A night of pride and music at BOE meeting

Tuesday night’s SCSD Board of Education meeting was full of gratitude, pride, and music!

High School East senior Bradley Fils-Aime and his father, John, were recognized by Superintendent Dr. Mark Secaur and the Board of Education for their heroic actions during last month’s winter storm. The pair received official commendations and a standing ovation for their selfless act of courage in helping to rescue a father and son who had fallen through the ice at Gibbs Pond.

On January 25, as the storm raged, Bradley heard cries for help outside his home.
“I jumped over the fence and actually saw someone in the lake,” he recalled.
Bradley immediately called for his father, who rushed to the pond, while his mother, Erlande, dialed 911. According to Bradley, the father had fallen through the ice and his 12-year-old son, attempting to save him, also ended up in the freezing water.

Smithtown park rangers and members of the Nesconset Volunteer Fire Department quickly responded. Following their instructions, the victims crawled across the ice until rescuers were able to pull them to safety. Both were transported to a local hospital and treated for hypothermia.

Dr. Secaur pointed out that Bradley's efforts exemplified a core principle of The Smithtown Promise---You Are A Difference Maker.

Next, SCSD Director of Fine Arts, Victoria Hartman, provided an update on the district’s work in art and music while highlighting the talent and achievement of many of our amazing students and their teachers who were in attendance.

Ms. Hartman recognized  41 student musicians who have achieved the highest music excellence during the 2025-2026 school year.

The students invited have been selected for, and participated in the NYSCAME All County Ensembles, the SCMEA All County Jazz ensemble, LISFA 11-12 Orchestra, and the NYSSMA All State ensembles. They have truly made Smithtown Proud!