Project honors Pat Smith

When Evan Clark Dean set out to stir some school spirit and add some comfy new benches there, he knew he could count on some built-in inspiration from Corona del Mar High and Middle schools’ No. 1 fan.

“Go get ’em kiddos,” Pat Smith would always say before an athletic contest at the school. So when it came time to put a name on his project, he didn’t have to think about it.

Evan immortalized Pat’s rallying cry on a plaque when he broke ground on his Eagle Scout project at Corona del Mar High School on Friday. Evan’s project will construct seven benches at the school, plant flowering vines and a shade tree — not to mention the plaque in honor of Smith.

“She really affected my life,” Evan said.

Smith worked as an attendance administrator at the school before she died in April 2006. She was known by many as the school’s biggest fan, who helped the children despite battling cancer for several years.

Evan, 15, remembers when Smith helped with Newport Beach’s rose parade float. She stayed out and guarded the boat all night, even as she fought illness, Evan said. Evan also admired Smith’s work to establish Newport Beach’s Relay for Life foundation and her work with the youth council, according to Evan’s mom, Susan Dean.

“It’s a great way to show school spirit and service, just like she did,” Evan said.

The benches will be under an overhang in the school’s quad. The area, according to Evan, is popular with students due to its shade but they’ve had to sit on the floor.

The tree will provide shade and is also dedicated to Smith. It is an Australian peppermint tree, which was chosen due to its unique qualities and ability to stand out, according to Evan’s dad, Keith Dean.

Evan had to raise $3,000 for the project and got approvals from the school and school district.

The Corona del Mar booster club gave Evan a major lift when it donated $2,000. The Corona del Mar foundation and various businesses contributed to the rest of the fund.

The project will give Evan the chance to attain Eagle Scout status.

Evan and his team of friends from school plan to finish the project today after they construct the remainder of the benches and top it all off by placing the plaque in memorial of Pat Smith.

“She worked right there in that office,” said Evan, pointing to the attendance office about 10 feet away from where the tree and plaque will rest.

DANIEL TEDFORD may be reached at (714) 966-4632 or at [email protected].