It’s that time of the year again, the time when the senior class must say farewell to the place they’ve called home for four years of their lives. On May 28th, the class of 2015 will finally receive their high school diplomas and officially end their high school careers.

This moment will be one of the best and most memorable of their lives, and the person who will serve as this year’s commencement speaker will be someone with whom they are very familiar – Paint Branch English teacher and assistant football coach Mr. Charles Smith, II.

Mr. Smith recalls that he felt surprised when he first learned that his name had been called to be this year’s speaker. “I was shocked,” he said. “I felt truly honored to be granted the opportunity.”

Mr. Smith teaches both 10th and 12th graders this year, which makes him an ideal choice to speak to the Class of 2015. As a teacher and coach, Mr. Smith is known for his passion as well as his commitment. Whether he is teaching his Honors English or AP Literature courses or coaching, Mr. Smith is well-known for his “larger-than-life” personality as well as some “salty” language.

Asked whether he would be bringing his classroom or on-field persona to Constitution Hall, he said that he plans on taking the advice that he gives to students himself. “I tell my students that there is a time and a place for such things, but Constitution Hall is neither,” stated Mr. Smith.

Senior Adedamola Olawoye captured the essence of just why the senior class is interested in Mr. Smith speaking at graduation. “Mr. Smith is by far the coolest teacher I have ever had the pleasure of learning from,” stated Olawoye, who also notes that “he’s an excellent lecturer and a great person, overall.”

Fellow senior Seanne Coates adds that “he’s a hilarious teacher and always finds a way to make the class interesting.”

Regarding his thoughts on the Class of 2015, Mr. Smith said the only word to describe this year’s senior class is “eclectic” due to the variety of styles among the students. He added that he will definitely miss the class of 2015. “I’ve enjoyed watching many of my students from sophomore year grow and develop into the young adults they are today,” he added.

As for the speech itself, Mr. Smith said that he has “a general idea behind the speech that I’m working around.” Until then, the Class of 2015 will just have to wait and wonder.