to go to college should be able to do so.”

While Smith seeks no recognition, his devotion to his students has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated.

“Mr. Smith is such a great teacher and anyone who has been in his class can see his love for teaching,” said former student JaKae Crawford, a chemical engineer in Houston, Texas.

“When I saw that about him, it inspired me to find something that I’d like to do for the rest of my life,” Crawford said. “He also is a very caring teacher. He didn’t just care about me passing his class, but also my well-being, who I was becoming and what direction I was taking to achieve my goals. Even now, we still have that relationship.”

Rufus Wright, assistant principal of Magnolia Middle School, said he admires Smith’s “behind-the-scenes” demeanor.

“During Thanksgiving, he and the students gave turkeys out, but he didn’t want any credit for it — but I know he did it,” Wright said. “Mr. Smith has helped so many young people get scholarships and continues to help them in so many ways — talking to them, encouraging them, pushing them to excel. He has been such a great influence.”

Smith was recently honored for his contributions to education and a scholarship has been established in his honor. Although touched by the gesture, he is quick to take the focus off himself and put it on his students.

“I can better help humankind when I see my students succeed,” he said. “When they succeed, I succeed.”

Asked about any plans of retiring, Smith laughed and gave a big “Nah” response.

“As long as my health is OK, I plan to continue teaching,” he said. “Of course, I’ll eventually have to retire. But I’m not planning to do so any time soon.”

A native of Starkville, Smith attended Oktibbeha County Training School and finished No. 1 in his senior class. Two days after graduating from high school, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. After six years, Smith enrolled at Jackson State College, where he received a bachelor of science degree. He also holds a master’s degree in physical science.

Smith and his wife, Willie Mae, have three children, Bryan, Ernest Jr. and Cynthia, several grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

SCHOLARSHIP

A scholarship has been established in Meridian High School chemistry teacher Ernest Smith’s honor. Contributions may be mailed to: AmSouth Bank, Main Office, Attn: Jonathan Buxton, 406 22nd Ave., Meridian, MS 39301.