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Smithtown Central School District
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School District
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Tears of joy and smiles of pride at Moving Up ceremonies

June 26, 2025

Students throughout the Smithtown Central School District enjoyed wonderful "Moving Up" ceremonies this week.  With families (and tissues) in hand, students received their certificates of achievement as they get ready to move on to their next chapter in education.

At Nesaquake Middle School, Principal Daniel McCabe told the audience that, “These students have accumulated roughly 4000 hours of learning over three years, but that’s just the beginning of their story...We are celebrating a moment when pattern recognition becomes intuition, when social navigation becomes emotional intelligence, and when curiosity transforms into intellectual hunger….The question isn’t if you are ready for high school, it’s whether high school is ready for who you have become.”

Great Hollow Middle School Principal John Scomillio addressed his graduating class, saying in part, "Remember learning and education can help you change the world, become a better person and eliminate your fears.  I encourage you to make the most of your mistakes, learn from them and realize your dream.”

Administration for the SCSD were also on hand at these ceremonies, including Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Dr. Kevin Simmons, who told the class at Great Hollow, “You’ve demonstrated everything you needed to do to be successful….Find out what your interests are and then follow all the clubs, all the activities, all the opportunities that are there for you because high school is all about choice.”

Head to our district Facebook page for more pictures!

Student smilingStudents smiling

Student smiling

John Scomillio speakingStudents smiling

Students on stage

Students smiling