Washington Mill Elementary Bids Farewell to Longtime Volunteer

Washington Mill Elementary School said goodbye to one of its most dedicated volunteers on Monday afternoon.

Louis Smith, affectionately called Mr. Smith by parents, teachers, and students, has volunteered at Washington Mill Elementary School for 14 years. He was thanked for his service with a small party with his favorite food - coconut cake.

Smith's daughter Lori attended WMES more than 30 years ago, and he decided to volunteer to pay back for his daughter's good start. Smith decided to begin volunteering after his wife passed away in 1992. A couple years after she passed away, he began to volunteer with the Alexandria Police Department, where he remained for five years.

Once Smith started volunteering at WMES, he quickly became a beloved member of the WMES community. He read to students, assisted in the front office, and helped Xerox handouts, among other duties.

"They've always been good to me," Smith said.

Staff member Kathy Pascoe worked closely with Smith during his time at WMES.

"Washington Mill Elementary School thanks Mr. Smith for 14 dedicated years of absolute 100 percent dedicated support for our students and our staff," Pascoe said.

After saying goodbye to WMES, Smith plans to move in with his daughter and her family in Stafford.