Now in her 90’s, it is easy to see why when asked about Franklin local, Inge Smith, locals use terms like mentor, treasure and inspiring. Born in Germany, Inge Meyring Smith moved to the States with her parents at the age of 15 to escape the Nazi regime.
After marrying Paul Smith, a GI and native of West Tennessee, she moved from New York City to Franklin, Tennessee, where she raised a family, completed multiple degrees at Vanderbilt University and opened numerous schools, including Smith Preschool, which just celebrated 62 years in business.
“Inge Smith is one of Franklin’s very special treasures,” shared Pam Horne, Managing Editor of the Williamson Herald and co-author of Smith’s life story Born for America: The Life of Inge Meyring Smith. “Apart from her commitment to families and young children through her preschool, Inge is a mentor to many, a passionate advocate for education issues and a spirited American, who never allowed her vulnerabilities as a young immigrant to hold her back. What I have come to learn about her is that she draws people to her because of her boundless energy, her spirit of kindness and her zeal for life. But personally speaking, I believe Inge Meyring Smith is an invincible woman in the truest sense of the word.”
When asked about what this community means to her, Inge’s response was simple, yet profound, and seemed to mirror exactly how locals who know and love her feel. ”I was a stranger and you took me in. You loved me and nurtured me and shared your children with me. I am forever grateful.”
In honor of Smith’s incredible story and the substantial mark she has made and continues to make in Middle Tennessee, Inge Meyring Smith is being honored as a Hometown Hero by Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s ongoing Hometown Heroes event.
Luke Boyd, former principal of BGA, wrote in his description of her for Born for America, ”Her professional accomplishments are numerous and all can be attributed to a woman who decided to marry a man she’d never met, who hesitantly agreed to relocate to the unfamiliar South, who started two schools which she had no idea at the time how to run, but who became a leader in the field of education.”
Claudia Moore, who has worked alongside Smith as the Director of Smith Preschool for 26 years, said of Smith, “She inspires me in ways no other has ever inspired me. She is more than a boss. She’s like another mom to me.”
As a part of Inge’s award, a $500 donation will be made in her honor to the local chapter of the American Red Cross.
Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes is a monthly event honoring local heroes making a difference. To learn more or to nominate your hero visit www.DarrellWaltrip.com/hero.
More About Smith Preschool:
We believe that children should be given the opportunity to develop their intellectual and creative abilities to the fullest. We believe that the best way to bring this about is through a preschool program that combines a work-play approach with an academically structured program.
Having been in operation for 60 years, Smith Preschool has developed a solid curriculum, unequaled by any preschool in the area. Mrs. Inge Smith, founder and owner, has been involved in early childhood education her entire life. Smith Preschool operates a “mind-stretching” educational experience, based largely on the tested and proven philosophy that “parents and teachers are partners in the education of their children.”
Smith Preschool is located in a residential neighborhood. It has two secluded, shady playgrounds. These inviting surroundings stress that school is a happy and safe place. For more information about Smith Preschool visit smithpreschool.com.
More About The American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Here in the Nashville area (including Williamson Co.) they are responding to disasters such as home fires on a regular basis.
They are training members of the community in lifesaving CPR and First Aid skills. They are providing support to our members of the Armed Forces. They rely on our generous blood donors who ensure we have an adequate blood supply. Our volunteers and donors are ensuring that here in Middle TN we are fulfilling the mission and vision of the American Red Cross. Their local needs include volunteers, blood donors, and financial support.
