Smithtown High School had a historic day on the anniversary of a historic day this past week.
For the first time in school history, Smithtown High School East and West junior varsity field hockey teams came together and hosted a Red, White and Blue-themed scrimmage to honor and remember the lives lost on 9/11.
The scrimmage held the day after that faithful day, on Sept. 12 at High School West. The game was led by High School West coach Sawyer Kessler and High School East coach, Katelyn DiDonato.
"It was great having them play each other and come together," Kessler said. "The girls loved it!"
The school was asked to wear red, white and blue the day before in recognition of 9-11 and they are proud to have the same colors as the American flag as their team colors.
On 9-11 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.”