Smithtown High School East graduates Class of 2025; ceremony honors late student and retiring administrators

Principal Robert Rose formally conferred diplomas on the Smithtown High School East Class of 2025 onstage, declaring the seniors graduated “with the full authority of the State of New York.”

The ceremony on behalf of the Smithtown Central School District included an address by Dr. Kevin Simmons, the district—s assistant superintendent for instruction and administration; an honor speech by student Robbie Echata; remarks from senior class president Alexandra Guardiano; a moment of silence for Valerie Cradoville, a member of the Class of 2025 who died last year; recognition of retiring administrators; and musical performances by the senior chorus under Mark Hegernes.

Why this matters: Commencements mark the official completion of high school requirements and are formal acts governed by state authority. The ceremony publicly recognized individual students' military commitments, honored a deceased student, and acknowledged administrators retiring after long service to the district.

Principal Robert Rose opened remarks identifying graduating students and thanking staff and families. Dr. Kevin Simmons told graduates, “It is my distinct honor and privilege to be part of this incredible celebration as we recognize the Smithtown High School East Class of 2025,” and urged them to remain lifelong learners and engaged community members.

Honor speaker Robbie Echata told classmates they would be remembered for their passions and relationships, saying, “You are not defined by your grades.” Alexandra Guardiano, senior class president, reflected on the class—s four years and thanked teachers, family and peers.

The program included a moment of silence for Valerie Cradoville and a tribute recognizing graduates who intend to serve in the U.S. armed forces; Principal Rose named flag bearers and thanked those students. The ceremony also recognized long-serving staff and administrators, including assistant principal Michael Lisi, who attendees were told is retiring.

In the ceremony—s closing moments, the principal led the traditional tassel turn and declared the graduates finished: “With the full authority of the state of New York, I ask that you, the 2025 Smithtown High School East senior class, move your tassel from the right to the left. And I declare that you have now graduated from Smithtown High School East.” Following the declaration, diplomas were presented and the senior chorus performed.

The event combined ceremonial, memorial and celebratory elements: state-authorized graduation, public remembrance of a deceased student, recognition of military-bound graduates and acknowledgement of retiring staff. No formal policy, budgetary or legislative actions were taken during the ceremony.