Community Corner
Meet A Future Leader In Fort Smith: Evan Smith
Patch and T-Mobile have partnered to highlight young people achieving great things in our community.
The future of Fort Smith is looking bright, thanks to the incredible young people working to strengthen our community. In partnership with T-Mobile, Patch is proud to spotlight future leaders like Evan Smith, who are making a positive impact in and around Fort Smith.
Evan is a senior at Southside High School in Fort Smith and a proud Eagle Scout who exemplifies resilience, dedication, and community spirit. For his Eagle Scout project, Evan designed and built an outdoor classroom at his former elementary school, Ballman Elementary, as a memorial to Mrs. Kim Friery, a beloved PTA mom who dedicated countless hours to the school.
Despite challenges, including the classroom being vandalized twice, Evan’s determination never wavered.
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“I knew I had a strong community around me that would be able to help rebuild everything,” said Smith in a 5 News story about his project.
His ability to remain solution-focused earned him recognition from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, who awarded him for his work along with a $500 donation to support the classroom.
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Evan’s impact is felt deeply at Ballman Elementary, where students and families use the outdoor classroom as a space for learning, reflection, and connection with nature. Principal Nancy Burris praised the project, saying, “The kids comment that it's a calming place [where] they can come and just sit and enjoy nature.”
Evan’s vision and perseverance are a testament to his leadership and the strong community he’s built around him.
Congratulations, Evan Smith!
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