For nearly 40 years, Floyd Smith influenced legions of students, teachers and fellow administrators in the halls of Iola HIgh School.
But for Tony Leavitt, Smith was first and foremost a family man.
Leavitt, Smith’s grandson, spoke Friday at an induction ceremony for his grandfather into the Don Bain Hall of Fame, an honor given to individuals who have left a significant impact on IHS and the community.
“He was proud of Iola High School. For this, I know he would be tremendously honored,” said Leavitt with an addendum. “This is the second hall of fame he’s been in. He’s been in our family’s hall of fame for a long time.”
Smith served as an educator, coach, principal and dean over 38 years.
He was born in a log cabin south of Bronson before graduating from Fort Scott High School and later what is now Pittsburg State University with a degree in education.
He was hired straight out of college in 1927 as an industrial arts instructor and football, basketball and track coach at IHS.
His dedication in and out of the classroom led to his appointment as principal in 1937, a position he held until 1965. He then pulled double-duty, taking over as dean at Iola Junior College, the predecessor to Allen Community College.
John Masterson, serving as master of ceremonies, read aloud the inscription to Smith’s plaque that will hang at Iola High.
“Floyd Smith was widely respected for his integrity, humility, and tireless work ethic,” Masterson read. “He led by example, both in his professional life and in the quiet labor of tending to his small farm outside Iola. Those who knew and worked with him consistently described him as a man of strength tempered by kindness, wisdom balanced by openness, and confidence grounded in humility. He was a gifted communicator and a trusted leader whose
influence extended well beyond his school.”
Leavitt assured the audience that Smith’s demeanor was identical to the traits he showed at home.
“I really can’t tell you much about his work life,” Leavitt admitted. “He didn’t share it. He didn’t talk about it when he got home.
“Probably, the number one thing in life for him was honesty and integrity. You’ve heard the term, a man is only as good as his word. He lived that life.
“He never raised his voice, and believe me, I gave him plenty of opportunities to do that. He never got mad, but had a way about him to let you know that if you messed up, he’d give you direction to what he thought would be best to do in the future. And you probably better do it.
“But he never got mad.”
