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A BIG congrats to you on your retirement! No need to count down any longer my friend!!:)
Thank you for being the principal who restored my faith in administration. You always had an open door and I knew I could come to you with questions or concerns. You had my back and as an educator, that means everything. You were such a bright light to as the Castle and I truly am thankful that my last years teaching where with you. Many blessings to you and your family as you enjoy these years together!
PS...I NEVER thought I would be a Steelers fan but I guess I will be wearing yellow and black from now on! 😂💛🖤💛🖤 Blessings to you friend! Keep in touch! Kayli

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Oh my goodness! Well deserved! I wish you the best. It was a pleasure to worK with you. Be well and enjoy!

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It was a pleasure to work with you and watch as you guided the Grove ! Your commitment to the arts while I was the supervisor made everything and everyone better! Your students benefited from your warmth and caring as did your faculty! God bless you sir and congrats again.

Tim McCoy

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Mr. Highsmith, you don’t know me but that’s ok. You were my principal at MGMS and even though we didn’t know each other personally you had an impact on my life. You we’re a role model for me without even knowing, and that’s how I know you’re a special person. I can’t wait to see Alex and his journey in the NFL, what you’ve done for him is amazing and he’ll pay you back for it every Sunday. Congratulations on your retirement you deserve it for all the lives you changed!

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First and foremost THANK YOU and Congratulations! 

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First and foremost THANK YOU and Congratulations! 

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Dear Sam,

Trying to find the words for all you have done for me has been hard. But, here it goes and forgive me if I forget anything. Disclaimer this will be long.

21 year old me moves to Wilmington, NC fresh out of college with my education degree. Moving from WV to NC I had not yet passed education tests to become a certified teacher. However, I knew I needed a job while studying and working towards passing these tests. Therefore, I decided to become a substitute teacher in NHC that way I could gain some experience and get to know the schools. In order to become a substitute teacher I had to do an interview with two principals in the county. One being at the elementary level and one being at the secondary level. With my nephew Ashton being at Bellamy Elementary at the time I choose to do my elementary interview there. My other two nephews Dakotah and Logan were both former Gators and talked very highly of Principal Highsmith. Till this day Logan shares stories how much you inspire him. Because of this I choose to do my second interview at Myrtle Grove.

When I called the front desk Mrs. Card answered. I explained to her that I was calling to set up a substitute interview with one of the admin there. She told me that the admin, Mrs. Herrick, who normally  does the substitute interviews was off I believe for the week or so. She said she could try to put me through to Mr. Highsmith, but she couldn't guarantee he would be available to take the interview or call. Me being my ambitious self told her to try. It was to my surprise you answered and I was grateful. When I explained to you what I was calling for you were very honest and said that you did not normally take these but for some reason you decided to answer the call. You asked if I could come later that same day for the interview and of course I said yes.

I was very nervous as I was coming straight out of college into my first interview. An interview at the time I did not know would change my life. When I walked into The Grove I could tell the school was a special place. Mrs. Card directed me back to your office and you greeted me with your famous smile. I shared with you my portfolio and all my hopes and dreams about teaching students with special needs. We talked about Logan and Dakotah and my move from WV to Wilmington. We discussed Myrtle Grove and the great students and teachers that were there. You made me feel welcome immediately and in the back of my head I was hoping to substitute as frequently as possible there and  maybe one day get a teaching job at Myrtle Grove. Before I left we laughed again about how you normally do not take those calls but something lead you to answer the one that day. At that moment I didn't know how one answered phone call would be that important to my life and career.

Fast forward, I believe to be the next day I get a call from a Wilmington number that I don't recognize. Anyone that knows me knows I hate answering the phone, especially for numbers I don't know. 4 years into teaching I am better about that now. However, something told me to answer. It was you. I do not remember your exact words because I was so nervous, but I remember you asking me to come in for a second interview. In that moment I was confused, but you said you had a special education teaching job open and you wanted to see if I would be a good fit for the Myrtle Grove Family. You explained to me that it wasn't just a decision that could be made by you but by the team because Myrtle Grove was a family.

Coming into that second interview I did not know how it would all work out since I did not have my teaching certification yet, but I knew in my heart I really wanted to be at Myrtle Grove. I remember all three administration being at the table and the EC chair. You introduced me to everyone and were so kind with your words in explaining how the first interview went and how ironic it was that you answered my initial call in the first place.  As I was answering all the round table interview questions I remember one of the assistant principals showing you a sticky note. I was terrified it said HECK NO SHE IS CRAZY because I was so nervous and was trying so hard to show how bad I wanted to be apart The Grove.

The next day my phone rang and this time I recognized the number. When I answered I was so nervous, but excited at the same time. You said to me that the interview team talked and would like me to be apart of the Myrtle Grove family!

For all these things to line up to even get to this point is so amazing! GOD IS SO GOOD!

I cannot describe or put into words how much you believing in me means to me. Not many people would go out on a limb for someone fresh out of college like you did for me. When I say going out on a limb for me I really mean it. You and your team allowed me to be a long term sub until I passed all of my certification tests to become a certified teacher. Your EC team took more on their caseload, took me under their wing, and helped me through everyday. I remember Robyn Meyers saying to me when I was officially hired that you must have seen something in me. I hold onto that.

You saw something in me that I carry with me everyday. Sadly I only got to work for you for one year but in that year you taught me so much. You taught me to always see the good in people, God is good all the time, always show compassion, building relationships is most important, be kind even when some days it is hard, give your best effort in all you do, always be empathetic, smile even when the day didn't go the way you had planned, laughing can cure anything, believe in others, extend a hand when no one else would, and so much more.

There is no one quite like you and I am so grateful that you were the one that I got to learn so much from. One phone call changed my life and I hope to pass along that gift you gave to me one day in my career to someone else.

Enjoy retirement and thank you for allowing me to call you a friend!

P.S. The fact we do not have a picture together saddens me. We need to change that.

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Thank you for ALL your support as a principal during my time as a EC Para!! I had some really tough days and you were there to support me! Enjoy your family time!! I have learned you never can get these days back!! Retirement is the best life! Thank you again for all your support!!
Terri Dearie
Castle Hayne EC Para 2017-2019

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Where to begin? Congratulations on your retirement and the next chapter in your life! I could write so much but I will try to keep it short. First, THANK YOU for being such a wonderful person whom I’ve always looked up to. You may be known to many as Mr. Highsmith but you’ll always be “Coach” to me. Thanks for always being there during those high school years , the BEST cheerleading coach, and teacher. I’ve always considered you like family and always will. You have a kind and genuine heart so anything you do in life, you do it well. Anyone who has been taught, coached or worked with you know this. So cheers to you! Enjoy your sweet family! Love, Mandy (a/k/a “Goofy”) ❤️😉

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Congratulations on your much deserved retirement. What a blessing to be able to spend more time with your mom.
As a first year teacher , you had a tremendous impact on both my teaching and coaching.  Through the years you helped me grow as both. You always made any situation  better by just being in the room.  You were always the cool AP..... even without the Heelys!  Thank you for making such a difference in my life!  Please message me when y’all play the Dolphins! Much love! Jenn (Etheridge) Mayo

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Be sure to keep it...

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Mr. Highsmith
Thank you for everything you do. You help me learn there are good people in this world. You are one of the reasons I choose to do what I do. Thank you for all the smiles, hello(s), waves in the wall, taking the time to listen to your students when they needed an adult to listen. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.

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In the short time, I have worked with you at Castle Hayne, I am so thankful of the love, the open mindedness, the chances you gave some of our toughest children.  Thank you for not giving up on them and putting a smile on your face to welcome them, even when they were in turmoil & acted out. You showed them a wonderful example of starting fresh and every day is a new day.  Thank you and enjoy! Tiffany Jones

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Congratulations, Mr. Highsmith!

I remember my days at Myrtle Grove Middle and how you shaped me to be a better student all around. For all the times my sister and I would get in trouble and you would make sure there was a lesson learned. You helped me get through such a pivotal time in my life. You even helped me with stupid boy problems! 😅 I can’t thank you enough for everything that you’ve done for me. I’ll never forget the lessons you taught us!

I hope retirement treats you well. You deserve it and so much more. Thanks for everything you’ve done for my sister and I.

Jordan Womack

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Dear Sam,
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement. And welcome to the club! I know you have had such a positive impact on students and staff all these years because I was one of the staff that you worked with. I still remember sitting in that interview room with you and Mr Brady when I was looking to move from Hoggard to Ashley.  Not only were you a great administrator to work with. Over the years I have enjoyed being able to call you friend. I hope that even though I have moved away that we will still be able to stay in touch. Once again congratulations and I know you will enjoy more time with your family! Take care.
Mike Goyne

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I was there.
Almost thirty seven (GULP!) years ago. (That can't be right, neither of us are even close to that old.) At first you were just subbing for your aunt for a few days (maybe a couple of weeks) but then it became permanent.

You had charisma and you were young enough that most of us gave you the respect we would an older brother or cousin, because we liked you and wanted you to like us.

There were jabs concerning rivalries, but you were in the Superdome with Michael, James, and Sam when they took down Patrick and the Hoyas - so you were pretty much untouchable. We tried, but we knew that the Cardiac Pack's '83 Championship was more grit than talent. Besides, like I said, we liked you. It was a moral imperative that we gave you some degree of grief, so we adhered to the guidelines of friendly rivalries, but just couldn't muster any true abuse for fear of that sideways glance and a "C'mon now..."

After that, you were just "there" and by "there" I mean "everywhere." I never really considered you my teacher, I always considered you a friend, and I'm humbled to have held pretty much the same position in the universe for all these years.

There was that time you were at the radio station with James Worthy in the middle of the summer and I was so stoked to see you I completely ignored the REALLY tall guy standing next to you and rattled off a litany of questions about what you had been up to. You simply gestured and said, "Kit, I'd like to introduce you to James Worthy" - and I stood there, stunned.

You have no idea how many times I've heard your voice in my head during times of turmoil. Your calm, even tone somehow took up residence and often just interjects a "C'mon now..." followed by a dose of common sense, allowing me to refocus and move forward.

None of your accolades surprise me. None of the praise I read is a shock. The poise and composure displayed by your children is a reflection of their parentage. (Since this is about you I'll add that you were obviously smart enough, or maybe it's lucky enough, to marry a woman capable of  compensating for any shortcomings you may have had in that area. :-) )

May the blessings you have bestowed upon others with your warmth, kindness, and dedication be returned to you a hundred-fold. I can't think of anyone more deserving of a long, healthy, and rewarding retirement.

With much love and respect.

--Kit Cosper

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My first principal as a teacher, an instrumental part of my subsequent job search, and someone who set the bar very high for what an administrator should be! You have been a role model and mentor to many, you have earned this time with your family. God Bless and enjoy it!! I’ll keep up with you on FB!
-Jennifer Medwick
PS So glad I was able to help you learn my name that one day! ;)

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Congratulations, Mr. Highsmith!
There are countless things I could write here. However, the one that I hold closest to my heart is that you were not only an educator, but a friend. After coming to field day a couple years back I remember sitting in your office and talking to you and Alex for an hour just talking and catching up. To be able to open up and talk to someone like that is a rarity these days and something I will always treasure. Alex and I were never close friends (sadly) yet you still managed to keep up with me throughout the years and for that I am grateful. I hope to see you and can’t wait to hear about all of Alex’s success in the NFL! You guys deserve nothing short of the best.

All the happiness,
Sydney

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Mr Highsmith congratulations and I hope you have a wonderful retirement! You've been one of the most approachable, easy going administrators I've ever had the opportunity to work for. The environment you fostered made me want to do more and work harder. It was a pleasure sir! I know you've made the right choice for you and your family and I'm happy to see you have this new opportunity!

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You have blessed many lives. Lives of teachers,  school staff, students and parents. Thank you for being a role model. Sincerely, Cameron Chandler

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You have blessed many lives. Lives of teachers,  school staff, students and parents. Thank you for being a role model. Sincerely, Cameron Chandler

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Mr. Highsmith, I am so grateful that I had an opportunity to know you. You are a super hero in the educator profession.  You have strong leadership skills, you are kind, you are fair and you love ALL of the children.  You took time to listen even if it was a silly story, you knew them ALL by name, you encouraged them,  and you  made sure they received the educational support they needed to be successful .  The best part is because you took time for them and cared for them you influenced them and empowered them making them believe in themselves the way you do!  You didn't just touch these children on an academic level, you gave them character ... you lead by example. You touched so many lives, not just the little people, but the adults too!  You made a difference in many lives and I will always remember that you gave all of yourself so that we could be the best we could be. I love you Mr. Highsmith.   GMA

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Coach,

Words can never describe how much of your life you have given to myself and countless others. You are truly a rare breed. I have many to thank for supporting me and helping with my journey in life but I only have “ONE” that I can truly say because of you, I was able to do it all. That person is “YOU” Sam. You are the reason that 27 years ago I fell in love with this sport that I am still coaching today! It was YOU that God was able to speak through and tell me what my purpose in life was. It was YOU that was able to make and mold me into not Only a WORLD CHAMPION coach but it to the person, mentor and leader I am today! I love you coach and I know that you will be missed by so many and I know that there will never be another human in the “future kids” lives that will be able to “reach” and “teach” them the way that you did. I do however know that there are 1000s like myself that you have have planted the “seed” of greatness in that will go on in life and continue to spread it! You are truly the G.O.A.T! I speak for the masses when I say THANK YOU! Now you enjoy “your” time! You deserve it!

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You will be missed!!! The NHCS system will be short handed. The countless life's you've touched. I was lucky my kids got to see your leadership. You have earned this time. Go be with your family and continue speak your mind. I'm being selfish but we could use a voice like yours in politics. Hold your head high and walk tall and know you truly are a great Christian man.

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Thank you so much for making my boys time at MGMS so fun & my time on PTSO so easy!! Highsmith High Five for that!! Now it’s time for you to spend loving your mom & enjoying your son’s new adventure for sure!! 💛
Relax & Enjoy all this new chapter will bring but remember—Once a Gator always a Gator 🐊💙🧡
Cristin Gizdic

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I think my favorite memory is from my interview for Ashley. It was the year before we opened, and the interview was with you, Jerry Cribbs, and Mr. Brady. I walked in and the first thing Mr. Brady said to me was “We’ll get to that drama stuff later; tell me about coaching swim team.”  Jerry dropped his head into his hands and you were trying so hard not to laugh you turned purple. Right then, I thought, “I like this guy.”  Thank you for always being a supporter of arts education.  You have been an inspiration to countless kids and teachers who have been lucky enough to work with you.

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Congratulations!!!!🎉

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💕🙏💕 Freedom oh oh Freedom.  It takes about a year to fully adjust.  You're going to be very busy so be kind to yourself! 💗💚 Judy Orr (Stubblefield)

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You and your family are the best!
In my experience, especially at large schools, the principals don’t get the chance to interact with their students as much as they would like and don’t get the chance to make bonds with the “good kids”, but this is not the case with Mr. Highsmith! I remember seeing you at a countless number of chorus concerts and events outside of school and you even knew my name! I was grateful to have a principal that truly cared and looked out for all of the kids at the school and tried to connect with all of them. You will be missed!
Congratulations,
Lauren Chandarana

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I will confidently tell anyone that I went to the best schools growing up. I wanted to go back and do all 3 of my years at Myrtle Grove all over again. Whether you knew it or not, we listened and we heard your positive influences you created and instilled in us during those years. I’m grateful I had you as my principal, one who gave me an environment and community of teachers, coaches, etc that was so amazing and worthwhile. I learned. I failed. I succeed. I grew, and I had a heck of time through it all. One of my biggest fans always, but know I’m always one of yours as well! Thank you for your years of work you have put into our youth. Congratulations on retirement, and enjoy cheering on your son as he begins to live out his dreams just as you always pushed us to do! Much love- Blair Boo Boo Barefoot

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I’ll never forget my 8th grade year at MGMS when you let Lauryn and me use the gym on a SATURDAY to work on our volleyball skills! I hope retirement treats you well and I’m glad to have had the chance to learn under you at some point in my life. -Jordan Cormany