Tommy ’01 and Christina Smith have deep ties to the Campbell Hall community. Tommy, a former CH student, fondly remembers Mrs. Savage’s science lab as one of the coolest parts of his elementary school experience. His sisters Kelly DeMarco ‘93, Katie Smith ’96, and Margaret Albertson ’06 graduated from Campbell Hall. Kelly, whose daughters (Natalie ’23 and Grace ’21) also attended CH, sits on the Board of Directors.

Despite their strong connections to Campbell Hall, when the Smiths were exploring their school options for their daughter Mackenzie ’33, they toured several independent schools, keeping their minds and hearts open to the possibility that another school might be their family’s ideal fit. “I had been to Campbell Hall many times because of my nieces, and Tommy was obviously familiar with the school,” said Christina. “We knew it was great, but when we went to the open house, I made up my mind immediately. I didn’t want any school for Kenzie except Campbell Hall. In my heart, I knew CH was perfect for our family.”

The Smiths appreciate the endless opportunities that their daughter can explore at Campbell Hall. “She loves all of the extracurricular activities,” noted Christina. “She takes violin, engineering, dance, and improv. And she can’t wait to start the after-school sports program next year. Kenzie wants to be the first one on campus and stay until the very end of the day.”

Tommy added that the community, just as it was during his time as a student, remains one of the school’s greatest attributes. “The CH community is warm and welcoming, and we’ve forged so many wonderful friendships with other parents,” he said. The Smiths also value the school's diversity, which they feel fosters their child’s growth by promoting understanding and appreciation of a wide array of cultures.

Campbell Hall’s mission-driven education prioritizes nurturing kind, inclusive children, which is achieved in part through the school’s social-emotional development programs. The use of Toolbox in elementary school, which the Smiths are particularly impressed with, teaches students critical social competencies such as resiliency, empathy, self-management, and decision-making skills. The supportive environment helps their child thrive. “We appreciate the communication with faculty and staff,” said Tommy. “They reach out with any concerns and keep us updated on our daughter’s progress.”

Tommy, co-owner of an aerospace manufacturing company, and Christina, a dedicated homemaker who is an active CH volunteer, class coordinator for the Kindergarten class in 2024-25, helping in the elementary science lab and with the uniform exchange, and decorating campus for the holidays, are grateful for the school’s impact on their family. The Smiths are excited about The Holiday Center as a vital next step for Campbell Hall that will benefit not only their family but all CH families. They see the new elementary dance studio and music room as particularly significant for Kenzie as she pursues her artistic interests. “Campbell Hall is preparing our child for college and the real world beyond, with guidance from the school every step of the way,” said Tommy. “The Holiday Center will be an important part of our child’s education. We wanted to contribute to the capital campaign to help the school thrive.”