Smith is a former pupil of Abbotsford School and visits regularly, but there is nothing in the school to show the 28-year-old outside back was ever there.
So, in August, Logan Whitty (12) decided to write to his rugby hero, asking if he would donate one of his jerseys to the school, so it could be put on display as a tribute.
When Logan did not receive a response, he was unperturbed. He quietly dug in his heels and upped his game.
He used his privileges as ballboy during All Blacks, Highlanders and ITM Cup games at Forsyth Barr Stadium to sidle up to Smith and give him gentle reminders.
''Any chance I got, I just went up to him and said: `Remember my letter, Ben?'''Yesterday, Smith came through, and Logan's dream came true.
Smith presented the school with the All Blacks jersey he wore during the recent test against Argentina, and told pupils of its significance to him.
''The All Blacks jersey is special to all us who play in it. Hopefully, you guys will treasure it, too.''
It now takes pride of place in the school foyer.
While Logan was feeling pretty pleased with himself, he was frank and modest about his achievement for the school.
''I did this because there is nothing to say the mighty Ben Smith went to our school.
''Now there is.''
Principal Stephanie Madden said most schools advertised the fact New Zealand greats were once taught in their classrooms, by having a photo or a plaque in the foyer.
She was delighted Logan had single-handedly filled the gap in the school's memorabilia, and said it was fantastic to have something to show Smith was, and still is, a major part of the school and the surrounding community.
''Ben is very much part of the Abbotsford and Green Island area. He's very much a local person.''
Smith, who is being rested for the All Black test against the Wallabies in Brisbane this weekend, is to marry his fiancee, Katie Menzies (27), in January next year, in Wanaka.
