For the graduating senior who best embodies the spirit of Whitney teacher Edward Smilde. Mr. Smilde taught History and Literature and Latin, and coached students to improve their vocabulary and writing skills by reading the Week in Review section of The New York Times each Sunday, where essays and opinion columns discussing current events are written as well-reasoned arguments rather than as news articles. He famously hung the ironic sign "Eschew obfuscation" on his classroom window, and taught students unpronounceable words that were used by the Dutch during WWII to expose Nazis who couldn't say them correctly. And when he delivered the faculty address at Whitney's graduation ceremonies, he would start quoting an obscure literature passage, and his students would immediately recite the entire passage in unison with him, demonstrating that with enough discipline and practice, anyone could start with heads full of mush and be transformed into logical thinkers armed with useful ideas. Mr. Smilde pointed out that our school is an ivory tower, a place where the president of the Korean Club could be Latino and no one would bat an eye. He warned that the outside world is a lot messier and not so ideal, but we should always remember how Whitney shows us what's possible, so we can strive to make that a reality in this imperfect society that we live in.
Enhanced image from video by Whitney alum John Song
From his recent obituary and testimony from his students:
“Born in Holland in the 1930s, Mr. Smilde was a proud alumnus of Calvin University and taught for many years at Whitney and Valley Christian High School. He loved to read and travel, and found the utmost joy in studying history and seeing his children thrive. He was a lifelong learner and continued to read and watch the news until his last day. He will always be remembered for his motto ‘expect nothing, blame no one, and do something.’ ”
“He was a legend and one the favorite teachers I’ve ever had”
“I was a talker and he challenged me regularly. I learned so much in his class; there will never be another quite like him!”
“I’ll always remember ‘That man I think has had a liberal education who has been so trained in youth..." from Mr. Smilde’s English class. Rest in peace, O Captain! my Captain!”
“The man was a genuine intellectual and philosopher. His memory is a blessing to us all.”
“Scholar Row (back of the room) is taking a moment of silence. Most entertaining C+ I’ve ever had.”
“I can still recite Shakespeare!”
For its inaugural year, The Edward Smilde Memorial Prize comes with a grant of $1000.