Thomas Smith:
CLASS OF 1972
Washington High SchoolClass of 1972
Kansas city, KS
Thomas's Story
Mostly didn't care for school. It was a never-ending challenge for me. Had undiagnosed (at that time), learning difficulties and spent most of my time trying to cover it up so no one knew. From 7th thru 10th grade had the crap routinely kicked out of me by thugs and jocks. I was mostly sickly, and on the verge of malnutrition until I was 16. Gym and swimming classes were the worst. Coaches let the jock teaching aides beat and partially drowned anyone under 120 pounds.
By junior year, I was in the Honors program and headed for Med school. Loved science, trouble with Chemistry (ADHD and Dyslexia). Hated French class, but loved the French club. Could have used Spanish a lot more, considering life today. Wish I'd have taken Auto Shop, would have been worth more to me, because I became a Automotive and Motorcycle Master Tech and have done it 40 + years. Took Debate, but never had a grasp of what it meant. Got into IHP classes (did VERY well on DAT Placements in 10th so tested out of basic courses) and mostly liked my classmates there. Had the same Honors classmates for 2 years.
Took some college classes my senior year at high school. (pilot program)
Did a Carpool thing my senior year. So very cool. Had 3 - 4 great-looking girls that I picked-up each day in my 1962 Chevy Impala, 2 door sport coupe. Delivered them to the school front door and dropped them off.
Went to college, pre-med and did badly. ADHD got much worse. Drove a truck part time from 4 AM to 8 AM and had Chemistry Lecture Hall starting a 9 AM. Burnt out first semester.
In 1975 went b...Expand for more
ack to school and got a Motorcycle Technical Degree and went to a race shop to work. Picked up a Machinist Degree a couple years later. And, by 1980 was certified as a Master Technician by the ASE.
Done a lot of volunteer work over the years. Was active in church during school. Volunteered with Red Cross 5 years, Volunteered with The Veterans Administration Volunteer Service in 1970 and 71. Was in Sing Out Heart of America performing Up With People for 3 years (Pro American, pro Christian Glee club sort of thing). Donated time and money to many causes, from March of Dimes, to Goodwill, Salvation Army, United Fund, etc. Got married in 1976 (to a Washington Alum), divorced in 1978. Remarried in 1981, divorced in 1987. Currently with wife #3, a Southern Belle, going on 28 years. Have one son, somewhere. 30 years old. His mother (wife #2) taught him to be a con artist, so he's been in and out of trouble since she kidnapped him in 1988. They both went to prison in 2000.
May have other children throughout the Midwest since I had a sort of "Johnny Appleseed" mentality about my personal life from 1972 to 1982.
I live in a restored 1870 Victorian in Carthage, Mo (near The Historic Square).Restored mostly by my hands. Collect German sports cars. Gave up motorcycles recently after 42 years riding and 30 + bikes. Since school. I have broken 60 to 70 bones and don't have riding in me anymore. Retired from wrench-turning. Spend my days tinkering and playing with my dog (she's my 10th rescued dog). Evenings and weekends with the wife, often cruising in my convertible.
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