Homecoming at H. Frank Carey High School is one of the most anticipated events for students, faculty, and members of the community. With our wonderful band, our play-off bound football team (hopefully), the talented cheerleaders, the color guard, the Pirettes, and, of course, the amazing mascot, this past weekend's Homecoming parade and football game were part of one of the most festive affairs ever held at Carey.

The day was beautiful to begin with. The streets were filled with orange and black uniforms, signs, and even a festive orange and black puppy. People of all ages came out dressed in their best costumes to cheer on the parade.

Starting off the day was our well-prepared parade, and since the theme was "Decades," people felt as if they were walking through a time machine. The students of grades 9-12 put much time and effort in making their floats look their best. The first float, made by the Class of 2002, was decorated with a 1920's theme. For their float, they created a decked out Model-T Ford. The students even dressed up as flappers and gangsters, representing the Roaring '20s.

Next off, the Class of 2001 took us back in time to Studio 54. With the disco music pumping and the disco ball glittering in the sunlight, as well as two decked-out, cardboard-cutout dancers named Tom Dolan (Carey principal) and Ms. Melissa Maurici (advisor to Class of 2001), you felt as if you were a part of that groovin' era.

The Class of 2000 rock-and-rolled their way through the streets of Franklin Square with their 50's theme. A big jukebox and many records sent us back in time to the days of that "old time rock and roll."

Finally, the Class of 1999 graced the streets with their re-creation of the 1960 Volkswagen Beetle, decked out with peace signs, hearts and flowers. This was, by far, their best float ever. (The senior grade would like to thank Melissa Forte and her family for having the flower parties at her house for the past four years. Thanks.)

The parade, which marched down Nassau Boulevard and Hempstead Turnpike and back toward the school, also included the amazing Carey Pirettes, the wonderful marching band, the terrific color guard, the talented cheerleaders, the beloved mascot, and, of course, the Homecoming courts. For the ninth grade, the Homecoming queen, represented by Christina Gugel, had the luck of driving around in a beautiful BMW convertible. The lucky tenth grade king and queen, Suzanne DiPasquale and Michael Tortorici, rode on their convertible in style. The 11th grade royalty, Lauren Lucido and John Dascole, could not have looked happier. Then, the senior Homecoming nominees filled up five beautiful convertibles. Kristen Beriloff, Justin Cohen, Christina Luciano, Mickey Parris, Kim Magnuson, John Caraccia, Teanna DiMicco, Andy Okolski, Lori Resetar and Matt Baker waited anxiously to find out who would be the next king and queen of Carey High School. Nervous as they may have been, they still had fun, synchronizing their radios and dancing to Z100 and Michael Jackson's Thriller, perfect for the Halloween spirit.

The football players in the Senior Court, including Matt Baker, Andy Okolski, John Caraccia and Mickey Parris, may have had a little more to think about than winning king, considering there was a game to be played. What a game it was. The varsity and JV cheerleaders, talented and always happy, cheered on the team, keeping the crowd alive. The first half of the game proved that the Seahawks were not to be beaten on their Homecoming. The Calhoun Colts were no competition for our Hawks, and by halftime, the score was 12-0. The crowd cheered as the football players walked back in to the locker room.

Halftime is always looked forward to at Carey. Who wouldn't want to see the Pirettes blow the stands away with their dancing, while the marching band fills the air with beautiful music, and the Carey flags spinning simultaneously in the background? The marching band performed their numbers, including the Little Shop of Horrors, while the Pirettes and color guard accompanied them. The crowd cheered loudly for these wonderful groups.

Afterwards, the floats were driven around the track one last time. Then, the courts were announced. The ninth, 10th and 11th grade king and queen were escorted out onto the track. Finally, the senior couples made their way to the middle of the track, cold, bruised, and maybe even a little nervous. Carl Unger, student government advisor and teacher extraordinaire, spoke about how all of the nominees deserved the crown and what wonderful teenagers they are, which is very true. Finally, after much suspense, he announced the runners-up. For queen runner-up, the beautiful Kristen Beriloff was announced, and the runner-up for king was football great Andy Okolski. Finally, the king and queen were announced. For king, the wonderful Justin Cohen, and his queen, Teanna DiMicco. The crowd cheered as they rode around the track in Carey assistant principal Norm Barrie's beautiful convertible. Afterwards, the cheerleaders and Pirettes performed their much-loved senior dance. It was a great performance.

It was time to get back to the game. The football team made many more great plays, too numerous to list. It was a great game played by all. At the end of this exciting game, the score was Carey 34, Calhoun 0. A shutout. The crowd went wild. A perfect way to end a perfect day. The football team huddled into a circle and held their helmets together up to the sky. After many pictures, they ran back into the locker room past happy students and teachers.

As my last Homecoming, I have to say that this has been the best one ever. There was happiness throughout the school, accompanied by a beautiful day and many wonderful events. Hopefully, there will be more Homecomings like this one so everyone's last one can be a great one.