Sally Smisson

I often quote Mrs Smisson, one of my favorite teachers at Broughton High School. She said "you do so many things, but do you do them all WELL?" Whenever I am overwhelmed, I think of those words, and I work to prioritize my activities.

I have always considered Mrs. Smisson to be one of my very best teachers. Her influence stretched far beyond teaching me how to think, write, and find endless joy in the English language. Simply put, her Sophomore English class was the benchmark against which I evaluated every teacher and every class I subsequently experienced, all the way through law school. She profoundly shaped my life, as a student and now as a parent, by demonstrating what educational excellence truly means. ...

To the sons of Sally Smisson - I thank my lucky stars to have had your mother as one of the finest teachers I ever had in my life. I cherished my relationship with her. May she rest in peace. Sincerely - Anne Fitzgerald, NBHS Class of 1982

Mrs. Smisson touched the lives of so many. She taught me how to put my thoughts into poetic forms in poetry class and she made the Enlgish language come alive. She will be missed.

My thoughts are with all of Mrs. Smisson's family. I learned so much in her creative writing class and as an editor of Winged Words, and she inspired my love for both reading and writing poetry.

Mrs. Smisson achieved something her predecessor, Mrs. Peacock, also achieved at Broughton: the everlasting admiration and respect of a generation of students. I will never forget her enthusiasm for language and teaching.

I share with many who have commented fond memories of Sophomore English. But Ms. Smisson also introduced me to my husband, Cade Metz. When he was president of Winged Words, and I was just joining she introduced us by saying, "Cade, what you did with Whitman, Tay did with Edna St. Vincent Millay." We named our oldest daughter Millay. I hope my girls have a teacher as inspiring as Ms. Smisson.

Sally Smisson was one the finest teachers and the best English teacher I ever had. She represents a formative influence in my life, and I have profited by that association. My prayers are with her family. Rest in peace, dear lady.
Chris Crew, NBHS Class of 1981

"Mrs. Smisson" was such a special lady and a teacher I will always remember. She had such a kind face, that you knew she cared. I also loved her sense of humor and different sayings such as "you look mighty dapper" to some of the boys. She also impressed me so much with the years she faithfully walked the Cameron Park neighborhood in her big sun hat, despite all the hills. She will always be an inspiration.
Mary Burr Edwards