Elmont Mudders Win Again

For the third year in a row, Elmont Memorial celebrated Homecoming in a torrential downpour. Though the weather tried to dampen the spirit of the event, the Elmont Spartans pushed on keeping the traditions on a high note. Soaked to the skin, the Spartans paraded with enthusiasm. "We're officially pro's," said one student. The first time the Spartans marched in the rain they almost practically floated away. Many of the floats went with the wind, floating to parts, as yet, unknown. Experience is a wonderful teacher. This time, the floats stood firmly, proudly, and defiantly, withstanding the buffeting wind and pelting rain. The Spartans strutted their stuff. "Heard of the Electric slide?" asked a senior. "Well, we're doing the water slide," he laughed. The drums boomed with the beat "one, and a two, and a splash, splash, splash!" Off he went with a great big grin.

The parade is the culmination of many weeks of preparation. Almost immediately, within the back to school hustle, planning and building of floats begin for the Homecoming parade. Parents, teachers, and students work many hours, after school, in anticipation of the big Homecoming Day. During the week before the Parade, Spirit Week, there are contests. During this week all grade levels, and clubs try to surpass each other in a show of spirit, fun and sportsmanship. The festivities begin with a hallway decoration contest around the selected theme. The theme for this year was "A Hollywood Homecoming." The first prize went to the 7th-grade, second place to the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), and third went to the eighth grade. The contests are very competitive. What is at stake? The winners receive $25 added to their club or class treasure. The other contests were hat day, college t-shirt day, pajama day (what a sight that was), and school color (green and white) day. The winners of the Spirit Week contests were 12th grade, in first place, 9th grade in second, and 8th grade in third.

Each parade float and banner must pass judgment. The winners of the banner contest were: FLHS (Foreign Language Honor Society), which took first place, National Honor Society, which took second place, and the Art Honor Society which took third place. The winners of the float contest were: 12th grade in first place, 11th grade in second place and 9th grade in third place. The Sportsmanship award went to the 10th grade.

The Elmont Spartans (now nicknamed mudders) battled Port Washington for the win in ankle deep mud puddles, and rivulets. The Spartans defeated their soggy opponents 23 to 14. The Homecoming King, Paul Woitko, and Queen, Sinu Kurian, accepted their crowns as if the sun shone brightly. The sun was shining, in all Spartan hearts. It was a wonderful week and a great day in spite of the deluge.