Smithtown High School East Debuts Its Wall Of Heroes

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Wall of Heroes at Smithtown High School East was debuted on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a news release from the district.

The wall honors Smithtown alumni — graduates of Smithtown High School East, Central High School and Smithtown Branch High School — who have served in any branch of the armed forces. The memorial wall honors people who have defended freedom in the United States.

It features each person's name, military portrait, high school graduation year and branch of military service. The digital display — which has seven different monitors — currently features more than 100 graduates.

"Thank you for your efforts in making this happen," said Smithtown Central School
District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mark Secaur via news release. "We all owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to our men and women who have served in our armed forces."

Smithtown High School East Principal Dr. Kevin Simmons welcomed guests to the ceremony, including members of the American Legion Post 833, VFW 10810, Michael and Vera Wertheim and guest of honor James Gouras, a member of the class of 1944.

Simmons thanked the Smithtown High School East leadership students, along with teachers
Morgan Tavis and Bill Coderre, who had worked on the Wall of Heroes during the last several
years.

"Despite the obstacles and challenges we have faced over the past few years, our leadership students perserved and continued to move forward following the lead of Ms. Coderre and Ms. Tavis," Simmons said. "Our leadership students stayed the course until this worthy and overdue mission was complete. This beautiful monument will proudly be displayed here at East for many years to come, reminding us all of the selfless acts and heroism of our alumni."