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Smith Middle's Dedication To Honor Fallen Soldier

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By COURTNEY CAIRNS PASTOR

cpastor@tampatrib.com

Published: March 25, 2009

CITRUS PARK - The upcoming dedication of Sgt. Smith Middle School will feature a patriotic theme to match its name.

The school opened at 14303 Citrus Pointe Drive behind Citrus Park Elementary in August. Its name honors Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, who was killed in Iraq in 2003 and posthumously received the Medal of Honor for bravery. Smith was a Tampa Bay Technical High School alumnus.

"We feel very proud to honor him," said Debbie Smith, the school's career specialist and no relation to Paul Smith.

Smith's widow, Birgit, is scheduled to attend. The school is also working with MacDill Air Force Base to invite military personnel who served with Smith, Debbie Smith said.

Paul Smith's mother and stepfather from Georgia have been invited as well. Superintendent MaryEllen Elia and school board members plan to come.

The dedication will start at 2 p.m. March 29. A reception with cake and punch for families will follow. Wharton High students will cater hors d'oeuvres for the special guests before the ceremony.

In addition to taking time to honor Smith and the military, the dedication will give the school a chance to reflect on its first year. Debbie Smith said it will be nice to thank the families and students for their hard work.

"Our parents have been just awesome, pitching in and helping whenever needed," Smith said.

Reporter Courtney Cairns Pastor can be reached at (813) 865-1503.

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