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Smithharts<br />
the<br />
Tell us about your family.<br />
Richard Smithhart, 61 - Athletic Director of Pearl Public Schools<br />
Lori Smithhart, 60 - Retired elementary teacher<br />
Alicia Vanderford, 36 - Teacher at Northside Elementary<br />
Karli Ragan, 34 - NICU nurse at Baptist Hospital<br />
Lauren Coley, 32 - Owner at Flawless Boutique<br />
Morgan Fontaine, 24 - Registered Nurse at Flowood Surgery Center<br />
Jake Smithhart, 22 - Student at University of Southern Mississippi<br />
How did you meet and how long have you been<br />
married?<br />
We met in 1981 while Lori was attending Hinds Community College<br />
and I was attending USM. It was love at first sight in the parking lot on<br />
campus when I walked up with a broken nose. We married in May 1983<br />
right after graduation at USM and have been married 39 years.<br />
What are some of your favorite things about<br />
Rankin County?<br />
Our favorite things about Rankin County are southern hospitality,<br />
high quality education systems, faith-based communities and strong<br />
hometown values.<br />
What accomplishments make you proud during<br />
your time living in Rankin County?<br />
We are proud to have been a part of all the success of Pearl Public<br />
School District during our 30+ years as educators and parents. During<br />
that time, our children participated in multiple activities winning multiple<br />
state championships and receiving top honors. I continue to impact<br />
athletes as athletic director for Pearl and have been named the<br />
Mississippi Athletic Director of the Year twice.<br />
What drives you to have the job that you have?<br />
I have always enjoyed and been involved in sports and activities my<br />
whole life. I believe that they are important in building character and<br />
strong qualities in our youth. I enjoy competition and watching athletes<br />
compete at intense levels to build confidence. Being an athletic director<br />
also allows me to be involved in the growth of coaches and challenging<br />
them to be the best leaders they can be.<br />
What do you love about your team/school?<br />
The University of Southern Mississippi has fans that bleed black<br />
and gold. We love that it is a close-knit community that believes in<br />
pride and traditions. All five of our children attended USM and we<br />
were able to share our love of the Golden Eagles with them over<br />
the years. SMTTT!<br />
FAVORITE TAILGATE RECIPE<br />
Salsa<br />
• 2 large cans diced tomatoes, drained<br />
• 2 cans Rotel, 1 drained, 1 not drained<br />
• ¼ cup chopped onion<br />
• ½ -¾ cup chopped cilantro –<br />
about half a bundle<br />
• ½ Tbsp. lime juice<br />
• 1 tsp. minced garlic<br />
• ¼ tsp. salt<br />
• Pinch of sugar<br />
• ½ -1 jalapeño, chopped<br />
Put everything together in food processor<br />
or blender. Best if made a day in advance.<br />
For chunkier salsa, do not blend the vegetables.<br />
Hometown RANKIN • 45
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