Five Generations of Faith and Legacy: The Smith Family’s Deep Roots at Denver Christian School
At DC, we love stories of connection, legacy, and faith over the generations. One such story is that of Zach Smith, a member of our facilities team, whose family’s connection and history to Denver Christian spans five generations
A Legacy Begins: The Great-Grandparents
The Smith family’s legacy at DC dates back nearly a century. Zach’s paternal great-grandparents, Wiebo and Anne Smith, attended DC in 1930s when the school only offered education up to the 8th grade. Remarkably, Zach’s maternal great-grandfather, Clarence Bierling, also attended DC and was a part of the 8th-grade graduating class of 1929 (middle back row). These early connections helped lay the foundation for Christian education.
Building on the Foundation: The Grandparents
Ron and Laura Smith, Zach’s paternal grandparents, continued the family tradition, graduating from Denver Christian in 1960. Today, they enjoy retirement in Denver, reflecting on the legacy they helped establish. Ron volunteers his time at DC by helping with plumbing maintenance around the building. Bringing his time and skills to the school is a true gift and something DC is grateful for. Their journey through DC underscores the importance of service and faith-filled education in shaping lives of students and families.
Faith and Service: Zach’s Parents
Zach’s father, Russ Smith, graduated from DC in 1980 and later returned to serve as a middle school teacher from 1995 to 2019. His 24 years of teaching left a lasting impression on countless students, including Zach, who had his dad as a 6th-grade teacher. Russ recalls that some of his favorite memories at DC involved “the students, both fun and laughter, but also experiencing the depth of their faith” and considered his time at DC as “a gift.” Zach’s mom, Twyla, while not a DC alumna, also contributed to the school’s mission by teaching in the elementary school. Together, Russ and Twyla are now embarking on a new chapter, launching a non-profit called Restoration River Ranch, which aims to guide people toward rest and renewal in Jesus through retreats in the mountains.
Continuing the Tradition: Zach’s Journey
Zach Smith graduated from Denver Christian in 2009, as did his brother Taylor in 2010, becoming the fourth generation of their family to attend DC. Zach fondly recalls playing basketball under the legendary coach Dick Katte, just as his father did years earlier. Today, as a member of our facilities team, Zach is an integral part of ensuring DC remains a vibrant and welcoming environment for students, staff, and families. Taylor now lives in Dallas with his family.
Looking to the Future: A Fifth Generation
The Smith legacy at Denver Christian continues with Zach’s children. His oldest son, Canon, is currently a student at DC, and Zach is eager to see his younger son, Rhett, join the community next year. For Zach, the opportunity to send his children to DC is a blessing, allowing him to pass on the same values of faith, education, and community that shaped his own life.
A Story of Faithful Generations
The Smith family’s story is a beautiful picture of DC connection and legacy across generations. From Wiebo, Anne and Clarence’s enrollment in the 1920s/30s to Zach’s contributions as a current staff member, the Smiths exemplify what it means to live out a their faith, service, and love for the Denver Christian community through each generation. We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to DC and look forward to seeing how their story continues to unfold in the years to come.
At Denver Christian, we believe in cultivating relationships and values that impact generations, and the Smith family is a shining example of that vision. Thank you, Zach, and the entire Smith family, for your enduring dedication to our school and its mission!