Caddo Magnet High School - Odyssey Yearbook (Shreveport, LA)

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142 Ascension Smith A Principal with flair Cannon to the right of them, Cannon to the left of them, Cannon in front of them Volleyed and thundered, Stormed at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well These lines from Alfred, Lord Tenny- son’s famous poem ' The Charge of the Light Brigade, explains senior Evan Chuck, remind me much of Mrs. Smith ' s dedication to the cause of the Magnet High School. Indeed, Ascension Smith has always been recognized as the pioneer of Mag¬ net High. Formulating and coordinating the program from its inception, Mrs. Smith sueeessfully steered Magnet High through the rough waters of its formative years. Now Ascension Smith is faced with a new challenge. Having won the early battles, she must keep a program that has accomplished so much in a short period of time just as vital and progressive for students who elect this alternative edu- cational experience. As much as her administrative respon- sibilities allow, Ascension Smith tries to stay in touch with her students. This link of communication enables her to respond to changing student needs. Nannette Wicker observes, Mrs. Smith is a caring person who takes time for ali the stu¬ dents.Most students recognize in her rare qualities that distinguish the school. They realize that her Vision would not have been possible without hard work and commitment. T respect Mrs. Smith for her drive and determination, com- ments a sophomore student. This, he continues, is a quality that keeps Mag¬ net in the top schools of this nation. Without this trait in Mrs. Smith, Magnet would not have excelled as far as it has today. Yet she strives to move the pro¬ gram forward and to attain continued success. Freshman Jeff Maca remarks, I admire Mrs. Smith for what she has done for Magnet High and for what she stili has to do. Ascension SmittVs unique style is par- tially a resuit of her European back- ground. A native of Seville, Mrs. Smith brings to her administration a Spanish flair. Her years in the U.S., however, have imbued to her a sincere sense of patrio- tism and respect for freedom. A natural- ized American Citizen, she brings to her students the best of both worlds; she in- stilis the European love for the past and culture with the American dream for a better tomorrow. Perhaps sophomore Corwyn Thomas best captures this unique blend when he concludes, I think Mrs. Smith is original. Despite the demands of the job, the rigors of her schedule, and the pressures of the position, Ascension Smith always keeps an open door. Seniors especially have come to know Mrs. Smith as a per¬ son who cares deeply. Monica Blake con¬ fides, Mrs. Smith is a person genuinely interested in the students. Caddo Mag¬ net High has offered both joys and pains, but with Mrs. Smiths seeking out the stu- dents’ concerns and considering them first, it has been great. I hold her in high esteem for having a dream and being the pursuer of the reality. Expecting no more than she gives, Ascension Smith touches each life of the Magnet family. She demonstrates the courage arjd loyal- ty symbolized in the school colors of red and gold. Mrs. Smith is a kind person, Chris Bullock gently explains. There is not a student in this school for whom she doesnt care and hope the best. Keeping the Magnet dream and philos- ophy alive and growing for future stu¬ dents may indeed pose a new challenge for Ascension Smith. She will become the pilot of a new destiny. She will lead the brigade of students who agree to sacri¬ fice for excellence in education. Com- menting on Mrs. Smith ' s leadership abili- ties, Senior Class President Lisa Smith ex- claims, Mrs. Smith is a very unique per¬ son. She has a spark that ignites the en- thusiasm of all who come in contact with her. This receptive and attentive in- volvement with students characterizes the special flair of Principal Ascension Smith. For her the charge for the best in education never falters or retreats. The charge simply continues with renewed determination, light, honor, and style. With regal poise. Ascension Smith reflects the com¬ mitment she has to Magnets standards and goals. Mrs. Smith’s vivid. unique personality comes through m her warm smile and friendly manner. Administration

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Ring. ring. telephone ring! What can be more exciting than hearing the smooth sound of your favorite voice ooze over the wires? According to Felicia Hamilton, Kristy Hays, and Tomikia Jackson, it must be order ing a senior ring from Josten s representative Donnie Johnson. (Top) Tracking down the names of each Magnet sen ior takes a lot of legwork, but Janet Janssen and Wendy Moore ne ver feel de-feeted by their job for Showcase. Byronica Stecklein twirled her way into hearts with “Maniae. Keita Thomas, JoAnn Miley, Tina Corr, Byronica Stecklein, and Ashley Goolbody breathlessly await the announcement of Miss CJgly 1986. The M.C. opens the envelope, the winner is Ashley Goodbody, truly an Clgly Miss! Personalities • 141

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With a friendly wave. Mrs. Smith bids students Da vid Logan and Ricky Bonnett farewell after another day of excellence at Magnet. En (Sarde! Fencmg champions Roderick Matthews and Greg German exhiblt Magnet ' s winnmg style with their pnnciple supporter. Ascension Smith. State Champion and Los Angeles bound. the decath Ion team receives the full cooperation of Mrs. Smith. Preparing for competition are members tric Chen, Robby Magee. Michael Kime. Jan Raines. Larry Mar mo. and Stephen Stanley. Takmg aim, Mrs. Smith and Sergeant Martino join rifle team members Chris Dye. Bili McCollum. and Clay Cathey in a view to kill. Track team member Debra Anderson passes the baton to principal Acsension Smith. The track team s awards and efforts have been baeked by the dedicat ion and encouragement of Mrs. Smith. After a long day’s work. Mrs. Smith reflects over the day s accomplishments and pians for tomorrow. upholding Magnet ' s motto. In our hands we hold today : in our minds we hold tomorrow.