St. Mark’s School of Texas alumnus named inaugural Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage and Honor Award recipient

Dr. David Vanderpool. Photo courtesy of LiveBeyond

St. Mark’s School of Texas has selected Dr. David Vanderpool, M.D., class of 1978, for the inaugural Lee S. Smith ’65 Courage and Honor Award.

The award was named after the school’s first Black student in the fall of 1964 and honors St. Mark’s graduates who demonstrate courage, honor, perseverance and justice. Vanderpool will be the first to receive the award during an assembly this Friday.

After graduation, Vanderpool pursued a career as a surgeon. He moved to Haiti following the 2010 earthquake and left his private practice to help the people of Haiti. There, he and his family established LiveBeyond, a nonprofit providing healthcare, nutrition and education to the at-risk community, according to the press release.

Vanderpool will address students, faculty and alumni at a special Upper School assembly at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 21. That evening, he will be formally recognized and celebrated at the annual Spring Alumni Dinner.