Alvin Smith’s career led him to New York City, but he never forgot his roots in the small community of Lakeview, Franklin County. In 2005 His mother, Gertrude Smith, established the Alvin Smith Memorial Scholarship in the Franklin County Community Foundation in his memory.
Smith was born April 25, 1941 in Hamilton, Ohio to Joseph and Gertrude Smith. His family moved to a Lakeview farm when Alvin turned 11. He attended Andersonville School and New Salem High School. He played in the band and was a member of 4-H, but always knew he would attend college. According to Gertrude, Alvin convinced most of his friends to attend college too. He was a fun-loving boy who always had friends visiting the farm.
Alvin graduated from Tri-State University in Angola, Indiana. He moved to New York and traveled extensively. He was instrumental in designing the Doppler weather forecast. In the summer of 2003, Alvin suddenly became ill and passed away. For Gertrude, the scholarship is a way to continue Alvin’s giving and energetic spirit.
“There’s always someone who needs help – some worthy person,” she said. “I hope to make sure a child will go on and graduate and then put something back into the community in appreciation.”
Every four years, a Franklin County High School graduating senior, with financial need, will receive the scholarship. The student is eligible for the scholarship for four years, until graduation. Preference is given to students who graduated from Laurel Elementary School. Gertrude hopes the Smith Scholars will continue Alvin’s spirit.