Teacher Roger Smith believed he was merely going to present some student projects in front of Clark staff during the faculty meeting Jan. 12. The presence of family members, a Glendale News-Press photographer and Superintendent Michael Escalante didn’t raise Smith’s suspicion as he explained the mechanisms of ALICE computer programming. The presence of these people could, after all, be justified one way or another. However, when the ALICE presentation was cut short by Principal Doug Dall, Smith began to wonder. “I was totally clueless,” Smith said. Complying with Dall’s instructions, Smith introduced Escalante, who in turn invited Glendale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Judee Kendal and school board president Joylene Wagner to present the John Delmonte Award to Smith. Smith, one of six Glendale educators to receive the award this year, was honored for his work as a technology teacher. “It’s a validation of a lot of hard work,” Smith said. “I never thought I’d be in the business of teaching for 40 years.” Smith said that he is motivated by his old teacher, who taught different sciences. Now Smith is taking his turn to learn and teach technology. “I’m hoping that would give students a better appreciation of what’s in that black box,” Smith said about the required Tech. Lit. class. “I mean it’s not just sitting there doing nothing. It’s doing everything that makes their job easier.” Despite his years of teaching, Smith says he doesn’t see himself as an outstanding teacher. “I cannot believe that I could win an award like this,” he said with a laugh. But, then again, he also said that he is the harshest critic of himself. “He’s just a well-respected, humble man that really deserved the recognition for his 40 years of service to students in Glendale,” Dall said.