“Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can be.”

— Rita F. Pierson

These words formed the centerpiece of a letter Art Smith delivered to his colleagues in early April announcing his retirement in June after 47 years as an educator at Church Farm School.

Those who had the privilege to work or coach alongside Smith at the 107-year-old all-boys boarding school in Exton, or who were lucky enough to be one of the thousands of young men he mentored in the halls and on the mats at CFS, felt the loss immediately. But the community also felt other things: pride in knowing such a stalwart of the community, happiness that he was leaving to enjoy life with his family in Maine, and awe at the passion one must have to spend nearly five decades in one location.

In one of many end-of-year addresses to the community, Smith stated that his heart wasn’t yet ready to leave CFS — he still loved the school with his entire being — but his head was. “The time has come for me to join my children and grandchildren in Maine,” he wrote. “I just don’t want to miss another soccer game, milestone, or opportunity to spend precious time with them.”

Smith’s approach to CFS was always familial. In his letter to faculty and staff, and in his final speech at the school’s end-of-year dinner, he advised his colleagues to follow two rules: incorporate your own family into the CFS community. “Our kids love it, and it is so good for them.” He also reminded everyone of the reason CFS was founded: opportunity. “Don’t give up on our kids. Every kid deserves a champion.”

Smith championed many. Starting out as a cottage faculty member after graduating from West Chester University, Smith’s dedication saw him growing in responsibility over 47 years to track coach, assistant then head wrestling coach, science teacher, and, finally, Dean of Students. Inducted into the CFS Hall of Athletic Honor in 2006, Smith distinguished himself as an outstanding coach.

His career record as wrestling coach was 350-159-3 with 19 league championships. In the 2024-2025 school year, as well as in past years, more than one-third of the student body was involved with the wrestling program.

Smith’s track teams compiled a mark of 76-15, while winning seven league championships. His resilience and motto of “No excuses” inspired generations of Griffins to become better athletes and better men.

Tough in the classroom as well, Smith was best known for his challenging chemistry class.

An avid gardener and landscaper, Smith ran the school’s greenhouse within the Wilkins Science and Math Building and planted garden beds near the school’s silos for use in the school’s Dining Center and for donation to the Chester County Food Bank. Last year, CFS alumni, along with countless colleagues, current and former parents, board members, and friends helped to create the Art Smith Endowed Fund, which supports a rising senior with financial aid to attend CFS.

Smith’s letter concluded: “As you know, I have a true passion for the mission of the Church Farm School.  What many of you don’t know is that as a boy growing up, I was the definition of the student CFS was seeking to serve. Grit was modeled for me in my home daily. Giving up, not trying, not being accountable, and making excuses were not acceptable solutions to problems we encountered as a family. That is probably why I believe so strongly in restorative justice and helping students to create a plan for change. If you are inspired to be a champion, I promise you that you will love your job as a teacher until your time on this Earth is over.”

Said Tiffany Scott, Interim Head of School, “We are all better teachers, coaches, mentors, and human beings because of Art’s influence. When our alumni return to CFS to visit, Art’s office is almost always their first stop. He has shaped decades of young men and led by example with incomparable work ethic, excellence, and kindness. The entire CFS community wishes Art and his family the best.”

Church Farm School, founded in 1918 by Episcopal priest The Rev. Dr. Charles Wesley Shreiner, is an all-boys college preparatory boarding and day high school. The school provides generous financial aid to ensure bright young men can pursue a private school education at an accessible cost.