Smithtown High School East Graduation 2017

A total of 427 seniors graduated from Smithtown High School East during its 102st annual commencement this week.

On June 22, the graduates marched proudly onto the school's football field to “Pomp and Circumstance” and were welcomed by Smithtown School District Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Jennifer Bradshaw.

After all the graduates were settled in, Bradshaw spoke to the Class of 2017 about smart goals and dream-driven goals.

“You don’t have to pick one or the other for your goals,” she said. “Today, your graduation day, is a noteworthy accomplishment. But it is only one day that represents the culmination of 13 years of studying. You should be proud of the work that got you here. But as you embark on the next stage of life, consider not just your next goal, consider your next journey and how you want to spend that journey.”

Smithtown High School East Principal Dr. Kevin Simmons spoke next, urging the graduates to dream big.

“This is an unbelievably exciting time in your life,” he said. “All doors are open as you decide what your next chapter in life will be. Keep making informed choices and educated decisions. Continue to test yourself and stay committed to your beliefs because you know what’s best for you. We are so proud of your current accomplishments and we look forward to hearing all of your future successes as well.”

Student honor speaker Kyle DiPietrantonio, who is selected by the class instead of a valedictorian or salutatorian, took a moment to reflect on how far the class has come in the past four years at Smithtown High School East.

“These past four years, we have been working to create our own identity,” he said. “You have the power to make a difference. You have the ability to impact and influence. Leave your legacy.”

Senior class president Juneve Porciello addressed her fellow classmates and spoke about how graduation wasn’t the end but a new beginning.

“Today, we are not saying goodbye, we are saying hello to our future,” she said. “The days in front of us are what hold the greatest adventure. It’s time to take the next step in our journey.”

The 400-plus members of the Class of 2017 were then called to the stage one by one to receive their diplomas and pose for a picture before tossing their caps high into the air to celebrate the end of their time at Smithtown High School East.

Congratulations to the Class of 2017!

Photo Caption:

1, 4-5: Smithtown Central School District celebrated the accomplishments of Smithtown High School East’s Class of 2017 during its 102 st annual commencement exercise on June 22.

2: Smithtown High School East Student senior class president Juneve Porciello and honor speaker Kyle DiPietrantonio posed prior to the start of the Smithtown High School East graduation ceremony on June 22.

3: Smithtown Central School District central officer administrators and High School East administrators led the Class of 2017 onto the field for the Smithtown High School East commencement ceremony on June 22.

6: The Smithtown High School East Class of 2017 tossed their caps high in the air as they celebrated their commencement exercises on June 22.

Photos courtesy of Smithtown Central School District