Caps Off to The Smithtown High School West Class of 2019

SMITHTOWN, NY - It was a day of celebration at Smithtown High School West as the Class of 2019 celebrated the 104th annual commencement exercise on June 26.

Following the opening processional in which students marched onto the football field to "Pomp and Circumstance," co-class presidents Rebecca Farrell and Alexandra Nieto led the salute to the flag, followed by the jazz choir performing "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Grossane congratulated the graduates, not only for moving on to their next ventures in life, but for all they have contributed and for becoming role models for future generations to follow.

"We are so very proud of what you have accomplished to arrive here on this graduation day," he said. "Promise me you will always remember – you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. Always believe in yourselves and I wish you all the best that life has to offer."

Seniors were excited to graduate from Smithtown High School West and move on to thenext stage of their lives

Honor speaker Jonathan Pofcher followed by addressing his classmates, saying it’s impossible to sum up everyone’s high school experience in just a couple of minutes.

"We’re experiencing what’s called a period of liminality, a time between two stages in our lives," Pofcher said. "It’s uncomfortable and creepy, like being somewhere you’re not supposed to be. We’re not quite high school students and not quite college students, and that’s weird. We have the time to just think – to look back on the last 13 years."

Following Pofcher were co-class presidents Farrell and Nieto, each of whom shared their thoughts on the past four years and what’s to come in the future.

"We have felt the pressure as everyone watched…waiting and hoping that we would all succeed," Farrell said. "There may have been some obstacles along the way, but being here today, we have all made it to the end line. We won this game."

Honor speaker Jonathan Pofcher with co-class presidents Rebecca Farrell (left) andAlexandra Nieto

Smithtown High School West Principal John Coady then presented the senior class, and diplomas were awarded, with assistance from the board of education and school counselors.

After the concert choir seniors and the jazz choir performed "The Sweetest Days," seniors tossed their caps in the air and it was time to rejoice.

Congratulations to the graduates!

Once they got on the field, the anticipation built as seniors waited their turn to receive their diplomas

Students received their diplomas one-by-one, each with big smiles on their faces

Students showed off their diplomas after retrieving from the stage

Concert jazz seniors and the jazz coir performed "The Sweetest Days"

Photos courtesy of the Smithtown Central School District