JOEL MATHEW, Contributing Writer
This year has been a time of exciting events, however, one thing that has been lifting a lot of people's spirits and is considered one of the biggest highlights in the school year, is this year's Teacher of the Year Award being given to music teacher and band director, Jeffrey Smith.
Smith has been an inspiration to students, providing unique and entertaining ways to learn alongside his enthusiastic drive to teach students in music programs/classes. Mr. Kneller, Principal of NBTHS and member of the committee states, "He is very dedicated to our music programs and the marching band. He is not just supportive of the students, but the music teachers of not just the school but the district as well." Melany Keller, Senior member of the Marching and Jazz Band and a student of Smith, also states, "He develops a lot of ways in which everyone can learn without being harsh and uses metaphors to help you understand the music in depth, not just at the surface level." And this is just one of the many students who think highly of Smith.
Students and faculty that have known Smith remember the first time they met him and have described him in a way that can be considered "upbeat and welcoming." Sibi Thiagarajan, Senior member of Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, who has known Smith for five years recounts, "The first day I met him, he was nothing but nice to me. He was always welcoming to anyone that wanted to join the band, and just expressed that enthusiastic personality that makes you feel like you have a place in the Band programs." Members of the music department even say currently that the music department would be much different if not for Smith being a part of it. Thiagarajan also states, "It would most definitely be different without him. He brings the culture and enthusiasm there is when it comes to music that you just can't find anymore. It's hard to find anyone like him."
NBTHS finds Smith to be a part of something much bigger than just himself, as they proclaim him to be one of the biggest supporters of the music department, making him their hero in a way. Ms. Nudelman, Supervisor of the District Music Department for K-12, states, "He is one of the most earnest and caring teachers I know. He is always humble and knowledgeable when it comes to music. Without him, the music department would not have had the opportunities to grow professionally in regards to the students and the band programs." Keller states, "The music program has evolved in such a way that only Smith could achieve alongside the work of the other music teachers, so I'm glad he is getting the recognition he deserves." Vaibhav Chari, Sophomore member of the Chamber Orchestra and Jazz Band agrees, "When he spends time with you outside of class, that's when you see he is more than just a teacher. He is a human being who is very much real and wants to get to know you. To talk with you and have a conversation with you, despite the multitude of students in the music department and the limited teachers, is the one thing he tries to achieve regardless. He was there for us, all of us. He has been and always will be a big part of the school."
In terms of the Teacher of the Year award, members of the music department and students agree that he is well deserving of it and that none of the incredible things that happened with the music programs would have without Smith. In response to the reward Smith continues to showcase his humble persona and caring attitude as he states, "I am very honored to be chosen by my colleagues and peers whom I respect very much. But more than that I believe it is an acknowledgement of the music department as a whole, because I cannot possibly do what I do without the help of the elementary and middle school music programs, alongside the culture and presence that the students create. I find that I am a facilitator for what I believe is a student-driven achievement, and I am proud of the work that the students do and that it's being acknowledged. I have to give the credit to the students since they are the ones to help me out regardless of the trials and tribulations that we go through, again being glad I am surrounded by such hard-working kids that make it feel less like work but rather a very gratifying fulfillment."