The Yucca Valley High School Hall of Fame committee has announced their 2025 inductee as Dr. Norman Smith DVM.
Dr. Norman Smith graduated from Yucca Valley High School in 1976 and from the University of California Davis in 1987. After graduation he chose to return to the hi-desert to open his own veterinary practice. Dr. Smith opened Companion Animal Clinic in 1990 and served his community and the surrounding desert communities for nearly 34 years until his retirement.
Dr. Smith’s impact on the community was not confined to his practice. He started the Yucca Valley Pet Fair which raises money for the Morongo Basin Humane Society. Dr. Smith established a Pioneer Pet Fund to support those in financial hardship so that no pet went without critical care. Dr. Smith was a regular guest at the YVHS Job Fair and hosted students in the job shadowing program at his clinic. Dr. Smith also served on the Yucca Valley Airport Board of Directors.
The community suffered a great loss when Dr. Smith passed away, unexpectedly, in February 2024.
Dr. Smith will be inducted at the annual YVHS Renaissance Awards ceremonies to be held on Wednesday May 21 at 6:00 pm in the high school gymnasium. Dr. Smith’s sons, Camron Smith and Taylor Smith will be accepting the award in his memory. The public is invited to attend and admission is free.
