Ryan David Smith. “A totally generic white dude name,” said none other than CCHS’s very own Mr. Smith. While his name could come off as basic, Mr. Smith is far from it. From not liking superhero movies to being Liverpool F.C’s biggest fan, his love for books and education triumphs all. 

Mr. Smith, one of many new Dons, is a new teacher at Cathedral Catholic High School, teaching English 1 & 2 for freshmen and sophomores.

“I didn’t come from a home that valued books or learning,” said Mr. Smith.

After his freshman year of college at Sonoma State he fell in love with books and decided to pursue being a teacher at the University of Utah. He wanted to read about “everything.” Mr. Smith values education and wanted to be a part of shaping the minds of tomorrow. His main goal as a teacher is to help young people be awakened to the importance of learning and books.

Mr. Smith claims, “English allows for the foundation to become good moral ethical kind people.”

One of the many reasons why Mr. Smith loves books is because of the many questions that they help ask. Such as, “what does it mean to be a person, what’s right and wrong, how should we treat people, and what’s the human experience.” To him, literature makes readers question big issues. In Fahrenheit 451, readers are questioned on the value of reading. Those types of questions are what make reading be Mr. Smith’s favorite activity. 

When asked, “why high school students?” Mr. Smith responded with, “they are at the age where they get to make big decisions of who they are and what they care about, and I love to be a part of leading them on the right path.”

In order to guide his students, Mr. Smith has created a safe space of a classroom where students can share their ideas, passions, questions and more. From his cozy classroom to his daily quotes on the white board, his students love the way Mr. Smith has incorporated fun into learning. Sophomore Dyllan Williamson says she thinks of Mr. Smith as a “trusted friend and guide” rather than a teacher who gives our assignments. 

“My favorite thing about my classes right now is the students’ enthusiasm to be back at school,” said Mr. Smith.

As Mr. Smith begins his Red 3 English 2 class with sophomores, he greets each student with a fist bump and a smile. Once inside, they pray as a class then proceed with a meditation. He takes the time to give students a breather and lets them free their thoughts before they dive into annotating their books or discussing last night’s reading. When asked what’s one thing Mr. Smith does well, sophomore Tui Letuli says, “teaching.” 

“Cathedral has been such a welcoming supportive place,” said Mr. Smith.

Over his 3 months at Cathedral, he’s come to love the facilities, community spirit, student engagement, and faculty. As a new Don, he hopes to integrate himself more into the community and dig deeper into what it truly means to be a Don. 

While some of his students may assume Mr. Smith spends all his free time with a book under his nose or grading, he surprises us all with his many favorite activities. Mr. Smith loves the “ocean air” hence his love for surfing, paddle boarding, running, and watching sunsets. However, his utmost love, besides books, is dedicated to soccer. The diehard Liverpool F.C fan was even able to complete his bucket list item which was to go to a Liverpool soccer (or football in the UK) game and sit in the Kop end with banners and lots of singing. 

When asked who he would trade lives for 24 hours with, without hesitation Mr. Smith commented, “Jordan Henderson,” who is the captain of the Liverpool soccer team. 

The question “In 10 years, what will you remember about Mr. Smith?” was asked to three sophomore students of Mr. Smith. Tui Letuli responded, “having a fun class.” Elijah Selga says, “how he doesn’t put pressure on you and let you be yourself.” Dyllan Williamson mentions, “he got me to like reading.” 

Mr. Smith’s love for teaching and shaping the minds of tomorrow is what makes him a memorable yet fun teacher for dons to remember long after graduation. 

“I hope that as a teacher I can help shape students to not to read and write but solve problems, social issues, and take action,” said Mr. Smith.