Smith loves the opportunity to mentor students

You ask Kendal Smith what he enjoys most about being a principal at Hazel Park Schools and he doesn’t hesitate with his answer.

“I love the opportunity to mentor students and help them become successful,” Smith said. “It’s extremely gratifying because I know a lot of the back stories and struggles many of these kids overcome just to graduate. It’s not easy. They face a lot on a day-today basis. Helping students attain their goals brings me the utmost satisfaction.”

Smith has been the principal at Advantage Alternative School since 2018.

“I get the opportunity to see kids grow,” Smith said.

Smith has been with HPS for 20 years, starting off as a substitute teacher before transitioning to a fulltime teaching position at Advantage Middle School. In 2011, he moved to an English teaching position at the High School.

Something you might not know about Smith is one of the reasons why he’s so good at what he does.

Smith has been officiating sports since he was 17 years old.

“You get exposed to so many different people through so many different walks of life,” Smith said. “It teaches you how to manage situations and treat people. Officiating has had the most impact on my life and personality. It makes me look at things from both sides.

“I’m very humbled by the opportunities I’ve had,” Smith