The Smith Sisters' Legacy

Mary and Ruth Smith were sisters who dedicated 42 and 44 years respectively to teaching and administration in the public schools in Frederick County, Maryland. Their legacy to the community was a fund for future educators, known as The Mary E. M. and Ruth E. Smith Scholarship Fund.

Initially under the administration of a local bank, the $309,000 fund transfer in 1987 was the first large endowment fund to be managed by the Community Foundation.

Mary served as principal of Parkway Elementary School from 1940 to 1966, and held the distinction of being the first elementary teacher and principal in Frederick County to receive a master's degree. Ruth was the second elementary teacher to earn this honor. In addition to their teaching careers, both were active members of many professional, church and civic organizations.

Since 1987, the fund principal has provided scholarships to hundreds of deserving students pursuing post-secondary education and particularly those intending to pursue a teaching career. It is one of the largest scholarship funds administered by the Community Foundation.