Once again, the Carle Place Middle/High School's Student Organization, under the leadership of Joan Caliendo, who has served as S.O. advisor since 1991, organized and orchestrated a memorable Homecoming event.

Caliendo continues to provide the vision and enthusiasm that has enabled the S.O. to become a major force in both the school and the community. This year's S.O. officers are outstanding students who have made tremendous contributions in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in many extra-curricular activities. Caliendo acknowledges the leadership, initiative and effort of all four S.O. officers: President Anne-Marie McGintee, Vice President Ryan Shanahan, Treasurer Anthony Marasco, and Secretary Meghan Tucker.

This year's theme for Homecoming was "The 1990's--The Last Decade Before the Millennium." The school's marching band, under the direction of Kevin Kavanaugh, and the varsity cheerleaders with their advisor Gail Havekotte, performed several numbers and routines to kick off the big half-time show. The varsity football team, the coaching staff and the loyal fans all seemed to appreciate the continued support of the marching band and cheerleading squad throughout the fall season.

The nominees for this year's Homecoming King were seniors Greg Cola, Anthony Marasco, Ruben Morales, Joseph Romano, and Jim Sheridan. The nominees for Homecoming Queen were Dawn Calvagna, Brianne Carmody, Caterina Ferrarrelli, Reena Jaiswal, and Anne Marie McGintee. Cola and McGintee were crowned Homecoming King and Queen 1999.

The Homecoming parade began with junior Joseph LaMantia's 1964 "mule" platform truck, which reminded the crowd of the important role that the U.S. Military has played throughout the 20th century. This year, the middle school newspaper The Path, advised by Jewel Fitzgerald, the S.A.D.D. program, advised by Dr. Lisa Laudante, the Spanish Honor Society, advised by Rosa Perifimos, and the high school yearbook, The Carillon, advised by Rosa Perifimos, all made banners to elevate school spirit and pride.

The middle school float entry, "The Bridge to the 21st Century," advised by Alison Klein, the freshman class entry, "The Information Age," advised by Barbara Guidi, the sophomore class entry, "Hip Hop Culture," advised by Erika Fallik and Karen Decker, the junior class entry, "Sports Heroes of the '90s," advised by Gail Havekotte and Alice Jacoby, and the senior class entry, "Clubbing in the '90s," advised by Jeananne Evans, all made their way down the track and inspired the Carle Place Homecoming crowd.

The Student Organization thanks the Carle Place Civic Association and the Carle Place Athletic Booster Club for their continued support of the float and mural competition. The Class of 2001 were the First Place winners of both the mural and float competitions. The Class of 2003 captured Second Place honors in both competitions, and the Class of 2000 earned Third Place honors. The S.O. also thanks Mrs. Occhicone (CPABC), Peg Wilde and Mr. Battinelli (CPCA) for their assistance in honoring all the entries.

The varsity football team staged a miraculous comeback victory 21-18 over a talented Malverne team. The game was pivotal in helping the team regain their confidence, as well as keeping their play-off hopes alive. After leading Malverne 14-12 at half-time, the Frogs found themselves trailing 18-14 early in the fourth quarter. In the final drive of the game, the Frogs converted three huge fourth down plays. Quarterback Jim Sheridan connected with Marc Matarazzo on a 4th and 15, followed by Anthony Marasco's 7-yard gain on a 4th and 6. Moments later, Sheridan completed a big pass to Matt Simeone (13 yard gain) which set up the final series.

The biggest play of the game came when quarterback Sheridan hit receiver Scott Petrizzo in the back of the end zone on a 4th and 12 with just 22 seconds remaining in the game. On defense, Mike Conlon and Casey Twibell combined for 15 tackles. Sophomore Rich Carbone forced a big fumble in the fourth quarter and sophomore Nick Clinton came up with the fumble recovery. Once again, Marasco gained 90 yards on just 18 carries and Sheridan connected on 8 of 13 for a total of 107 yards. The Homecoming crowd appreciated the team's effort in securing another big win.

The Homecoming Dance was a huge success and took the collective efforts of the Student Organization and the individual class advisors. This year's S.O. can be very proud of Homecoming. Congratulations to Mrs. Caliendo and her officers for a wonderful weekend shared by so many parents, students and teachers.