Blue skies and black and gold pride for Wantagh homecoming

Wantagh students, staff and community members breathed a sigh of relief on Oct. 28 when they woke up to bright sunshine, meaning this year’s homecoming celebration would be uninterrupted by rain. Postponed two weeks because of inclement weather, it ended up being a picture perfect day for a parade, senior celebration and football game.

The parade kicked off at Bunker Avenue and traveled up Wantagh Avenue, featuring local veterans, the Wantagh Fire Department, Wantagh Board of Education and administration, Miss Wantagh Court, homecoming king and queen nominees, cheerleaders, marching band, local youth sports leagues and more. The grand marshal was Wantagh resident and real estate agent Laura Memisha in recognition of her support for the schools.

One of the highlights was the class floats. This year’s theme was cartoons, and the four grades paid homage to “Cars,” “Scooby Doo,” “Toy Story” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” the latter designed by the senior class and winner of the float contest.

As the crowd began to fill out the bleachers, pregame ceremonies took place to honor senior members of the cheerleading squad, dance team and football team. Each student was escorted to midfield by his or her parents. Following the playing of the National Anthem by the band, it was time for kickoff.

The Wantagh Warriors had a decisive 35-0 victory over the Bethpage Golden Eagles. Announcer extraordinaire Bill Bogatz noted that this was the 42nd time the two teams have matched up in the regular season, and their rivalry dates back to 1954, the first season of Wantagh football.

The halftime show began with a performance by the cheerleaders. Hunter Fasano and Jessica Kornecky were named the homecoming king and queen, with Patrick Iskander, Maylani Lee, Eva Loughman and Brendan Yager rounding out the court. The marching band then performed its “Twos of the Tens” show, with assistance from the color guard and dance team.

The winners of a performing arts fundraiser got to give a pie in the face to Principal Paul Guzzone, assistant principals Nick Pappas and Christopher Widmann, and teachers Conor McCarthy and Deanna Pepe.