SMITHFIELD – The Johnston County Board of Education is expected to name the Smithfield Selma High School Soccer Field in honor of former coach and volunteer Earl Marett. Known as “Coach Earl” to students and players, Mr. Marett became involved with SSS soccer when his oldest child began playing on the team. Later, when a second child began playing, Coach Earl became even more involved, even after their graduation.
Coach Earl spend 30 years as a volunteer on the sidelines, assisting and supporting student athletes, and later as an assistant coach. He remained dedicated to the boys and girls soccer programs, both on and off the field.
Additionally, Earl Marett served as the Chairman of the Smithfield Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, was instrumental in the building of a community park and the Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center and, coached little league and Babe Ruth baseball, recreation softball, and basketball.
In January 2014, after 41 years of employment with human services, Mr. Marett retired as director of the Johnston County Department of Social Services. Sixteen of those years were spent at Johnston County Mental Health and 25 years leading the Social Services agency.
Mr. Marrett also served as Chairman of the Day by Day Treatment Center of Johnston County, a member of the Smithfield branch of the State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board, an elder with First Presbyterian Church in Smithfield and as a member of the Civitans’ Club.
The Board of Education requires all naming requests lay open for 60 days before the request can be approved. Formal approval is anticipated in August 2023.
It’s kind of funny how they let him volunteer coach and he was mot employed with the school I know lots of qualified parents that have tried and they have been turned down because they did not work for the schools. So no I don’t agree naming the field after him. Thank you for the service that you have done for our youth sir. But there is other parents that could have also been volunteers that have been turned down. Also let’s name this field after someone different
Man, I bet you’re fun at parties.
Speaking of volunteers, anyone know why there’s almost 20 positions posted for “art educators” across the district? Take a look at the requirements, they’re basically full time positions with school responsibilities and certifications.
The opportunity is there for you to offer other names for consideration. I have known this man when he was just Earl, not Mr. Earl. I think he has earned this honor, as his credentials have been mentioned in this post. Your comment sounds like someone wanting to toot his or her own horn. Convince someone to enter your name, and take your chances with Mr. Earl.