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. The ceremony was then moved indoors at Bryant University until Covid hit in 2020. It was then moved outdoors again to Deerfield Park.

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.