Meet Rhinebeck’s Favorite Aide Larry Bordon Smith
Larry Bordon Smith surprises RHS staff with lunch treats before the winter break. “You guys babysit me 10 months out of the year, so I figured I might as well.”
Larry Bordon Smith has been a teacher’s aide at Rhinebeck High School for the past five years. He also works as a cafeteria and hall monitor. I had the opportunity to sit down with Larry to learn more about him and what he does.
Larry grew up and attended high school in Brooklyn, New York. He described his experience in our interview.
“Very laid back, very cool. Growing up in Brooklyn in the late 1980’s, early 90’s, it was a lot of fun. Ups and downs like every other highschool, but no troubles,” said Larry.
He went on to study Urban Planning and Media Communications in college, and started as substitute teacher at Rhinebeck in 2017. In 2020 he became a Teacher’s aide.
Larry’s mellow and fun high school experience shaped the way he interacts with students and does his job.
“I try to talk to everybody especially during lunch duty, just making sure the kids are ok, even if they’re by themselves, just making sure I’m out there if they need somebody to talk to,” says Larry.
Larry was a radio DJ in college, and now he likes to share music with the students during their lunch periods and give out song suggestions.
Everyone in the school knows Larry in some way or another. Whether just by passing him in the halls and giving him a fist bump, or having chats with him at the lunch tables, everyone knows the cheery and optimistic guy that he is. One of Larry’s favorite parts about working at Rhinebeck is engaging with the students. He likes the idea of being a part of their High School experience as much as he can.
Larry mentioned how he enjoys the community and the environment created by the students here.
“The kids are well behaved, and they are open minded to different learning experiences.” Larry said.
We finished our conversation by asking what advice he might have for the students of Rhinebeck High School. Larry made it clear he wants students to leave here having thoroughly enjoyed their High School experience.
“Enjoy as much as you can in High School.” said Larry. He later added, “[Being a] teenager is probably one of the best times of your life.”
It is also very important to Larry that students gain the knowledge they will need for their futures. “Just learn as much as you can while you’re here,” said Larry.
We are very lucky to have Larry as a part of our community!
Jennifer • Jan 13, 2023 at 10:16 pm
Larry has always been a positive person in terms of teaching, and sharing the knowledge that he has learned throughout his lifetime. He especially shares his love of music, and history with his students. He is so proud of the students that he cares for and even keeps in contact of those who have graduated. Larry is a special person who loves his job, co-workers, who have supported him and help enable him to devote his time to his students.