Allen Smith, Rocky Mountain Jr High

“He is incredibly supportive and does not discriminate. When I told him I started using different pronouns, he immediately started using them for me; no questions asked. Recently I started going by a different name, and I am no longer in his class because 1st semester ended. He talked to me in the hallway after hearing about me changing my name and asked what it was so that he could get it right, even though I’m no longer in his class. He’s just overall an extremely amazing person and he always makes class fun as well as making me feel safe and comfortable in his classroom. He is the first teacher I’ve ever felt comfortable talking to. He was one of the first people I told about my pronouns and the way he reacted helped me have the courage to come out to others. Mr Smith is the only teacher I feel safe being myself around. He’s so genuine and nice.”

-Max Butler