Smithtown Central School District students and faculty gathered on Sept. 11, joining together in remembrance of the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001.
High School East and High School West each marked the 24th anniversary with separate ceremonies.
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At High School East, Bill Coderre, a social studies and leadership teacher and Commander of the American Legion Post 833, hosted the ceremony which took place outside by the “Survivor Tree” which was planted years ago in memory of those lost during that tragic day. Superintendent Mark Secaur reflected on the “level of unity” the country shared 24 years ago, “a day where all gave some and some gave all.” Principal Paul McNeil told the crowd “today we stand together united…we remember the lives lost and the families changed forever.”
A commemorative wreath was placed by leadership students, and the somber ceremony was culminated by “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by students, Jaden Robinson, Madeline Tegano and Casey Wilkinson.
At High School West, a ceremony was conducted at the school’s Memorial Garden by leadership students. The ceremony began with a presentation of the nation’s colors by the Smithtown Fire Department Color Guard. The Color Guard was introduced by West Assistant Principal, Scott Johnson, a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. The gentlemen then placed roses by the flagpole in memory of those who lost their lives 24 years ago.
High School West student Corelia Comando then sang a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. Superintendent Secaur and Principal William Holl addressed students and faculty, and a commemorative wreath was placed in the Memorial Garden. Holl told the crowd that today was “a reminder of strength, courage, and unity...and it is a day to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and the amazing country we live in.”
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In attendance for today’s ceremonies were school assistant principals as well as Assistant Superintendents Kevin Simmons, Paul Strader, Neil Katz and Dan Helmes.
A special thank you to SCSD Director of Social Studies, Charles Benvenuto, for organizing these events. Please head to our facebook page for more pictures.