On Tuesday evening, just outside Sidney at Rau Elementary School, a large group of parents, teachers and students gathered for a dedication potluck dinner to commemorate former kindergarten teacher Gail Smith.

“She’s been here almost as long as this building has been here,” organizer Carolyn Koch said. “She was just a very loving teacher, loved by all of the students past and present.”

Smith passed away in March after a hard-fought battle against cancer. Koch said the school board wanted to do something to honor their friend and coworker who taught at the school for 23 years.

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The group of supporters gathered outside in the playground area where a small ceremony was held. Students of Smith’s sang two songs; the first was her favorite, “God Bless the U.S.A.”

The second piece was a thank you to the crew who worked all summer long on the brand new covered sandbox, which was about to be dedicated. Smith’s husband, Eugene, donated a plaque to go with the sand box. The wood-burned picture reads, “In memory of Gail Smith, proud and dedicated teacher of Rau School from 1986-2009.”

Shortly after the dedication, attendees filed into the cafeteria where they took part in a community potluck; each family contributed a dish to share. Later, participants branded the sides of the sandbox as “Gail was very much into rodeo,” said Koch, who believes the children will remember their teacher each time they play in it.

For Eugene Smith, the evening was a touching tribute to his wife. It’s bittersweet that after almost 25 years of teaching, 25 years of preparing for the school year, it’s the first time Eugene didn't see his wife prepare for school. She loved to teach and would have loved to been there that evening. “She’d be very honored,” he said.

reporter@sidneyherald.com