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.
Proceeding Ehmann were two other inspirational speeches given by the chosen senior honor speaker Robert Pinter and senior class president Taylor Trentadue.
With the amount of people attending and the high heat conditions, the school was sure to take the proper precautions, such as having the St. James Fire Department on hand in case of emergencies and having various water stations available.
Amongst the crowd proud mother, Eve Miceli, described that as a parent she felt both sad, yet excited for her daughter’s future.
“It is bittersweet,” said Miceli. “Despite the heat, there is a good atmosphere here today.”
