Calhoun High honors late educator Doug Smestad

Music filled the auditorium at Calhoun High School as students, alumni, administrators and parents commemorated the beloved late teacher Douglas Smestad in December.

Smestad died on Sept. 17 after a long battle with cancer. He was 63.

A band that formed in tribute to Smestad was the featured act. Ethan Smestad, Doug’s son, joined Calhoun theater teacher Sal Salerno and Russ Dembin, a production editor at American Theatre magazine, at the front of the auditorium. The band performed several songs as the crowd clapped along.

The Calhoun concert choir and choral alumni sang a rendition of “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” followed by “Unwritten.” Speakers, many of whom were alumni and former students of Smestad, then shared their memories of their favorite educator.

“Doug gave so much to all who crossed his path, and what he did for so many students was extraordinary,” Calhoun Principal Nicole ollings wrote in an email to parents.

A video and photo montage featured Smestad’s wife, Janice, and sons Ethan and Dylan. The tribute band, chorus, orchestra and attendees joined together to sing “The Lion King’s” iconic “Circle of Life.”

“I do not know how to describe that performance in words, but I was filled with unbelievable joy at having had the privilege of knowing Doug and calling him a friend,” Hollings said. “A standing ovation for the music, but also for Doug, was followed by the presentation of his memorial plaque, which will be affixed outside his classroom.”

To conclude the evening, Ethan Smestad spoke about his father, his family and the love they shared.