Commack Student Will Represent NYS As A Delegate To 2015 National Youth Science Camp

Commack Student Chosen to Represent State at National Science Camp

Chantel Yang (Commack High School) is representing New York State as a delegate to the 2015 National Youth Science Camp. She is joining the top science students from across the nation and around the world for an acclaimed honors science leadership program taking place this month in Washington, D.C.

The NYSC is a month-long summer honors program held at Camp Pocahontas, located in the West Virginia Mountains. Program delegates study with and attend guest lectures by first-rate scientists from across the country, and meet science policy makers. A luncheon is hosted by West Virginia Senator, Joe Manchin. The featured speaker is Dr. Francis Collins, director of the National Institutes of Health and the leader of the Human Genome Project.

The delegates will also engage in outdoor activities, including hiking and camping, rock climbing, and mountain biking. The camp experience concludes with a trip to the nation’s capital, where delegates will tour the city’s museums and landmarks. Delegates will also have the opportunity to meet their state’s Senators. Congratulations to Chantel Yang for being chosen to participate in this nationwide program!

In photo, science mentor Richard Kurtz, Director of Science Alison Offerman Celentano, and Commack High School Principal Catherine Nolan congratulate Chantel on being chosen to represent NY at the National Youth Science Camp. (Photo by Brenda Lentsch)

The 350 Celebration Continues With Tuesday Performance Of "A Smithtown Celebration"

Smithtown Community Band Assistand Director Bradley S. Hartman (photo google images)Smithtown’s 350 Anniversary celebration continues on Tuesday, July 7th when the Smithtown Community Band performs  A Smithtown Celebration composed by Bradley S. Hartman in recognition of Smithtown’s 350th anniversary.  

Mr. Hartman is the assistant conductor of the the Smithtown Community Band and has served in this capacity since 2012. He began working on A Smithtown Celebration in 2014 after thinking about Smithtown’s history, especially the legend of Richard “Bull” Smythe and his ride on a bull. Legend has it that the ride became the boundary of the Town of Smithtown. In addition to its history Brad considered present day Smithtown, its parks, wildlife preserves, Nissequogue River and the Long Island Sound.  

A Smithtown Celebration opens with a heroic fanfare and transitions into an exciting ride through the town.  Whisper the Bull is symbolized throughout the piece with a percussion part written for anvil or brake drum. There is an adagio section.  Smithtown’s parks and wildlife preserves are musically represented by a solo flute and english horn. The final section recreates the excitement.  

A Smithtown Celebration will be performed at the first and final 2015 Smithtown Community Band performances. 

The Smithtown Community Band performs Tuesday evenings at 8pm throughout the month of July. Performances are held at the Frank Brush Barn at 239 E Main St., Smithtown 631-265-2100. The performances are free to the public. Attendees are requested to bring a non-perishable item to be collected by the Smithtown and Sunrise Rotary Clubs. 

Arrest Made In Kings Park Shooting

Suffolk County Police today arrested a man after he robbed a woman and shot a man in Kings Park earlier this week.

Gavin BensonGaven Benson was a guest at Amal Cummings home, located on Old Dock Road in Kings Park, on July 1, when he pointed a gun and demanded money from Cummings and her friend Henry Wrobel, 29, of Brentwood. Cummings complied and gave Benson money. Benson then shot Wrobel once in the leg and fled the home at approximately 11:15 p.m. Wrobel was treated at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown and later released.

After an investigation, Fourth Squad detectives arrested Benson today on Northridge Drive in Coram at approximately 4:45 p.m., without incident.

Benson, 16, of Middle Island, was charged with Assault 2^nd Degree, Robbery 1^st Degree, Attempted Robbery 1^st Degree, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2^nd Degree. He will be held overnight at the Fourth Precinct and scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on July 4.

A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Smithtown HSE Commencement - Congratulations Class Of 2015

Seniors Celebrate Smithtown HSE’s 100^th Commencement

Seniors at Smithtown High School East celebrated the school’s 100^th annual commencement exercise on the football field on June 24.

After the processional to “Pomp and Circumstance,” senior class President Danielle Laurenti led the salute to the American flag. The senior class high concert choir then performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” 

Principal Edwin C. Thompson congratulated the seniors on all they’ve accomplished in their four years at Smithtown East, and wished them best of luck in the future. 

“We are gathered here to celebrate your closing chapter in high school,” Thompson said. He quoted President Woodrow Wilson, who said the following words 100 years ago: “The only use of an obstacle is to be overcome. An obstacle is not used to frighten [people], but to challenge them.”

Both Danielle Laurenti and honored speaker Brian Righter spoke to the graduating class about their experiences, and Laurenti even took a selfie from the podium, which she said is the most cherished one she’s taken. 

“We have accomplished so much in just four years,” Laurenti said. “We have forged strong bonds and made memories that will last a lifetime.” 

“Together, we have overcome countless challenges,” Righter added. “But I ask that what you remember is your triumphs. Remember the camaraderie you shared and the culture we have created.”

Smithtown HSW Commencement - Congratulations Class Of 2015

West Grads Mark a Milestone Commencement 

 Smithtown High School West held its annual commencement exercises on Robert Pratt Field on June 24, with the Class of 2015 sharing the honor as the district’s 100^th graduating class along with their High School East counterparts.

HSW Principal John Coady thanked parents, Board of Education, central administration and HSW staff, in particular the guidance counselors, for all of the support they have provided the Class of 2015 throughout their four years at West.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Grossane, who is completing his first full academic year at the helm of the Smithtown CSD, also thanked staff and parents. Dr. Grossane shared his own personal sentiments as a parent whose son will also graduate from high school in the coming days.

“It seems like only yesterday I was dropping him off at kindergarten… right parents?” asked Grossane. “How quickly time passes.” A former kindergarten teacher, Grossane also shared how many of the basic life lessons are learned early on in a child’s education can be transferable to adulthood. He left the grads with this: “No matter how old you are, whenever you go out in the world, it’s best to hold hands and stick together.” 

Honored speaker Rebecca Cheng shared her thoughts on success and how often success can be misconstrued by the need to meet unrealistic goals. “Life is about the final success for yourself and understanding that success is a continuous process. There is no one goal in life that will guarantee you happiness if you reach it,” said Rebecca, who touted progress and resiliency as strong indicators of success. She advised that being a kind person and taking a step back and looking at life can get you farther than racing toward a fabricated finish line. 

“Everyone here has the ability to change something they touch,” said Rebecca. “The world won’t change overnight, but we all have the ability to change the world around us in small ways, on a daily basis.”

Class co-presidents Cameron Daleo and Ian Lesnick reminisced about their years in the district, from moving up to middle school to their final days at HSW. They took a moment to turn their backs to the audience to take a selfie with Rebecca and the Class of 2015, seated on the field. 

In keeping with tradition, select seniors from the HSW concert and jazz choirs presented a vocal tribute to their first teachers — their parents — as described by Principal Coady.

Board of Education President Chris Alcure joined Dr. Grossane in presenting the Class of 2015 diplomas. Once the last diploma was awarded, Coady conferred the graduates, and the new HSW alumni turned their graduation tassels before hoisting their caps into the air in celebration. They then departed Pratt Field, embracing family and friends, many bidding farewell as they prepare to write the next chapter for their own stories of success.