Local veterans were the guests of honor Friday morning, as the Smithtown West Rho Kappa (Social Studies Honor Society) held a very special breakfast honoring local vets and paying tribute to late veteran, Thomas Mooney.
Mr. Mooney was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He passed away peacefully on September 24, 2023, at the age of 76 years old.
Mr. Mooney was a very important member of the local VFW post, an important member of the Smithtown Community, and organizer of the VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Contest for local students grades 9-12.
High School West senior, Olivia Wolber, who had previously won the VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Contest, organized the breakfast.
"We came up with the idea for the breakfast and Mr. Mooney was such an important individual in our community, I'm so glad it turned out this well."
Smithtown West Rho Kappa raised $2,500 for the local VFW in honor of Mr. Mooney.
Senator Mario Mattera awarded Olivia a certificate of appreciation, and announced Mr. Mooney will be inducted into the NY State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame.
SCSD Superintendent Dr. Mark Secaur thanked the Veterans and others for attending. High School West Principal John Coady spoke about how he cherished his conversations with Mr. Mooney.
Among those in attendance were Assistant Superintendents Kevin Simmons, Paul Strader, Neil Katz and Dan Helmes, and Social Studies director, Dr. Charles Benvenuto.
A wonderful job by Olivia and Rho Kappa Co-Advisors, Nancy Stewart and Daniela McKee!
Head to our Facebook page to watch video highlights of the event.
