‘Worthy of esteem’
Gowanda educator receives more honors in retirement
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GOWANDA -- As David Smith has entered into retirement, people all throughout the Gowanda community and beyond have taken the time to recognize all he has done for the place he calls home. Even now, months after announcing he would be stepping away from Gowanda Schools, the accolades just keep coming.
Smith will be inducted into the Gowanda Central School Hall of Fame on Friday, Sept. 18 at Gowanda's Historic Hollywood Theater. Barbara Dempsey, a fellow retiree from Gowanda this year, will join Smith in the district's Hall of Fame.
Smith first announced his intent to retire from Gowanda Schools in January. In the months that followed, the school community expressed its gratitude for all Smith has done, while also noting what a loss his departure is for the district.
Then, in March, Smith learned he was selected as the 2026 Assistant Principal of the Year by the School Administrators' Association of New York State (SAANYS) Region 12 selection committee. The award is given annually to an administrator who has demonstrated exceptional skill in leadership and a commitment to the educational process. Smith was formally recognized by the association in May.
Since then, Smith has received recognition from dignitaries across the region. State Sen. George Borrello honored Smith with a proclamation from the State of New York.
The proclamation stated, "David Smith has been a pillar in Gowanda; profoundly shaping the direction of the community through dedicated public service and community leadership during a multi-faceted career."
Smith was recognized for his career in the education field over 33 years, as well as his time as Mayor of Gowanda for seven years and his service through the Gowanda Free Methodist Church.
Borrello's proclamation further stated, "I commemorate David Smith as an outstanding citizen, one who is worthy of the esteem of both the community and the great State of New York."
When Smith's retirement became official, a day after his 55th birthday, Congressman Nick Langworthy presented Smith with an America 250 Community Heroes Award, an honor given to individuals in communities throughout the congressional district who exemplify service, leadership, and positive impact to their community.
"It's been an amazing time for me," Smith said of all the recognition he has received since deciding to retire from Gowanda Schools.
Although he has stepped away from the school as an administrator, Smith still plans to be involved. That should come as no shock to the community after his impact still remained strong after stepping away from his role as Gowanda Mayor two years ago.
Smith and his wife, Jill, plan to continue running the Tangible Kingdom school outreach program to support families in need with school supplies, shoes and clothing, Thanksgiving meals, and Christmas presents. Last year, the program served 78 families in the community, and Smith expects a similar impact again this year.
Despite retiring as a school administrator, Smith will continue to serve as Cattaraugus County Health Board President. He looks forward to spending more time with his grandsons and his "First Lady", Jill, in retirement.
Back when Smith resigned from the role of Mayor, he said, "Who we are is not determined by the positions we hold. Who we are is determined by our hearts and how we use the gifts that God has given us to serve other people and help other people."
Now that he enters retirement, with one less title to his name, he has even more of an opportunity to prove those words are true.