Smithtown High School East’s held its 109th commencement ceremony on June 26 at the school’s football field.
Principal Robert Rose (pictured below) told the 376 graduating seniors, “What sets you apart, is your unwavering determination to push through, make adjustments, and keep fighting the battles that are worth fighting. Whether that be heading off to college, the military, a trade school, entering the workforce or just taking a gap year to find your path, you will all find your way.”
Smithtown Central School District Superintendent Mark Secaur also lauded the achievements of the students, telling them, “I was very impressed with your level of pride, commitment, and care to leave High School East a better place than how you found it. Rather than succumbing to early onset senioritis, you sought to leave a legacy for future students. For that, you should be proud.”
Honor Speaker Dylan Shen (pictured below), selected by his peers to speak, wanted his colleagues to know the number one thing he learned from his high school experience.
“I would like to tell you the most important thing that I learned in high school. No, not that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. It’s this. We’re not in the same boat. We’re weathering different storms. But, we’re in the same sea, and we sail together.”
Co-Presidents of the Class of 2024, Danielle Marturano and Avery Donnelly also spoke to their class and praised everyone’s accomplishments.
After each student received their diplomas, a turn of the tassels and a toss of the caps culminated the 2024 graduation ceremony.
