Homecoming: a treasured tradition for Pirates

The Mepham High School community had plenty to smile about at Homecoming last Saturday, as the Pirates cruised to victory in the big football game, and everyone, including one famous alumnus, celebrated at the annual parade.

Mepham takes in students from North Bellmore and part of North Merrick. Students, faculty, staff and area residents gathered at the school on Oct. 18 for the Homecoming festivities.

The celebration began at noon with the annual parade through Bellmore streets. Starting at Grand Avenue Middle School, marchers waived to the crowds lining the route along Newbridge Road and Camp Avenue.

Each class created a themed float for the procession, and the cheerleading squad, kickline team and band also marched. Members of the North Bellmore Fire Department, W.C. Mepham Alumni Association and North Bellmore American Legion Post No. 1749 also participated in the parade.  

One of the school’s former star athletes led the parade: Amos Zereoué, a former professional football player and Mepham Pirate. Zereoué set Long Island records of 5,360 total yards and 59 touchdowns at Mepham. He was also the first two-time Thorpe Award winner, an honor given to Nassau County’s best high school football player. He went on to become a Heisman Trophy candidate at West Virginia University and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1999, starting a six-year NFL career.

The current Pirates football squad extended its winning streak in Saturday’s Homecoming game, defeating the Westbury Green Dragons, 52-18.

At halftime, the crowd of Mepham supporters watched performances by the cheerleaders and kickline, in addition to the annual Homecoming Court crowning ceremony. Kevin Burns and Lisa Condoluci were named king and queen. Other court members were Alex Goodstein, Jake Friedenberg, Kelly Cates and Jessica Bortolussi.