Akron East High Hall of Fame
In Honor of Luther D. Smith
n 1992, the Hall of Fame was expanded to include anyone associated with East High, who brought honor to the school by way of their achievements in sports, business, community service, or personal accomplishments. It is indeed an impressive group of men and women who are included in the East High Hall of Fame.
he history of parting addresses to graduating class seniors is profound, being filled with encouragement to drive forward affecting the common good of mankind. These messages are more than just history . . . . • Within the 1940 message: “The world is torn by war and is threatened by disaster. It is your task to have a part in maintaining here in America those values we still cherish”. • Within the 1946 message: “In the postwar world you are entering, we hope that you have come to understand how important the part that you as an individual can and must play in the building of a more hopeful tomorrow. We hope that you will feel a deep obligation to take an active part in community groups, that you will become so indignant at evil, and injustice and intolerance that you will help to eliminate them, that you will bend every effort to help forward worthwhile causes.” . . . . they are an embodiment of what the school Hall of Fame is all about. This was the environment when Luther D. Smith joined us as ‘all-around athletic coach’ and ‘history teacher’. He spoke to the student body at pep rallies and was greatly loved by all becoming known as “Mr. Spirit” with his enthusiasm and his motto of “Spirit Wins!” He never came to the podium without receiving a standing ovation.
y 1967, so many graduates from our student body had so admirably performed affecting communities around the nation, bringing honor to East High School, that Assistant Principle, Mr. Mike Krino thought there should be some sort of official recognition for them. He conceived the idea of a school “Hall of Fame”. Mr. Krino drove the concept and the effort to a reality within one year, 1968 – honoring Mr. Luther D. Smith by naming it for him, because of the great affect Luther had on the school and the student body in his 40+ year tenure. See the picture below of the original committee to create the HOF, including Luther Smith and Michael Krino. We, the alumni board members look forward to receiving nominations as we carry on this honored tradition. The Hall of Fame committee intends to create a gallery of past inductee’s to show on this web page. Thank you.
