New Horizons memorial set for co-founder

"All children can learn."

Theresa Smith was saying it in Las Vegas long before it became a national catchphrase, said Kim Johnson, development director for New Horizons Academy. Nevada's only not-for-profit school for students with learning disabilities was co-founded by Smith, who died Jan. 13 at age 83.

At 10 a.m. Saturday, a memorial will be held at the school to celebrate Smith's legacy. The campus is at 6701 W. Charleston Blvd. At the request of Smith's family, Johnson said donations or remembrances can be made to New Horizons and its scholarship programs.

"She was an education pioneer. She was definitely a child advocate and a visionary."

Smith helped start New Horizons in 1974 and remained involved as a professor emeritus until she died.

Smith was a former principal at Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic School and an education consultant for St. Jude's Ranch for Children in Boulder City. She founded the Nevada Association for Children with Learning Disabilities and successfully lobbied for legislation to guarantee the right of children to an education that fits their individual needs.