I realize some people are upset with the performance of goaltender Mike Smith this season.  Many of them would even suggest that he's been taken to school  by opponents when he lets one in.

This, however, is just too literal.  

LUCKY STUDENT SET TO ‘TAKE MIKE SMITH TO SCHOOL’
Goaltender to Visit Plumb Elementary School in Clearwater

TAMPA BAY - Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Mike Smith will visit Plumb Elementary School in Clearwater (1920 Lakeview Rd., Clearwater, FL 33764) on Friday, March 19 as part of the "Take Mike Smith to School" contest, sponsored by MetroPCS.  The winning student was fifth-grader, Samantha Dickuns. 

"We are extremely pleased to participate in the successful Take a Player to School contest for the first time," Lightning Senior Vice President of Corporate Sales and Marketing Partnerships Patrick Duffy said.  "We look forward to growing the contest in the future and would like to thank MetroPCS, as well as Mike Smith, for allowing us to offer this amazing event to Samantha and her classmates."

"MetroPCS is thrilled to team up with the Tampa Bay Lightning for the first time on this exciting program," said Mike Riley, VP/GM of the Central Florida region for MetroPCS. "The Take a Player to School contest provides local area students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend the day with their sports heroes.  At MetroPCS, we strive to not only support, but also enrich the lives of the communities in which we serve."

Smith will arrive at the school at 8:25 a.m. in order to participate in the school’s morning news and announcements broadcast over in-house television.  He will then move on to Dickuns’ classroom to answer students’ questions and sign autographs for approximately 22 students. 

The appearance will take about an hour, from 8:25-9:25 a.m.

Students in grades K-8 in Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties had the opportunity to register for the Take Mike Smith to School contest at any local MetroPCS store as well as during Lightning home games at the MetroPCS Client Services Lounge or Guest Services behind section 101 at the St. Pete Times Forum.