Spain Park High School teacher and Alabaster resident Troy Smith died July 29, after battling cancer for four years.

Smith, who taught computer science classes, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002, a year after he began teaching at Spain Park.

Principal Billy Broadway is one of many education leaders who spoke highly of Smith and the legacy he leaves. &8220;He came to school with a smile on his face even when he didn&8217;t feel good. He was well prepared to teach every day and a motivation not just for myself but for everybody who came in contact with him.&8221;

A long-time marathon runner, Smith was an emblem of perseverance and courage. Pat Morrow, public relations coordinator for the Hoover Board of Education said. &8220;With Troy, not only did we lose a great educator but we lost an educator that led such a good life that he&8217;s the type of person you want to see students pattern their lives after.&8221;

And though there may be a new teacher teaching computer sciences, Broadway said, &8220;He was a one-of-a-kind individual, and you don replace that.&8221; Smith was involved in everything from academics to sports, and Broadway said he showed up at every event no matter what it was.

Students at Spain Park remember Smith as far more than just a teacher. Junior Katherine Wozniak had him her freshman year for a computer applications class. She said, &8220;He cared about getting to know us. He would tell us about him as a person and that affects choices we make.&8221; Wozniak said she is keeping his family in her prayers.