Ferndale High School Principal Announces Retirement

FERNDALE, MI — Huge news coming from Ferndale High School today. Principal Mr. Roger Smith announced that he will be retiring at the end of the school year, according to a press release.

Smith got his start at Ferndale High School (FHS) back in 1970 - as a student! After graduating from FHS in 1974, he went on to earn his teaching degree at Wayne State University. He started his career teaching in both Pontiac and Avondale Schools before getting a job as FHS Band Director in 1983. During his time at Ferndale Schools, Smith also taught orchestra and choir at Ferndale High as well as elementary strings at the Harding, Wilson, Washington, Coolidge, and Jackson schools. Smith was appointed Assistant Principal at FHS in 2005 and Principal in 2015.

“As a fellow musician and educator it has been a pleasure to work with Mr. Smith," Ferndale Schools Superintendent Blake Prewitt said in a statement. He elaborated, "I remember competing against Mr. Smith’s marching band and always being impressed with what he was able to get his students to achieve. Mr. Smith is truly centered on his students and believes in each and every one of them. They know he cares about them."

Ferndale Schools Board of Education President Jennifer LaTosch commented in a statement, “Roger Smith has been an integral part of of the Ferndale Public School family for decades, as a student (FHS graduate of 1974), parent (his two sons graduated in 2005 and 2008), Director of Ferndale High School Band and Orchestra, coach, teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal of Ferndale High School, and so much more. Roger's quick smile and welcoming "hello" greet everyone who enters or visits our school family and ensures that all are met with compassion, dignity and respect. It has been a true honor to get to know Roger, to witness the genuine relationships he cultivates with the students and staff, and to experience his love and commitment to the students and families of Ferndale Public Schools. We wish Roger nothing but the best in his retirement and look forward to seeing him around town and at future district events for years to come. On behalf of the Ferndale Public Schools Board of Education, we thank you, Roger!”

Ferndale Schools will honor Smith at an event later this year.

Photo courtesy of FHS