During the graduation ceremonies on June 27, the St. James Volunteer Fire Department joined the community in honoring the Smithtown High School East Class of 2026.

The department honored graduates with close ties to the fire service, such as Jack Amato, a third-generation volunteer who will attend Penn State on an ROTC scholarship, and Hailee Rannazzisi, a fourth-generation volunteer who will attend the University of Connecticut. Additionally, the department honored graduates who were getting ready to enlist in the US military.

The Class of 2026 was congratulated by department officials, who also praised the graduates for their commitment to future public service and community involvement.