The Herricks community showed its pride during the 2016 homecoming weekend, which featured an “Honoring America” theme.
Celebrations at Herricks High School kicked off with a pep rally, held on the afternoon of Sept. 16, that boosted excitement and cheered on the Highlanders in anticipation of an evening football game against the Sanford H. Calhoun Colts. Students, staff members, alumni, residents and other guests gathered on the field for a barbecue held prior to the game.
The team players gave their all and demonstrated great determination, sportsmanship and athletic skill. Musical entertainment was provided by the band, while the cheerleaders rooted on the Highlanders throughout the four quarters. Spectators and fans filled the bleachers, and some students continued a display of support that seems to have become tradition, proudly sporting painted letters that spelled out “Herricks.”
More highlights occurred during the halftime show, which included a performance by the cheerleaders and presentation of the homecoming court. Cheerleaders formed a path that nominees Joseph Carmody, Samantha Aloysius, Steven Gerazounis, Gianna Chan, Ashwin Palaniappan, Priyanka Kumar, Alan Ponieman, Chase McGahan, Haseeb Waseem and Julia Sombrotto walked through, two by two.
Assistant Principal Andrew Frisone announced each candidate and shared brief bios, and Assistant Principal Bryan Hodge officially crowned Samantha and Ashwin the 2016 homecoming queen and king. Principal Dr. James Ruck and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fino Celano, along with other administrators and members of the board of education, extended their congratulations and praise to these highly-regarded seniors.
As in past years, football players took homecoming as an opportunity to give back through charitable efforts. The team raised more than $1,800 in donations for the Stop Soldier Suicide organization by selling T-shirts during the week that led up to the festivities. Stop Soldier Suicide director Major Ian Fuller (US Army- Retired) visited from North Carolina to attend the game and participate in the opening coin flip. He was joined by Frank Wirth and Aaron Kim, Herricks High School alumni who have provided military service.
The events continued after the game, as students enjoyed a homecoming dance on Sept. 17.
Photo Caption: Stop Soldier Suicide director Major Ian Fuller was joined at the game by servicemen and Herricks alumni Frank Wirth and Aaron Kim. More than $1,800 was raised for this cause.
