Student Spirit Shines at Harborfields Homecoming 2013

By Beth Izzo

Students, staff and community residents of the Harborfields Central School District gathered in late September for the district’s annual homecoming celebration. The high school held its annual pep rally and bonfire on Sept. 20, capping a week full of spirited activities that had included a dodgeball tournament, the HF Idol competition and the traditional homecoming dance. Among spirited performances by the varsity cheerleaders and kickline, seniors Carli Clementi and Tanner Morrow were crowned homecoming queen and king, respectively.

The “family” celebration carried into the next day for the annual homecoming parade and football game. The parade featured class floats decorated to the theme of “Save the Music.” The freshman class portrayed a ’50s sock hop, while the sophomores colorfully decorated their float to the theme of reggae music. The junior class took a Western approach with a country theme, and the seniors rocked it out with a rock ’n’ roll float. In addition to the parade taking on a musical theme, the homecoming celebration was tied in with the Save the Music charity. Each class planned numerous fundraising events to support the nonprofit organization, whose mission it is to restore instrumental music education in the nation’s public schools and to raise awareness about the positive impact that music has on a child’s educational career.

Following the parade, the Harborfields Tornadoes football team took to the field against Deer Park. The varsity cheerleaders, marching band and kickline kept the momentum going throughout the game, and a halftime “dance competition” among the grades drew many laughs and cheers from the crowd. While the team was ultimately defeated, the spirit and energy of everyone in attendance could not be dampened.

According to Harborfields High School Principal Dr. Rory Manning, “The numerous activities flawlessly planned and executed by our student government and leadership students brought our high school family together in so many ways. Moments like these are what bind our school community together, creating a sense of belonging that is so essential to the academic success and social development of our students.”