The colors of orange and black were abundant in Franklin Square on Saturday and it wasn't because Halloween is less than two weeks away. H. Frank Carey celebrated their homecoming and school spirit proved to be as bright as the sky.

On a sunny, mild day that was more reminiscent of the spring than the fall, Carey High School showed why it was named a Blue Ribbon School by New York state. Several talented students, from Carey's marching band to the Dance Club to the Carey Pirettes to their varsity football team ensured that Homecoming 2000 was a success.

Carey Principal, Dr. Tom Dolan, showed his school spirit, wearing Carey colors and supporting the football team.

The day kicked off with a traditional homecoming parade that featured colorful and well-made floats, including one that was made up of a car and a fountain drink, reminiscent of the '50s and playing one of the songs from Grease.

A homecoming would not be complete without a king and queen. The 2000 homecoming king was Michael Tortorici and the queen was Suzanne DiPasquale. Runners-up were Christopher McMonigle and Stephanie Natale.

The senior court also included Jessica Light, Brett Glatman, Nicole Kyriacou, Joseph Buccitti, Heather Riley and Bobby Townsend. The junior court was comprised of Jennifer Randazzo and John Cervoni. The sophomore court was made up of Dana Capaldo and Dan DiPasquale. The freshman court was comprised of Jackie Tischler and Ricky Cappiello.

After the parade, Carey's cheerleaders whipped the crowd into a frenzy and the Seahawks took the field looking to improve their 2-2 record.

On a day that seemed to be perfect for the orange and black, a disappointing performance would have understandably ruined the afternoon. However, the Seahawks made sure they would not disappoint all who took part in the day.

The Carey Seahawks turned in a dominating performance, shutting out Herricks 28-0. Carey jumped out to a 7-0 lead with 8:58 left in the second quarter. The Seahawks extended their lead four minutes and twenty seconds later to take a 14-0 lead at the half.

During halftime, the Carey Marching Band as well as the Pirettes and Dance Club also turned in a spectacular performance. They performed, with music and choreographed danced routines to Jesus Christ Superstar.

Homecoming king and queen were named and then the floats were once again put on display. However, once the second half began, the Seahawks did not let down. They scored two more touchdowns in the second half to cap a successful homecoming.

Also, freshman running back Jimmy Feaster turned in an exceptional debut on the varsity football team, scoring two of the four touchdowns. Feaster, who had been tearing up the field at the junior varsity level, was called up to varsity. To the athletic department's knowledge, Feaster is the first ninth grade student to play on Carey's varsity football team.

In addition, senior Christian DiMartino rushed for two touchdowns.

If the school spirit that was displayed during homecoming was an indication of how students and parents feel about their school, then the future at Carey looks bright.