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 was held on Sept. 12 at High School West and 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 American Legion Post 833, hosted the ceremony by the “Survivor Tree” planted years ago in memory of those lost. 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.” A commemorative wreath was placed by leadership students, and the ceremony concluded with “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by students Jaden Robinson, Madeline Tegano, and Casey Wilkinson.
At High School West, a ceremony began with a presentation of the nation’s colors by the Smithtown Fire Department Color Guard, introduced by West Assistant Principal Scott Johnson, a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve. Roses were placed by the flagpole, Corelia Comando sang the national anthem, and Superintendent Secaur and Principal William Holl addressed students and faculty before a commemorative wreath was placed in the Memorial Garden.