Remembering Sept. 11

Hampton Bays Elementary School marked the anniversary of Sept. 11 with a Patriot’s Day memorial ceremony. During the annual event, students also paid tribute to and celebrated the 100th birthday of Sylvia Catena Smith, an active member of the Hampton Bays American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 924.

The fourth grade students read poems and essays that they had penned about what it means to be a hero and sang patriotic songs. They also shared Smith’s biography with the audience, followed by a flag raising in Smith’s honor. The Hampton Bays Fire Department also presented a Sept. 11 memorial wreath.

Sylvia Catena Smith was born in Hampton Bays on Sept. 11, 1924, and was raised in the Hampton Bays community. She attended Sacred Hearts Parochial School in Southampton and then Hampton Bays High School, from which she graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1942. She married Francis C. “Smitty” Smith in April 1947, and they raised their three children in Hampton Bays, all of whom also graduated from Hampton Bays High School. 

Smith began playing the organ for St. Rosalie’s Catholic Church at the age of 12 and continued doing so for 67 years. She worked in the Southampton Town Clerk’s Office and at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office in Riverhead as a senior bookkeeper and supervisor. In addition to be an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, she is also a charter member of the Catholic Daughters of America. 

The Auxiliary was founded in 1919, five years before Smith was born. Its mission is to support the American Legion and to honor the sacrifices of those who serve the nation in the military, both at home and abroad. The Auxiliary supports the community’s youth and promotes patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

Smith, a past president of the Auxiliary, has organized and run its bingo fundraising program through the years. Each year, the Auxiliary distributes red crepe paper poppies – a symbol of the veterans’ sacrifices – to raise money to support disabled and hospitalized veterans.

Smith has been a familiar face in local parades through the years, marching proudly with the Auxiliary. She has also collected supplies for both veterans and active service members to show them the community’s support from home.

She loves to read and spend time in her garden. She has six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, who she says have always been a great light in her life. At the age of 100, Smith is still going strong and expects to be around for many years to come.  

The Hampton Bays School District recognizes Sylvia Catena Smith for her commitment to her country, family and community and wishes her a happy 100th birthday.  

To read Smith’s full bio, visit: https://www.hbschools.us/Assets/24-25_District/091024_Sylvia.pdf?t=638615764955800000.

 

Photo caption: The Hampton Bays School District honored Sylvia Catena Smith, an active member of the Hampton Bays American Legion Auxiliary, during a ceremony on Sept. 11. Pictured with Smith are fourth graders Rylan Clemensen and Lyla Holden.

 

Photo courtesy of the Hampton Bays School District