Prilutski and Vessell Receive Charles "Harrison" Smith III Award
The last time Sandra and Charles Harrison Smith Jr. saw their son was at his LFM graduation in 1999. Charles "Harrison" Smith III, 27, was killed in a car accident several weeks later while enroute to his new job at Dell, Inc. in Austin , TX .
Charles "Harrison" Smith's family was in town to honor the recipients of the annual LFM Award named after him. From L-R: his sister, Sandee Story; his nephew, George Story; his mom, Sandra Smith; his dad Charles Harrison Smith Jr.; and award winners from the LFM Class of '06, Aimee L. Vessell and Christy Prilutski.
The Smith family returns to MIT each spring, however, to remember their only son and to pay tribute to the recipients of an annual honor known as the Charles "Harrison" Smith III Memorial Award. This year's award was presented on May 3 to two members of the LFM Class of '06 – Aimee L. Vessell and Christy Prilutski. The award was created by Smith's LFM classmates as a way to remember his lasting contributions to the LFM program. Each class has the opportunity to nominate peer students who they believe have made outstanding contributions to the LFM program that year.
This year's class had bountiful reasons for selecting both Vessell and Prilutski. Vessell, of Chicago, has an environmental engineering background, and a love of sports and social events. "There isn't much I can think of that Aimee doesn't do," wrote one classmate. "Plant tour flight coordinator…Leadership committee member, softball captain, hockey player, Frisbee player, golfer, fantasy baseball manager…I'm sure there's more."
"She makes everyone feel like part of the LFM team," wrote another. "She spearheads many social functions, including softball, baby showers, happy hours and more."
Prilutski, of West Chester, PA, who has a chemical engineering degree, is involved in at least five different sports, and still finds time to serve on the Admissions, and Strategy & Vision committees. "Outside of class, she has thrown herself into multiple roles within the LFM community. She was the first to bring our attention to the financial situation of the program through her work in the Strategy & Vision committee," wrote one classmate.
Rob Mosher, LFM '99, a good friend of Smith's, says the peer award gives LFMers the chance to reflect on their classmates' contributions. Mosher reflected on Smith's demeanor, team qualities, and constant smile. "He helped build the character of our class."
Vessell and Prilutski seem well-suited to carry on those qualities. "This is pretty special. I think every one of us contributes in so many ways," Vessell said. "It is not only an honor to follow in the footsteps of someone like Harrison Smith III, based on the wonderful things we've learned about him, but it is also a rare and touching experience to get some open and warm feedback from your peers." Prilutski agreed, and immediately got in a plug for an upcoming softball game against the LFM '05 class.
Smith's parents, who flew in from North Carolina for the presentation, were also joined by their daughter Sandee Story, and her son, George Story, 15. Smith was also survived by his wife, Samantha Thompson Smith, who could not attend the ceremony.
Sandra Smith says the award is a way to remember all that was special about her son. She says award recipients should ideally have an "appreciation for all things in life." Her son encouraged all people – including his nephew George – to do their best at all times. George Story said he has fond memories of his uncle taking him swimming at the beach, and gently buoying him on to swim in the deeper water.
Mosher summed it up best, as he noted that, "Harrison's love of life was contagious."