“Mr. McGuire, congratulations!”
The unexpected phone call came as Smithtown High School West Principal William Hall reached Kristen McGuire’s father and put him on speakerphone, with his daughter standing beside him, ready to deliver a surprise.
“I have Kristen here with me, and she has some news she’d like to share,” Hall said.
“I got chosen as the honor speaker,” Kristen told her father.
For a moment, he was caught off guard, not knowing why the school had called. Then the news sank in.
“Oh my God, that’s awesome. Congrats,” he replied.
The call was part of a deliberate surprise arranged by the school so Kristen could personally share the milestone with her father in real time, capturing the excitement of the moment.
Kristen, a senior at Smithtown High School West, had just been selected by her classmates as this year’s commencement speaker, one of the highest honors awarded to a graduating senior. The announcement was made during the school’s annual Gold Cord Breakfast.
“It’s a big honor. I was a little surprised,” Kristen said. “I think people know I’m a hard worker, very diligent, and I like to think of myself as a leader.”
The Gold Cord Breakfast celebrates students who have achieved a cumulative 4.0 GPA, as well as those earning a 4.4 GPA and receiving Gold Cord distinction.
“Everyone in this room is an excellent representative of High School West. You’re all role models,” Hall said.
Assistant principals Scott Johnson, Derek Solomon and Kristen Schnall also attended to recognize the students’ achievements.
Looking ahead to graduation, Kristen plans to carefully craft a meaningful speech for her classmates.
Gold Cord recipients will be honored again May 27 at a ceremony with their families, where each senior will share their college plans and intended majors.