Sewanhaka High School inaugurated Homecoming weekend with its traditional pep rally last Friday evening. Students, faculty and alumni arrived in droves to recognize the school's athletic achievements. A crowd of over 200 reveled in the festivities, which celebrated Sewanhaka High School pride.

Exuding zeal for Sewanhaka the crowd was fired up and enthusiastically cheered for the coaches. Each coach expressed a great deal of pride for the members of their respective teams, gratefully acknowledging the students, faculty and administration for their support.

As school spirit permeated the night air, the Sewanhaka cheerleaders executed back handsprings and danced in perfect unison to heart-pounding music. The crowds continued to cheer and applaud when the Rockettes performed a high kicking, precision dance. The band enthusiastically played throughout the festivities, which culminated, with the lighting of the bonfire.

On Saturday the Homecoming King and Queen, Peter Pollani and Emily Russo, and their court assembled with the band, and faculty for the traditional Homecoming parade. Familiar board games came to life as students proudly marched beside their class floats. The school spirit and commitment to excellence was reflected in their reecreations of Scrabble, The Game of Life, Monopoly and Candyland. Sewanhaka parents Mr. and Mrs. Antonelli, Mr. and Mrs. Deminray, Mr. and Mrs. Tripani and Mr. and Mrs. Benedetto kindly offered their hospitality to the hoards of Sewanhaka students invading their homes. While these young people blasted their music, chatted away and diligently built their floats, these parents offered moral support and sustenance into the wee small hours of the night.

Crowds lined up along the parade route eagerly snapping pictures of friends and family. The Sewanhaka tradition remained strong throughout many in the crowd. Proudly marching along side the students, Sewanhaka Principal Debra Lidowsky and Assistant Principals Val Angelillo, Luigi Farina and Mike DeCristofaro reaffirmed Sewanhaka's commitment to excellence and student involvement. For many enjoying Homecoming for the first time proved it to be an exhilarating and personal experience. Seventh graders found the experience "great." Thus, the tradition of Sewanhaka pride will continue to be passed down to generations into 21st century.