Granddaughter surprises grandmother with long-awaited yearbook dedication

A woman who suffered a racial snub decades ago is feeling some vindication, thanks to her granddaughter.

News 12 Staff

Jun 8, 2022, 2:59 AM

Updated 679 days ago

Share:

A Long Island woman who suffered a racial snub decades ago is feeling some vindication, thanks to her granddaughter.
Mary Smith graduated from a nearly all-white high school in Idaho in 1964.
She was anxious to see her photo in the yearbook, but when she looked, all she saw was her name.
Smith was one of only two Black graduates at the school, the other was a popular athlete.
Smith was the only student whose photo wasn't shown.
"And all of these years I've carried that," Smith says. "It's like, 'Well, my picture wasn't even in the yearbook, and they must have just tossed it.' That's how I saw it. They must've just tossed it."
Smith's senior photo is now appearing in her granddaughter's yearbook.
Arielle Carter, a senior at Long Island Lutheran High School in Brookville, decided to post her grandmother's photo on the dedication page of her yearbook.
She says her grandmother's story always stuck with her.
"You know, you learn about the history of Black culture and what we've been through, but when it's this close to you, it just, it hits home for everybody," Carter says. "I feel like people my age really need to look more into their elders to see, "What did they go through?'"
Smith says it was amazing that Carter "felt her hurt" and wanted to make it up to her as much as she could.
The grandmother got to finally see her photo in a yearbook on her 76th birthday.
"I just want to thank her for being the best granddaughter a grandparent could want and for being thoughtful and mindful of others' feelings," Smith says.


More from News 12
2:13
‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

‘Ashes and memories—that’s it.’ Brookfield fire victims get up close look at devastation; donation efforts underway

2:26
Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

Highs in the 60s and 70s this weekend; Showers tomorrow night

0:32
Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

Video released by CSP shows the moment a Connecticut state trooper is struck by a car on I-95 in Bridgeport

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:19
Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

Police: Philadelphia man faces charges for a swatting incident in Norwalk

1:58
New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

New Haven police preparing for Sunday's pro-Palestinian protest on the Green

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

1:27
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks will light up Bridgeport this weekend

0:49
Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

Beardsley Zoo celebrates Arbor Day

0:21
Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

Police: Man arrested for attempting to push officer during UConn protest

0:40
Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

Stamford Mayor discusses future goals during State of the City address

0:27
Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

Attorney General Tong urges UnitedHealth Group to take action following cyberattack

2:13
Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

Star softball pitcher returns to field following cancer treatment

0:33
Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Two East Hartford barbers rescue toddler from running into traffic

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

Patriots select quarterback Drake Maye with No. 3 pick in NFL draft

0:33
Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

Fairfield police: Bridgeport man arrested for car break-ins, possession of firearm

2:24
Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

Bridgeport officials plan to help residents without heat, hot water at Success Village

0:22
Gov. Lamont says confirms his picks for the State Board of Education

Gov. Lamont says confirms his picks for the State Board of Education

0:30
Police: New London man arrested for Gold Star Bridge crash in 2023

Police: New London man arrested for Gold Star Bridge crash in 2023

2:20
Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to immigrant health care

Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to immigrant health care