Smithtown HSW Commencement Speaker Chosen: 'It's A Huge Honor'

SMITHTOWN, NY — Stephen Jung was selected as the commencement speaker of the Smithtown High School West Class of 2023 after a peer vote, the school district announced.

At the annual 4.0 breakfast honoring students who have achieved a 4.0 GPA all four years of high school, Smithtown High School West Principal John Coady lauded the accomplishments and dedication of the seniors.

"You embody everything we speak of and represent," he said. "You are the people who make
our school such a great place. You are the role models for figure generations, and we can’t thank you enough."

The students then cast their ballot for whom would represent them at graduation, and Jung was the choice.

"It’s a huge honor that both my peers and my friends thought that I was acceptable to speak at this year’s graduation….the best is yet to come," Jung said.

Jung has a 4.65 weighted GPA, is president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, co- president of the National Honor Society, president of the Red Cross Club, officer of the National English Honor Society, editor-in-chief of the Penumbra Literary magazine, president of the Chamber Music Society, principal violist of the Symphonic Orchestra, All-State violist, member of Pit Orchestra, member of Quiz Bowl and Science Research student.

Smithtown High School East students are set to select their honored speaker next month.