Calhoun hosts Homecoming fest

The Calhoun High School faithful joined together Saturday for a venerated fall tradition, Homecoming, a football game and festival that capped a week of school-spirited doings at Calhoun.

The fun began last Tuesday, which was “Pajama Day” at Calhoun. On Wednesday, students and staff wore pink in support of breast cancer awareness. Thursday was “Twin Day,” a day for pairs of students to dress up as twins. On Thursday night, staff decorated Calhoun’s hallways in blue and gray for Friday — “School Colors Day.”

Students were back at Calhoun on Friday night for a pep rally, at which student-athletes took to the football field as a presenter called out their names and a DJ played pump-up music to the supportive crowd in the bleachers. The school’s cheer squads also showed off their dance routines.

Saturday’s 3 p.m. football game between the Calhoun Colts and the Elmont Memorial High School Spartans was preceded at 1 p.m. by “Colt Fest.” Bands played, a DJ spun, cheerleaders cheered, student clubs manned tables, people had their faces painted and many ate cotton candy or homemade baked goods that were on sale. The cheerleaders ran a quick “cheerleaders-in-training” tutorial for North Merrick elementary school children, who signed up for the program through the North Merrick School District. And Jennifer McElwain and Landon Cooper were crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen and King

Elmont prevailed over Calhoun on the gridiron, 38-10. The play was mostly lopsided — Elmont star Kendall St. Louis returned the opening kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown, and Elmont finished the first half up 32-7.

Despite the game’s final score, Calhoun Principal David Seinfeld still categorized Homecoming a success.

“It’s a festive atmosphere,” said Calhoun Principal David Seinfeld. “Sometimes younger brothers and sisters come, sometimes teachers bring their kids. It’s a lot of fun. A lot of alumni come back, it’s good to see them again … It’s a community event; it’s more than just a football game.”