THE LESSONS FROM A TRAGEDY

Lee High Will Survive This And Be Stronger For It

Sometimes events come out of nowhere - so unexpectedly that they leave you
speechless, unable to comprehend reality. Such was our community experience
last week when the news broke that a fine man, husband, father and
well-respected principal at Lee High School had apparently fallen prey to
the insidious drug culture that is all too prevalent in our society.

Since the fall of 2002, the Lee community has been excited about its new
principal. Dr. Harry Smith brought to the job a strong commitment to
academics, an emphasis on discipline and family values and a clear vision
for Lee's future.

He was immediately impressive, and his commitment was as good as his
rhetoric. It became virtually impossible to attend a Lee event without
having your hand shaken or your neck hugged by this pleasant, engaging man.
The few feathers he ruffled needed ruffling.

Students with disciplinary problems found themselves in Saturday classes,
learning their way out of trouble. Teachers not performing up to par found
themselves with an observer in the classroom. He was an instructional
leader whose intent was to bring Lee the same reputation for academic
excellence that it enjoys in the arts. His enthusiasm was contagious and
the results were already beginning to show.

So the news of Smith's arrest last Thursday struck like a thunderbolt.
Shock and disbelief prevailed. Fortunately, it is rare that one so
universally respected falls so suddenly, so irrevocably, and in direct
contradiction to all that we think we know about him. Yet it happened to
one among us. Then true to what we thought we knew, within hours he did the
honorable thing, resigning his position and expressing remorse and concern
for Lee's students.

What lessons are to be learned from this personal and community tragedy?
Perhaps the first lesson simply is confirmation of what we should know by
now. Dangerous addiction can occur anywhere, anytime, to anybody. None of
us can claim immunity, and when addiction strikes, the resulting disaster
is just a matter of time.

Another lesson can be found in the behavior of shell-shocked Lee students.
In spite of a heart-rending sense of loss and bewilderment, they were a
class act. They reported to school Friday in a disciplined manner. Later in
the day, Lee students presented a flawless choral performance in district
competition. Through these and other indicators, the obvious has been
stated - Lee High is more than just one person. It is a vital and vibrant
part of a strong and underappreciated school system. Its students and
teachers demonstrated great strength that day, and Lee High School will
survive this setback and be stronger for it.

Finally, we must still remember that our success as a community depends on
the totality of the commitment we make to excellence in educating our
children. Unfortunately, human frailty will always be part of the process.
But we must continue to do everything in our power to provide the best
possible resources, enthusiasm, and public engagement if we are to succeed.
And we must succeed - our future depends on it.

Woody Sanderson, an attorney with Lanier Ford Shaver and Payne P.C., is a
Lee High Parent and former president of The Schools Foundation.