The Bill Smith III Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable man whose quiet strength, athletic talent, and dedication to youth left a lasting impact on the Wyoming Valley community. In his younger years, Bill was a standout athlete in football and basketball, earning him the nickname “the best-kept secret of the Wyoming Valley.” His natural athleticism and passion for sports continued well beyond his playing days, becoming an integral part of his life and identity.
Bill gave back to the sports that shaped him by serving as an assistant football coach at Bishop Hoban High School from 2003–2006 and later as a Dallas Youth boys basketball coach during the 2024–2025 season. He was also a proud member of the Forty Fort Lions, reflecting his commitment to service and community. Off the field, Bill was a devoted fan of the New York Giants, the New York Yankees, and the Penn State Nittany Lions — teams that brought him joy, pride, and countless memories with family and friends.
Each year, the Bill Smith III Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a Luzerne County graduating senior who reflects the values Bill championed: sportsmanship, dedication, humility, and heart—both in competition and in life.
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a graduating senior attending a public, private, or parochial high school in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania.
- Must have participated in two sports during their senior year of high school.
- Must be planning to attend an institution of higher education or technical-career training as a full-time student.
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
This scholarship honors Bill’s legacy and supports the next generation of student-athletes as they pursue their dreams with the same passion and purpose he brought to every game, every practice, and every life he touched.
