The Herricks High School Highlanders celebrated their homecoming football game on their brand-new field on Oct. 26, when the team took home a 14-6 victory against the Valley Stream Central High School Eagles. A variety of exciting events were held prior to kickoff, including a ribbon cutting ceremony for the synthetic turf field, track, comfort station, press box and bleachers that were all installed as part of the 2016 bond referendum.
In continuing Herricks tradition, a homecoming barbecue brought members of the community and district together at the high school. As the bleachers filled up with fans ready to root on their home team, members of the board of education and administration, Herricks Community Fund, PTA and Athletic Boosters and construction and architectural firms gathered on the field to acknowledge its completion.
They were joined by retired board of education trustee Christine Turner, Class of 2018 President Kaitlyn Louie and many honored dignitaries, including Nassau County Legislator Ellen Birnbaum, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Anna Kaplan, North Hempstead Town Clerk Wayne Wink, Jr., Mayor of Williston Park Paul Ehrbar, Former Mayor of Williston Park Doreen Ehrbar, Mayor of North Hills Marvin Natiss and former New York Jets player Marty Lyons.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fino Celano referenced the movie “Field of Dreams,” and shared the line, “If you build it, it will come.”
“This was truly a group effort to accomplish this wonderful goal,” he said. “Enjoy, and go Herricks!”
“Congratulations on your new complex,” said Mr. Lyons. “Use it, respect it and remember, chase your dream goals.” He shared three pieces of inspiration: “To dream anything you want; that’s the beauty of the human mind. To do anything you want; that’s the strength of the human will. Trust yourself to test your limits; that is the courage to succeed.”
The formal ribbon cutting represented a milestone for the district, and the cheerleaders then took the spotlight with a Herricks Homecoming banner. The football team, ready to take on their opponents with fortitude and sportsmanship, rushed through with exuberance.
The band performed throughout the evening, while the cheerleaders and spectators rooted for the Highlanders. The halftime show continued the high school’s time-honored tradition of presenting the homecoming court. With the cheerleaders standing on the sidelines to create a walkway, nominees from the senior class crossed the field two by two amid rounds of applause. Ian Gopie and Carly Adessa were crowned the 2018 homecoming king and queen.
Students and staff members were filled with school spirit earlier in the day as well, and an afternoon pep rally added to the excitement.
