The official themes for this year's Manhasset Homecoming on Saturday, Nov. 3, were "Community, Unity and Spirit." There was spirit in abundance, not to mention unity and an overwhelming sense of community, which culminated in a spectacular Homecoming Day.

Originally scheduled for late September, Homecoming was postponed due to the tragedy of Sept. 11. The program for the rescheduled day was planned to bring the entire community together to remember both the loss of family and friends and to foster a sense of community in Manhasset.

A rousing parade marched down Plandome Road that included the American Legion and representatives of The Booster Club, the Kiwanis, the Rotary and our police and firefighters. Among the dignitaries present were State Senator Michael Balboni, Supervisor May Newburger, Council members Doreen Banks and Tony D'Urso and Mayors Harry Nicolaides of Munsey Park, George Ferman of Plandome Heights, and Carlo Manganillo of Plandome Manor.

The High School Marching Band played a medley of patriotic songs including Yankee Doodle Dandy, America the Beautiful and It's a Grand Old Flag. Each high school class had its own float decorated with patriotic themes and a riot of red, white and blue. The freshmen invited everyone to "Jump and Jive with 2005." The sophomores promised that "2004 Will Blow You Away." The juniors were "Proud to Be Americans" and the seniors were "Red, White and Blue for 2002."

At the end of the parade everyone gathered at the Gazebo for a tribute to those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center. Mr. William Baxter of the American Legion led a Pledge of Allegiance and the band played the Star Spangled Banner. Mr. William Stark, principal of Manhasset High School, brought tears to the eyes of many present when he said, "we have paused to honor the memory of those who cannot come home. Their spirit is here with us now." Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lawrence Bozzomo congratulated everyone involved for making Homecoming more significant this year.

In honor of past, present and future graduates of Manhasset High School, the MHS Bell was rung three times. Winston Himsworth of the Class of 1959 represented the past graduates; MHS Senior Class President Dorothy Vlachos represented the present and Whitney Quackenbush of Shelter Rock and Caroline Leeolou of Munsey Park represented the future.

After a moment of silence The Manhasset Octet gave a beautiful rendition of America the Beautiful.

The culmination of the day was the Homecoming Dance at the high school. It drew the largest crowd ever. Sponsored by the SCA and billed as a fund raiser for a memorial to community members who died on Sept. 11, the dance attracted 469 high school students. Included in that number were residents who attend St. Mary's and other private schools.

Music was provided by DJ James Dunn, as well as by a band of Manhasset students called "Currently Former." There was pizza, soda and candy. There were hot dogs, chips, dips, cookies and pies. Gift baskets, CDs and lanyards were distributed. A coveted parking spot was raffled off to the delight of the winner, senior Lisa Tomasi.

Principal William Stark expressed his deepest thanks to Mrs. Semiramis Geiger, president of the SCA High School Parent Council, who was instrumental in the organization and planning of the evening. He said he was extremely pleased with the attendance as well as with the demeanor and conduct of the students, "who are to be commended for the excellent behavior that they demonstrated at the dance. It was a wonderful culmination of Spirit Week."

Each day of the previous week, students at the high school took part in activities encouraging school spirit and unity. Monday was Pajama Day; Tuesday saw a colorful array of clothes in red, white and blue. Wednesday brought out the Halloween costumes; on Thursday, everyone wore blue and orange, Manhasset's school colors. A pep rally concluded Spirit Week activities.

After the parade, the Gazebo ceremonies, the football game and the dance, Mr. Stark summed it all up saying, "The upbeat nature of these events were the result of students, parents and staff working together to make every aspect of Homecoming a success."