In 1966, Curtis Smith was announced as valedictorian of Sequatchie County High School, and in 1995 his son, Nathan Smith earned the same honor. Thirty-one years later, his grandson Harrison Smith continued the tradition as the SCHS valedictorian for the Class of 2026.
“This is not something you see everyday,” said SCHS Principal Amy Land.
After graduating, Curtis began a path into the legal profession, becoming an attorney and later, Circuit Court Judge before retiring.
Nathan, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, served as military pilot before starting a career as a commercial pilot.
Harrison finished this year ranked first out of an impressive senior class. He is attending Virginia Military Institute and plans to enter the military after preparation at VMI.
In addition to succeeding academically, all three were standouts on the football field. Curtis played football for one season at the University of the South and Nathan earned Chattanooga area star-honors for his play at linebacker. Harrison has been an All-State player the last two years on the defensive line and will be playing the sport at VMI.
