Honor is at the heart of all we do at Sgt. Smith Middle School’s Academy for Broadcasting and Health Science, in the heart of Citrus Park. Our unique Multimedia and Broadcasting classes—in our state-of-the-art facility—honor our students’ creativity, while our Health Science program honors their interest in science and research. Our Scholar Quest offerings include high school credit courses to challenge students. Through Electives, our students sample a range of exciting courses—engaging in Robotics, Sports Science, Art, Music, AVID college readiness and more—then pursue the options that best spark their interests. Students can earn Microsoft Industry Certifications, connect in our sports teams and clubs and join our unique winter guard/flag team. Our Sixth Grade Structure helps students feel at home in their new learning environment. Drawing strength from our diversity, Sgt. Smith Middle School students and staff proudly abide by our Honor Code: "Honor our time, yourself and others.”

Who is Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith?

Paul Ray Smith was born on September 24, 1969, in El Paso, Texas. At the age of nine, his family moved to Tampa, Florida, where he attended public schools. He enjoyed sports, liked cats, skateboarding, riding bicycles, and playing pranks with friends and his younger sister Lisa. He particularly enjoyed football, which instilled the importance of being part of a team and motivated his natural leadership abilities.

Upon graduating in 1988 from Tampa Bay Vocational Technical High School, he joined the U.S. Army and attended Basic Training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. As his mother wrote in his biography for a dedication ceremony in Orlando, he had begun living his dream...he was assigned to Germany, met and married his wife, Birgit, had two children, and was "doing what he was born to do.... Lead American Soldiers...." Sergeant. 1st Class Smith served as a combat engineer and was deployed to Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, and finally to Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, April 4, 2005, has awarded in the name of Congress the Medal of Honor to Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith United States Army.

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:

Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003.

In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith is extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division “Rock of the Marne,” and the United States Army.

3rd Infantry Division is the Army's premier force for decisive action. We are disciplined, expeditionary, and lethal with our weapon systems. We focus on highly trained platoons and companies capable of rapidly answering our Nation's call. We do routine things to a high standard and are good stewards of resources. We honor our legacy by living the Army Values, the Warrior Ethos, and always treating others with dignity and respect.