"In August 2016, I received a phone call from Lori Terry Blalock, the Director of Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. She explained that she had a gentleman who was interested in learning more about Spring Valley School and asked if she could bring him to see the school. We had just moved into our new building and in the process of renovating it. But I said certainly - I would love to share our story and have the opportunity to meet this gentleman. 

 

The next week, Lori introduced me to Mr. Lathrop Smith. The three of us visited for over two hours in the school auditorium that summer day. However, I thought I was going to share about SVS but instead I had the amazing experience of learning Lathrop's dyslexia journey. I was instantly drawn to his ability to overcome and lead a very successful life without the help of a specialized school or dedicated therapist! Lathrop attended school at Darlington, and Vanderbilt University, and went on to become a very successful engineering entrepreneur. He shared the amazing ways that he overcame the challenges associated with dyslexia. Since that initial meeting, Lathrop has served as a constant cheerleader, confidant and true friend.