Charles P. Smith Jr., Scholarship Fund
Shelton High School has entrusted many funds to the Valley Community Foundation over the years, for investment management purposes. But none is quite as dear to former school administrator Dr. Beth A. Smith than the scholarship fund she began more than twenty years ago in memory of her father.
Charles P. Smith Jr. spent his career at Southern New England Telephone. After his retirement, he went on to become a professor of math at then Quinnipiac College. He was also an instructor at the Connecticut School of Electronics. In his spare time, he coached Little League in Hamden.
“My father was an educator and a coach. I was so proud to follow in his footsteps, as an educator and a coach as well. I want to be able to support graduating seniors in the Shelton High School softball program as they continue their education.”
Dr. Smith remembers back when she was a teacher and assistant varsity coach at SHS, her father would come to games when Shelton played at Hamden or North Haven. She also remembers conversations with her father in the backyard, talking about pursuing their educational goals.
“My father always valued education. It’s exciting and sentimental for me, every year, when I hand out the award in his honor. It still brings a tear to my eye and my heart skips a beat.”
Dr. Smith was excited to finally bring this scholarship over to VCF as an established fund this year. She has worked with VCF President and CEO Sharon Closius to ensure that all funds benefitting Shelton High School students will remain viable well into the future.
“Our relationship with VCF has never been better; Sharon and her staff have been wonderful. I can pick up the phone and get answers to all of my questions in a very timely fashion.”
She also appreciates the trust VCF has built over the years with the families and loved ones wishing to memorialize and fulfill the intentions of Valley donors, living and passed.
“My sole purpose in getting this accomplished was sustainability so that, when I retire and move on, I have the peace of mind knowing that these funds will continue to benefit our school and, most importantly, our students.”
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