Super Smith Saturday Raised $11,000 for Popular Teacher Battling Cancer

Super Smith Saturday—the Grossmont High School fundraiser for a social studies teacher battling cancer—raised $11,000, the school reported Monday morning.

“We estimate that about 1,200 people participated in the event” for teacher Mike Smith, a Grossmont alumnus, said Principal Theresa Kemper via email to staff. “Thank you so much, all of you, for your support in cash donations, auction items, doing the hard work to make it happen, and participating in the event.”

Kemper said the Associated Student Body “went ALL out” for the on the school football field.

“The kids were fantastic. [ASB adviser] Jeremy Hersch is amazing. The Grossmont High School Educational Foundation gladly sponsored the event. Everywhere I looked —concessions, auction tables, dunk tank—staff was involved.”

Expressing her pride in Grossmont High School, Kemper said: “The event and money we earned FAR exceeded my expectations. I am overwhelmed at the work my staff and students did to make this event so successful. It turned out well because everyone was so committed to the cause—helping Mike and his family.”

Smith, who Kemper says has taught in the district for 24 years, had been assigned this year to Economics, Government and Geography. Another teacher is temporarily handling those classes now, she says.

Smith is expected to go to Maryland for treatment of melanoma.  All revenues from Super Smith Saturday will go toward travel and other expenses.

Updated at 1:10 p.m. May 16, 2011