The Hawk

Issue date: 3/19/08 Section: Features

West Philadelphia, born, but raised? Smith is rumored to have attended Gompers.

True or false, Will Smith attended Gompers Elementary School, adjacent to the Saint Joseph's campus.

If you said "true," you're probably part of the majority of students on campus who believe one of the most popular pieces of campus folklore.

The story has several slight variations, but the premise remains the same: Will "Fresh Prince" Smith spent most of his early childhood just feet away from Bellarmine Hall, at Samuel Gompers Elementary School.

Some versions of the story claim that the "playground where he spent most of his days" on the TV show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" was on Gompers property. Others claim that the basketball hoop featured in the show's opening was filmed there. One less daring story claims that Smith only spent half a year attending the school.

Despite the plausibility of these stories, they are all false. According to his publicist Heidi Schaeffer, Smith attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School on 63rd Street in Philadelphia.

The story's origins are unknown, but one account dates back to 2000. Since that time it has been perpetuated by Hawk Host tour guides as a way to spice up a boring portion of campus tours.

"When you are giving a tour the last thing you want is unresponsive or boring groups," said David Spain, '08, a Hawk Host for 3 years, "Parents remember things like academic programs and GER requirements, but kids don't care so they zone out. Students will remember a story like Will Smith."

Spain and other Hawk Hosts, who admit to telling the story on tours, are careful not to present it as fact.

"I have been sure to mention to potential Hawks that he probably did not go to Gompers and they should not expect to see the Will Smith on campus," said Bobby Cavinee, '08.

The director of the Hawk Hosts, Melissa English claims campus tour guides are not encouraged to spread the story.

"It's not part of the training. If people know about it then it's because they have heard it from others," she said.

The Hawk Hosts aren't the only group responsible for the story. Hearsay also plays an important role in the Will Smith myth.

"I never went on a tour, but I still know the story," said Jason Reinbold, '11. "I heard it from friends."

Many students, including seniors, were surprised to hear the truth.

" I just heard it from someone in passing so I never really questioned it," said Clare Paolantonio, '08.

Jeffrey Hyson, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, says that stories like the Will Smith/Gompers connection are "invented traditions" and are important to understanding the culture in an area.

"Communities make up stories about their past to suit their present," said Hyson. "These stories help us make sense of who we are. This particular tradition creates a more useful image of the school as a part of West Philadelphia."

The future of this story on campus is unknown, but some students still think that Will Smith will continue to have a place in our hearts.

"Everyone wants to be near a celebrity; they want a claim to fame," said Spain.

There may be one last reason Will Smith/Gompers has stuck around so long. "The story is just too good," said Cavinee. "Plus its fun to sing the 'Fresh Prince' theme."

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