Erin Smith looks at Yavneh through a different lens than most - she quite often behind a third "eye," that of the camera with she, as Photo Editor, creates the visual for The Bulldog Print.  If a picture is worth a thousand words, than Erin has spoken into the millions during her four years on campus - capturing sporting events and guest speakers, student programs and other moments.

"I had not had very much experience with photography before I joined the Journalism staff, other to take pictures for fun," said Erin.  "I have learned a lot about what a good photo is and how to capture a feeling, a person, or an occasion. I think photography is fun, I really enjoy taking pictures of people participating in events and interacting with each other. I love to do it."

"Erin is one of most sincere people I know. She is diligent and dedicated to her role as photo editor - from taking last-minute photos to staying late on deadline," said Journalism and Speech teacher, Rachael Abrams '07, who is also Adviser to The Bulldog Print. "Combined with her sweet nature, these qualities will bring her great success in the future!"

When living on the other side of the lens on-Campus, Erin has been an involved member and Captain of the Mock Trial team, a member of Students4Students, the Director's Assistant for the Theatre Club, and a Lady Bulldog Volleyball athlete. 

"Erin is an up-and-comer," said Assistant Principal, Dr. Tim Cloward.  "She is an incredibly focused and hard-working young lady who is coming into her own.  I've been deeply impressed with her willingness to devote so much time and effort to the things that don't come naturally easy to her and, with this type of work ethic, I expect great things for her in the future."

Erin, who graduated from Akiba Academy, chose to attend Yavneh to continue the dual curriculum of Judaic and General studies.  "Having a Jewish education has always been of priority to me and I decided that I wanted to continue that education through high school - Yavneh was a great fit," she said.  "I have enjoyed attending Yavneh, not only because I am able to continue my Judaic education, but also because of the very welcoming and devoted teacher and faculty that are the Yavneh Family."

"Throughout the year, I came to depend on Erin's quiet strength in my English classroom, a student who would calm any situation just by her presence," said English teacher, Bonnie Atkins.  "I was delightfully surprised when she wrote a screaming satire targeting the Texas 10 percent rule for college admissions. Her voice was loud and clear; no one should ever underestimate her ability to speak her mind and become involved when the situation requires it."

The daughter of Debbie and Garry, and sister to Carolyn '16, Nick and his wife Emily, Erin has grown up at Congregation Tiferet Israel. She is a member of BBYO's Jennie Zesmer BBG chapter, and has enjoyed being a part of this "great chapter, with great friends." For five summers, she's worked at Camp Simcha at the JCC, and last year she participated in a Texas A&M ExPLORE program, also taking time with her family to visit her brother, a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, based in Portugal.

Now on the March of the Living, the trip is Erin's first opportunity to go to Poland or Israel, she looking forward to getting a better understanding and visualization of what occurred during the Holocaust, and to celebrating Israel and its people, places, and culture.

Bound for Athens in the fall, Erin will continue to root for the Bulldogs, only this time they'll be those at the University of Georgia.   Intent on pursuing her passion for teaching, she's like to ultimately become a math teacher.  "I love working with kids and I've seen how much I enjoy when others learn," said Erin, who may well follow in the footsteps of role model, and her Grandmother Hanna Lambert, long an Akiba Academy educator whose passion for children has never waned.  " I have learned a lot from my teachers and they have been great role models in my life."

Erin no doubt will be one of those role models - someone her future students, and we her Yavneh Family, will learn from, appreciate, and always adore.   

Hers, is a life to be - always in focus!