Week in Review: Graduation for East, West Students

The students of the Class of 2012 at Smithtown High School West didn't seem to mind the scorching temperatures Thursday as they walked the football field for the final time as students at the school and received their diplomas.

The 97th Annual Commencement Exercize, while under temperatures in the mid-90s, went without a hitch, with ambulances and cooling stations available for anyone who could not handle the heat.

Amidst the scorching temperatures, friends and families filled the bleachers at Smithtown High School East to celebrate the 97th Annual Commencement on Thursday.

The ceremony started with a speech from Superintendent of Schools Edward Ehmann, who is said to be retiring this year, about life for the students after high school.

“You each have a clean slate starting tomorrow,” said Ehmann.

To battle the heat, the Smithtown Central School District has taken numerous steps to keep students and family members safe and cool for both the High School East and West graduation ceremonies Thursday.

Superintendent Edward Ehmann said the turf fields have been hosed down to lower the temperature, there will be cooling stations with fans and buckets of ice at the snack sections adjacent to the football field, misters will also set up and all students would have frozen water bottles at their seats.

Kevin Michael Lenihan, 58, a resident of Glen Allen, VA, died on Friday, June 1, 2012 at his parent’s home in Smithtown. While just recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Kevin also was battling back from a stroke last summer. Kevin graduated from Smithtown Central High School in 1971. 

Suffolk County Police are investigating the theft of tires and rims off a car at Competition Subaru in St. James. According to police, tires and rims were stolen from a 2012 Subaru Outback that was parked in the rear lot, located at 463 Middle Country Road. Police said a new Subaru jack was used to lift the vehicle.

Nestled between Fire & Ice Hookah Lounge and Imperial Kitchens & Baths on West Main Street in Smithtown is a now vacant standalone building, the former home to Fido's Fences. Zillow.com listed the 405 West Main Street address as a single-family home that spans 1,000 square feet on a 5,662 square foot parcel of land, with a rent estimate of $2,200 per month. The website also lists the property as not being for sale.