The Boys’ Town, K.C. relationship was strongly revived at a Day of Activities to commemorate Collie Smith’s life on Friday, September 30, 2011, at the Boys’ Town Complex.
The history of the partnership, started first in the 1950s, when Collie Smith entered the school, after being recommended by the late Father Hugh Sherlock, founder of Boys’ Town and accepted by Bishop Gibson. The admission of Collie Smith to K.C. was followed by outstanding sportsmen like Derrick Dennisser, Marlon Tucker, Paul Ellis and many others.
The Day’s Activities started with a Remembrance Service, officiated by Rev. Abner Powell, who has been associated with all aspects of the institutions. Passages from the Smith’s eulogy, written by Father Sherlock, were read by representatives from St. Albans Primary, Boys’ Town All-Age, K.C., Facey Boswell Facey Basic School, Boys Town HEART/NTA, KCOBA, BTOBA, JCA and Community Representatives.
After the Service, the gathering went to the tomb of Collie Smith, where a wreath was laid. This was followed by a 15/15 Over’s Cricket Match, consisting of players from Boys’ Town, K.C. and J.C.A.
The match was won by the Boys’ Town Invitational Team, who received the Collie Smith Trophy.
The Day ended with a Discussion on the Life of Collie Smith, with Locksley Comrie, Lyndel Wright and Charlie Grant, who all gave various perspectives of friendship, family and schooling respectively. A lively interchange with the audience followed.
A similar programme is planned in May, 2012, to reaffirm Collie Smith’s contribution to Boys’ Town, KC and the nation.