Smithfield High School

In 1962 the Rhode Island Department of Education recommended building a high school

in the Town of Smithfield. This idea, applauded by teachers, parents and students,

became reality six months later on June 18, 1963 when the voters of Smithfield approved

the construction of our SHS.

Built on close to 60 acres in the middle of Apple Valley, Smithfield High School would

be the first senior high school in our community. Until that time, students who were

promoted into the ninth grade went to nearby towns or private schools for their high

school education. In March of 1966, the first students walked through the doors of SHS.

The town rippled with enthusiasm when reporters greeted the freshman and sophomores

as they entered the state of the art building.

In 1968, the town eagerly anticipated the high school.s first graduation. The ceremony

was held in the courtyard, a popular place among all seniors who attend SHS. The first

graduates were colorful in the now traditional green and gold caps and gowns. Halfway

through the ceremony, the clouds opened and students, family and friends rushed into the

auditorium. Despite this misfortune, the tradition carried on until 2004. Since then the

ceremony has taken place at Bryant University.

The green and gold Sentinel has been synonymous with SHS since 1966. The mascot

was selected as an embodiment of our community that was incorporated in 1731. The

Sentinel reminds us of our heritage during our country’s colonial and revolutionary

periods. The colors, green and gold, were chosen during the planning of the school by

the first principal, Mr. Henry Shepard. After researching other schools, he found that this

combination was original to Smithfield High. This choice of green and gold surprisingly

deviated from the town’s colors of blue and white. These modest beginnings formed an

entire community spirit around our Smithfield Sentinels, adorned with kelley green and

gold.