Herricks pride was widespread during the many festivities that comprised Homecoming 2017. Celebrations kicked off with a pep rally Sept. 15 at Herricks High School, followed by the annual community barbecue and he highly anticipated football game against the Hicksville Comets.
Students, staff members, alumni, residents and other guests gathered to cheer on the Highlanders. The bleachers and surrounding areas were filled with blue to represent Herricks spirit and support, and enthusiastic messages and cheers rolled through the stands.
The football players gave their field, which will soon be replaced with construction beginning soon, a proper farewell with a 33-0 victory. They demonstrated great determination, sportsmanship and athletic skill.
This year, the team raised funds through t-shirt sales to benefit the JJ Watt Foundation in support of those impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Texas.
Musical entertainment was provided by the band, while the cheerleaders kept the team and fans energized. The halftime show featured a performance by the cheerleaders and presentation of the homecoming court. Cheerleaders formed a path that nominees Benjamin Chase, Angela Chen, Thomas Haug, Kristen Collins, Michael Lee, Kelly Kim, Sibin Samuel, Concetta Mulé, Nicholaos Tsoumpariotis and Randi Sarf walked through, two by two.
Collins and Haug were officially crowned the 2017 homecoming queen and king and received applause from Superintendent of Schools Dr. Fino Celano, Principal Dr. James Ruck, Assistant Principals Andrew Frisone and Bryan Hodge and many other administrators as well as members of the board of education.
The events continued through the weekend with students enjoying a homecoming dance on Sept. 16.