Samantha Smith Elementary is the only school in the nation named for a child who focused the world's attention on peace. She wrote to the new Soviet leader, Yuri Andropov, asking if he would vote for war.

Samantha Smith's Letter

Dear Mr. Andropov,

My name is Samantha Smith. I am ten years old. Congratulations on your new job. I have been worrying about Russia and the United States getting into a nuclear war. Are you going to vote to have a war or not? If you aren't please tell me how you are going to help to not have a war. This question you do not have to answer, but I would like to know why you want to conquer the world or at least our country. God made the world for us to live together in peace and not to fight.

Sincerely,

Samantha Smith

He responded in the spring of 1983 with an invitation to visit the Soviet Union. Accompanied by her mother and father, Samantha toured the Soviet Union, joining Soviet children in a variety of activities including four days at Camp Artek on the Black Sea.

She returned home, a symbol of the role a single individual can play in furthering international understanding. Samantha's voice was silenced when she and her father Arthur, were killed in an airplane crash on August 25, 1985.

Upon Samantha's death, many people wrote her mother, Jane Smith and urged her to carry out her daughter's legacy and goodwill by creating a foundation to foster international cooperation and understanding in the spirit of Samantha. Through Samantha's example, people throughout the world, especially children, have come to understand the impact of one person's actions. Barriers can be overcome by individual reaching out to one another.

Our school has, in its mission and statement of beliefs, committed itself to carrying out the legacy of Samantha Smith. It is our wish that our students feel the sense of empowerment, as they gain the attitudes, knowledge and skills, in a learning environment that supports the development of each student's potential. As a member of the Samantha Smith Elementary School learning community you are a vital member in continuing the legacy that Samantha Smith started.

The staff, students, and community are proud of the achievements of Samantha Smith. We continue to strive toward the ideals of peace she promoted. Below are some resources to outside links for learning more about this remarkable girl and her message of peace.

Samantha Smith Info - an updated website loaded with past and current information.

Samantha Smith - From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia.