Number of Participants: 200
Hours Donated: 4
Value of Time Served: $6,760
Event Type: Children & Youth
Sport: Volleyball
School: Smithtown High School-East
Date: March 5, 2025
Location:
Smithtown High School East
School Street, Saint James
NY
About:
The Smithtown Central School District came together on March 5th to celebrate the life and legacy of Valerie Kratochvil, a beloved junior at Smithtown High School East. In her honor, students and faculty faced off in a spirited “Volley for Val” tournament, featuring Valerie’s former field hockey and track teammates, athletes from High School West, and more.
Valerie was a dedicated student, athlete, and musician. She was a proud member of the Music, French, and Social Studies Honor Societies, with aspirations to join the National Honor Society. Her love for singing was unmatched—she participated in NYSSMA for three years and was part of the All-County Choir for two years. On the field, she excelled as a Varsity Field Hockey and Track athlete, also competing with Long Island Field Hockey club teams. She shared her passion for sports through the Athletes Helping Athletes club, always inspiring those around her.
The event began with a beautiful performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by the High School East Chamber Choir, setting the tone for an afternoon filled with love, remembrance, and camaraderie. East student Maggie Worontzoffaddressed the crowd, saying, “Let’s play today with the same passion and spirit that Valerie had, and let’s carry her spirit with us always.”
A raffle was held to support the Kratochvil family, with all proceeds donated directly to them. Valerie’s radiant spirit, kindness, and dedication touched the lives of everyone she met, and her memory will continue to inspire the Smithtown community.
