Farmingdale High School celebrated it’s pride recently when it held its annual pep rally and homecoming. Parents and other community members joined the festivities as the school celebrated athletics and the arts in one big green and white party.
The pep rally festivities kicked off with an introduction by Dr. Samuel Thompson, principal of the high school, as he introduced each class with roaring applause and cheers. Thompson also introduced Dale, the beloved lion mascot, who will be played by Ralph Burney and Mathew Tolson throughout the year.
“Every year, Spirit Week and Homecoming demonstrate Farmingdale’s tremendous pride,” said Thompson. “The energy creates a positive and spectacular production that takes over our entire community.”
Before their big game against Uniondale, the Farmingdale football team was introduced to the crowd, with players announced one-by-one as they entered the gymnasium. They then ran through a banner and out of the school to go get ready to take the field. Also introduced during the rally was boys soccer, girls tennis, boys and girls volleyball, girls swimming, boy and girls cross country, golf and girls soccer.
The Homecoming Kings and Queens of each class were announced over the course of the night. Nick Ciaravino and Emily Bellando won the grand prize of representing the Class of 2020 as the king and queen. The Class of 2021 winners are Yazen Rabie and Olivia Wiser. Jack Capalbo and Jianna Colletti got the honors for the Class of 2022. Finally, Matt Pantorno and Alyssa Dayton were crowned for the Class of 2023.
There were a plethora of performances during the pep rally. Junior varsity and varsity cheer did their routine first, with captains Grace Hungerford, Elizabeth Hicks, Alyssa Ryba and Gina Valerio leading the charge. The Dalerettes performed next with the pep-band. The Dalerette captains included Cassie Fox, Sam Mahan, Megan Michael, Sam Nocerino and Zoe Leung. Drum majors included Arianna Anderson, Alexa DeLeone, Jonahan Doty, Paul Lloyd and Aidan Timko. The cheerleaders and Dalerettes had mulitple outstanding performances to get the crowd hyped up.
The Class of 2020 also had a dance of their own to present for the crowd. The finale had the Steppin’ Dalers capturing the crowd with their stomping routine, led by captains Amir Cambridge, Madison Outing and Escarlet Taravez.
When it came time for the game, a slow start vanished fast as Kevin Wilson scored three touchdowns and the Dalers cruised to a 35-7 win over the Uniondale Knights. At halftime, the Farmingdale Marching Band unveiled their new set, “High Hopes,” which includes the song originally sung by Panic! At The Disco.
The juniors were the overall homecoming winners and also won for their Spider-Man: Homecoming float. Meanwhile, the seniors were the Pediatric Cancer Donation winners.
“Homecoming is always a special time for the entire Farmingdale family to come together to not only support our football team, marching band, Dalerettes and cheer program, but it is also a great way to showcase our school spirit and Daler pride,” said Superintendent Paul Defendini. “Congratulations to all the coaches, advisors and students that made Friday a memorable night for everybody in attendance.”
