On January 27th, 2025, SHS lost a shining light of love and laughter: Brandon Toranga Smith, a senior who was set to graduate this May. Brandon remains a pivotal influence to our NJROTC company, color guard, and chess club, inspiring peers with his confidence and determination.
“No matter what kind of a day you were having or what’s going on, Brandon was always one person that would always be there for you,” says Ben Athenry, sophomore who had the pleasure of experiencing Brandon as a commander within NJROTC and as a dear friend. Together, the community of SHS breathes life into the memory of Brandon and the contributions he brought to our world.
Born in Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan on January 28th, 2007, Brandon always possessed a drive that translated to his astounding level of achievement in anything he put his mind to. From a young age, Brandon demonstrated a remarkable drive, evident in his achievements in martial arts, theater, and safety patrol club.
His versatility continued into high school, where he excelled in various activities. “When he was passionate about something, he was passionate. He would get everyone together and be a leader. He’d make sure that everybody had what they needed,” Athenry affirms.
Arriving at SHS in 2021, Brandon quickly became an integral member of both our color guard and chess club, rising to earn his position as color guard commander. He also served as vice president of our chess club. His hardworking nature and unwavering discipline made him shine in the leadership roles he achieved.
“He’s very punctual. He always got his work done. Even if he was super tired and he didn’t want to do all the work, he still did it all. He even helped other people with their work too,” illustrates senior Tyler Francis-Freel, companion and team member in NJROTC.
Brandon’s pride for his teams and the belonging he found within them was evident to all who knew him. “He inspired me to be more open to other people inside the NJROTC company and chess club. And when he led us, it was interesting because he didn’t lead like other people. The way he led was a [unique] way that got me going,” says sophomore Ismael Diaz, close friend of Brandon within Chess Club and NJROTC.
“He was a really smart person. So whenever I played him in chess, it’d be really difficult to beat him sometimes,” says Diaz. “I’d be this close to beating him, and other times he just beat me in five moves.” His innate talent and dedication made up the fibers of who he was.
Brandon was an inspiration to everyone who had the opportunity to be led by him. “He never lost confidence in doing what he did. And not only did he know what he was doing, he was also willing to teach everybody and guide you through the steps like a teacher, a mentor, and a big brother,” Diaz enthuses.
Among the many ways Brandon’s absence felt at SHS, his presence within our NJROTC Indian Company is deeply missed. “He was never not doing color guard events. He was never not leading drills. He was never not doing admin work,” stresses junior Giuliana Pixley, close friend whom Brandon met through NJROTC. “He was like my older brother. That was just kind of our relationship where I would pick up after him and he would help me. He’s gotten me in the position I am now.”
Brandon was widely regarded as a vital leader during his time as a Senior Chief. “He was the one communicating with people the most. He was the leader of the NJROTC,” Athenry explains. “For the first couple practices, he took me aside and taught me the ropes while everyone else was doing their own thing. So I was able to integrate with the team. He made an exception for me, so I was able to be successful,” Athenry adds.
Brandon attended countless ROTC events, including the Sail Academy in Virginia Beach in June 2023, where he immersed himself in a military lifestyle. “He told me he was at nearly a hundred events before he was in high school which is insane. I don’t know if those numbers are exact, but I definitely believe him,” laughs Athenry. These experiences complemented his adventurous spirit and passion for new challenges. Apart from the discipline demanded from his more intensive counterparts, Brandon was a naturally expressive and artistic spirit.
Brandon’s flair for fashion was evident in his stylish daily attire, which was tethered to his love for ballroom dancing. “His sister teaches at a ballet school. Once he started getting into ballroom dancing, he found that suits were more proper and fitting, obviously, for dancing. So he just started liking and collecting them,” Pixley explains. His extensive collection of suits was a testament to his devotion. He delighted in sharing stories about them with others.
Enamored by his ability to bring joy to any situation and manifest laughter out of even the dullest moments, many hold the memory of the warmth Brandon brought to the lives of others. “He was always one of the people that would ground you. I remember during some of my tough days, he would lighten the load up by bringing me like a record player to school, playing some Frank Sinatra,” Athenry says. “He was just really a funny guy and very extroverted. That’s what drew so many people in, he wasn’t afraid to speak to you. He would love to speak to you,” said a misty-eyed Diaz.
The impact Brandon had on not only our community at SHS, but on every person who had the privilege of feeling his infectious enthusiasm, is beyond words. The smiles he brought to others, as well as the one he shined to the world, will live on in the hearts of our community forevermore.