Want to go?
WHAT: The Coach Chris Smith Memorial Scholarship Boat Cruise
WHEN: 5-11 p.m.
WHERE: Pre- & post-parties: Cabana Jacks, 202 Columbus Ave., Sandusky Cruie: Goodtime 1, Jackson Street Pier, North end of Jackson Street, Sandsuky
COST: $25/Ticket, 21 & Up only
INFO: Todd Lawson at 419-656-3621 or email law5397@bex.net.
Still reeling from the tragic death of Perkins High School Cross Country Coach Christopher P. Smith this spring, friends have announced a memorial boat cruise to and from Kelleys Island scheduled to take place Saturday. Proceeds will go to the Chris Smith Memorial Scholarship.
“We’re doing it to just first and foremost as a memory of Chris,” said cruise event coordinator Todd Lawson, who currently is a technology teacher at EHOVE Career Center. “It’ll be a lot of friends and family getting together to raise as much as money as we can for the new scholarship that was created in Chris’ name.”
Naturally Smith’s fatal June 10 car accident on Campbell Road stunned Lawson, who fondly remembers attending the Ohio State Buckeyes National Championship football game in Arizona with his friend.
“Personally, I think it’s kind of made me realize some things that I probably put on the back burner,” said Lawson, a 1991 Sandusky High School graduate and current Perkins resident. “I’m trying to get closer to my family. It makes me want to get involved in student athletics again, and I’ve gotten away from that. With this scholarship and everything, I think it’ll be a good legacy that will be left with his name.”
As for the cruise, Lawson said his fallen friend loved Kelleys Island, making the upcoming event’s location quite fitting.
Smith’s daughter, Samantha, who survived the crash that took father’s life, suffers from cancer. In fact, weeks before his death Smith was told about a fundraiser to benefit Samantha.
“Chris was really excited about that and couldn’t believe the overwhelming support the community was giving for that event,” Lawson said. “I know he’s just probably thinking the same thing right now.”
With that in mind, Lawson hopes the community will also come out to support the scholarship fund, as well as remember their friend.
“Let’s just get together and reminisce,” Lawson said. “That’s all we had done in the past and this is someone we really cared about. We’re going to have a good time with great conversations about fun times.”
