Viewfinder: West Graduates Shine Despite Gray Skies

Despite gray skies and a walk across the soggy football field to receive diplomas, the West class of 2011 was in good spirits as they heard Principal John Coady speak the words they’ve waited to hear their entire senior year.

“The class of 2011, you have now graduated from Smithtown High School West, congratulations.”

Superintendent Edward Ehmann of the Smithtown Central School District and Board of Education President Robert Rossi presented diplomas to the graduating class in the hour long ceremony Thursday afternoon, bringing a close to the high school careers of the West seniors.

While the ceremony is a celebration of the high school careers of the graduates, the Concert Choir Seniors performed a rendition of “The Sweetest Days” by Vanessa Williams as a tribute to the parents and graduates to conclude the ceremony.

Before one final walk off the rain soaked football field, the students moved their tassels from right to left and then tossed their caps in the air in celebration of their achievement, leaving high school in their past with bright, promising futures ahead of them.