The magic of Homecoming

With the new school year and football season under way, it will be no surprise when the bleachers at Seaford High School are packed with students, teachers and alumni alike. The football team, as well as the spirit committees, have been preparing all month for the festivities that lie ahead. After all, it is Homecoming.

This Saturday, Sept. 26, Seaford will be hosting its annual Homecoming football game against the East Rockaway Rocks.

The game will start at 6 p.m. following the parade — which starts at 4 p.m. at the Seaford Public Library, heads up Washington Avenue over Sunrise Highway and ends at the football field. The game will be the Viking’s second home game out of four.

This year’s theme “The Magic of Seaford,” will resemble that of a Disney-type theme, with spirit events taking place every day of the week leading up to the big game.

And what a magical day it will be. This year, the community will be honoring senior Nico Fiorello at the Homecoming parade. Thousands of dollars were raised over the past several months to help pay for Fiorello’s medical expenses after an unexpected neck injury from diving into a sandbar at Jones Beach in May.

Fiorello, the grand marshal of the parade, will talk about his recovery and pay tribute to his family at halftime, along with a performance from the cheerleaders and pep band.

“Nico’s spirit is truly incredible and so optimistic,” said Seaford Athletic Director Thomas Condon. “When he was injured, everyone came together in support for Nico and Homecoming is indicative of that community effort.”

Seaford High School will introduce all of its fall sport players during the pep rally as well as announce the overall grade winner of spirit week.

“It’s really a great school event as well as community event,” Condon said. “It’s a real tradition here in Seaford.”

Other high schools in the area will be feeling the magical spirit too this Saturday, with Wantagh High School and MacArthur High School in Levittown also hosting Homecoming festivities that afternoon.

“Homecoming is an annual school and community event where we all come together and celebrate the Wantagh Warriors,” said Principal Carolyn Breivogel. “The air is full of spirit and pride.”