Annual Award

Overview

The David Michael Smith Memorial scholarship was established following the tragic death of 16-year-old Ferndale High School student David Michael Smith, who was struck by a train on July 29, 2006, near Hilton and Saratoga. Every year, his parents Dianna and Lloyd Smith hold a fundraiser in his honor to benefit Ferndale Youth Assistance (FYA), an organization chosen because it works with children facing significant challenges. The memorial fund aims to turn a personal tragedy into a community benefit by providing scholarships while educating local youth about the dangers of railroad tracks.