Phil Smith graduated from Sterling High School in 1967. However, he has been associated with the high school for over fifty years. Both he and his family have contributed much not only to the school but the community as well.The day after his graduation, Phil went to work for a gas company. There he met what he called the generation of the 1950s and experienced his first bout of racism. Phil was reared in a home and school system that emphasized respect and friendship so this experience was new for him.It was during this time that Phil found his true calling to be a teacher. A co-worker that had berated him eventually came to Phil for help with algebra so that he could advance in the company. Phil tutored him and the man earned a new position while Phil won over the respect of the others. He soon realized it was necessary to attend college. Phil began at Sauk Valley Community College where he was a standout athlete, earning the college’s first athlete of the year in 1970. He then earned a scholarship to attend Colorado State University in Pueblo, Colorado. While at college, his advisor led Phil into the physical education department. Phil vowed to return to Sterling High School and bring home a state championship, which he did four years later as one of the coaches for the girls’ basketball team.Phil continued his success as a teacher and a coach for over thirty-five years. Phil earned accolades as a coach. In 2004, he earned the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Association’s Assistant Coach of the Year Award. He coached numerous state champions and medalists in track and field. He was the school’s first soccer coach and coached both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. Phil is retired from teaching and currently owns and operates the family’s fifty-four year old business. He resides in Sterling.