Stafford retires Dylan Smiths No. 15 jersey; Kickstart team honored for Oslo wins

The Stafford Municipal School Board used part of its Jan. 12 meeting to celebrate local student-athletes and longtime contributors.

Dylan Smith, a 2018 Stafford High School graduate who later played at the University of Alabama and was drafted to Major League Baseball, received a formal presentation as the district retired his No. 15 jersey. Coach Ellis introduced Smiths accomplishments in high school and college, and Dylan thanked family, coaches and the Stafford community for support. "This jersey represents belief, sacrifice, perseverance, and a community that never stopped believing in me," Dylan Smith said.

State representative Ron Reynolds and former city council member Felicia Evan Smith joined district leaders in praising Smiths character and role-model status. Trustees and the superintendent highlighted his roots in the district and encouraged current students to see his career as an example of what is possible.

The board also recognized Staffords Kickstart martial-arts program and coach Master G for an international showing. Master G described the teams performance at the 2025 World Martial Arts Games in Oslo, noting the group earned many medals (staff presented a detailed medal tally during the meeting). He said the team will compete next at the AKA Warrior Cup in Chicago and in Kentucky as it seeks qualification for the 2026 world championships in Abu Dhabi.

Trustees called the recognitions a reminder of the districts extracurricular strengths and the role of community support in students success. The board closed the segment by inviting families and community members to celebrate in the reception area after the meeting.