‘Tammi-Terrelle Smith was Compre’s gift’

WESTERN BUREAU:

Teachers and past students at Herbert Morrison Technical High School in St James paid tribute to late lower school vice-principal Tammi-Terrelle Smith, remembering her as a true visionary and dedicated educator.

Smith died at the Cornwall Regional Hospital on Saturday night, at the age of 52. She had reportedly been battling cancer. Prior to her promotion to the senior post, Smith taught geography and history at the institution.

On Wednesday afternoon, teachers assigned to different departments at the school were eager to share written tributes to their “dear friend Tammi” with The Gleaner.

The late educator was vividly remembered for dedicating her 31-year-old teaching career to building and moulding young minds at Herbert Morrison. She was first employed as a junior teacher at age 21, having completed her education at the Montego Bay High School for Girls and Mico Teachers’ College.

“Ms Smith wasn’t just an administrator; she was a pillar of our school community. Her presence commanded respect, yet she exuded a warmth that made every student feel seen and valued. Whether it was navigating academic challenges, celebrating triumphs, or simply offering a listening ear, Ms Smith possessed an unwavering commitment to student well-being,” said the school’s industrial arts department.

While current and past students will remember Smith as a stern disciplinarian whose presence was always felt, even without uttering a word, teachers inside the school’s home economics department highlighted her softer side. Smith was reportedly cherished for her ability to relate to all whom she met.

“Those who knew her best will remember her infectious laughter and zest for life.

“She was a natural leader, always the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring every event ran smoothly and everyone felt included. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support were a beacon in the lives of countless colleagues and students alike,” the educators said.

Meanwhile, Herbert Morrison’s visual arts and music department said that Smith’s passing will leave an undeniable void in the lives of those who knew her. However, through work done and impact made, Smith’s presence will forever be etched in the walls of the institution, the educators added.

“Tammi-Terrelle Smith was an inspiring educator and a firm disciplinarian who genuinely cared for her students. She left a lasting impact on everyone in the two disciplines that she taught. Her legacy lives on through both the past students and the present students at Herbert Morrison Technical High School. We will be forever grateful for her impact and commitment as a teacher and vice-principal at this noble institution.”

Over in the language arts department, educators dubbed Smith as “Compre’s gift”. Herbert Morrison is commonly referred to as Compre because of its former status as a comprehensive high school.

They further spoke glowingly of a woman who wanted nothing more than to see the institution flourish. Though her life was cut short by cancer, Smith embodied the school’s motto of ‘Strength and Perseverance’ because, while battling against the disease, she would reportedly show up for work full of life with the brightest smile.

“Miss Tammi-Terrelle Smith was no doubt Compre’s gift that will certainly be missed. Always, she served with pride and love for the development of the institution that will forever stand tall. When illness came, she winced in pain but still (went) about her duties, she never complained. With strength and perseverance, she fought to the end. Let’s keep her legacy alive by serving distinctly with love and passion for the advancement of all.”

In the eyes of students, Smith was the stern woman who did not tolerate bad behaviour. Students would be sent scampering to their respective classrooms as she shouted, “Get off of the corridors now!”, from her office door.

Though respected by all, the late educator was nicknamed Goldilocks by students as she sported a honey blond loc hairstyle.

For past student Michael Nattoo, his first interaction with the late educator went on to change the trajectory of his life.

“After leaving high school, I wasn’t sure what my next step would have been. A colleague told me to check out Compre’s sixth form programme, so a friend and I showed up to the school – without previously applying – about two days after they had stopped accepting applications,” Nattoo told The Gleaner.

Smith reportedly told both youngsters that the sixth form application had already been closed. However, Nattoo said that the late educator decided to give them a chance.

“Just as we were about to exit the compound, we heard someone shouting, ‘Young men! Young men!’ It was Ms Smith waving for us to come back. When we got back to her, she said, ‘We really don’t have the space, but we’ll make something work. Orientation is next week. There’s something about you. I have a feeling you won’t let me down’. I ultimately became the deputy head boy for upper school, among other things.

“Attending Compre was such an important turning point in the decisions I [would] go on to make in life, and it wouldn’t have happened without Ms Smith’s kindness and compassion,” Nattoo added.

rochelle.clayton@gleanerjm.com