PCS grad headed to Harvard
By Shari Friedel
Grant Tribune-Sentinel
This fall, Gavin Smith of Grant will do something never before done by a Perkins County graduate...embark on an education at Ivy League school, Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., the country’s oldest university, founded in 1636.
Gavin has lived in Grant since birth, with siblings Kaden and Vanessa, and parents Kelly and Ashlee Smith.
Ashlee said that even in his younger school years, Gavin was always an eager learner, making sure on his own that his homework was done and he was prepared for tests. Waking him up for school was never an issue, she said. He never wanted to miss school for sickness or a personal day—he loved being at school and was especially excited when he was chosen as “Student of the Month” or some other honor.
High school went by fast for Gavin, who said that he enjoyed his educational experience, especially extracurricular activities FFA, speech, mock trial and Quiz Bowl.
Gavin graduated with the Perkins County Class of 2023 on Saturday, May 13 with distinction, and gave the closing remarks at the ceremony.
His next step will take him nearly 2000 miles away from his roots and into a much different world of academia, history and tradition.
Gavin’s interest in Ivy League was picqued with his attendance at Emerging Rural Leaders II at the University of Chicago last summer, when he made acquaintances with other students applying to prestigious east coast schools.
He also participated in Harvard’s “Visitas” which acclimates potential students to the campus, where they can visit dorm rooms, dining halls and sit in on a class.
He was impressed with the beauty of the campus, as well as the other students in attendance, who, he said, have done so much already in high school, such as interning in government entities. He liked that in spite of being accepted at a prestigious college, most students remain humble, and grateful for their acceptance.
The application process is rigorous, requiring a personal statement, “explaining who you are,” Gavin said.
Gavin found out he had been accepted while on the state FFA trip at the end of March. He was also accepted at Columbia, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania.
His family is excited for Gavin, and anticipate that it will be an adventure for the whole family. “It will be exciting to see where he goes and what he does,” Ashlee said. “He might change schools but he’ll be a ‘forever student’ no matter where he goes.”
Gavin will be one of approximately 2000 incoming freshmen at Harvard starting classes Sept. 5, and plans to study government with a secondary degree in sociology, followed possibly by graduate school and a career in public policy.
This summer, Gavin will spend a week on a pleasure trip in New York City with his sister, then enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation, work, and preparation for school in the fall.