04/11/2026
1976 = principle of my elementary school
1981 = my lady eagles basketball coach (called me Bambi, said I was too nice. also said "JUMP" higher loudly many times but that was warranted, as was try to run faster)
1982 = my marine biology teacher
1986 = attended my senior solo piano recital, just because
1986 = introduced me as valedictorian and handed me my high school diploma
1987 = performed my baptism at Island Community Church
1999 = a guest at mine and Jacques' wedding
2005 = led a community praying for my life and recovery
2018 = I was asked to be a speaker at Pastor Hammon's retirement celebration
2021 = led the funeral of one of my closest friends, Cathy Regan Roth
2021 = led the funeral of my husband, Jacques Smith (during Covid)
2024 = he asked me to join him on stage again at ICS and tell our story
2025 = I edited his book, The Reluctant
2021-2026 = joined me on the fields at Coral Shores. Him as Chaplain / Coach, me as volunteer team(s) photographer
For 50 years Mr. Hammon has leaned into my life; guided me on the paths that are best, safe, secure and heaven bound. That they happen to be fun, sun filled and occur in paradise, is just an added bonus.
Faithfully this man of God, leans into our community, giving of himself, his resources and his talents. I'm who I am today because of Mr. Hammon and others who believe students in our schools matter not just during the school year, but over a lifetime.
I'm not the only person in our community who knows Mr. Hammon is a hero. I just like to think I'm one of his favorites. And, that's part of his special gift, he makes us all feel exactly that exact same way.
Thank you for these 50 years, Mr. Hammon. I hope we have many more years together on fields to come.
