Superintendent John Williams, and school officials carry Amityville Board of Education banner in Homecoming parade. Photo by Joe Turner Despite threats of rain and heavy winds, the weather held out just long enough for the Amityville community to come together to enjoy Homecoming 2009. The traditional parade, led by Board of Education President Michele Sikhrangkur, Trustee Kathleen Ward, Superintendent of Schools Dr. John R. Williams and Assistant Superintendent for Finance Dr. William Fanning, featured performances by the marching band, cheerleaders and kickline. A contingent of members of the Amityville Parent Teacher Council also joined the parade, proudly displaying their banner, along with members of the Amityville Memorial High School Drama Club, who distributed “save the date” cards for the group’s March performance of Once Upon a Mattress. Members of the Homecoming Court, riding in a convertible driven by senior class advisor Heather Persand, concluded the parade, dressed in their finest and waving to the cheering spectators.

After the marching band began the game with a performance of The National Anthem, the Amityville Warriors took the field and squared off against the Southampton Mariners. The team played with a cohesiveness that prevented the Mariners from getting onto the scoreboard. Senior Gavin Kretz was a standout, passing for 131 yards and scoring four touchdowns in the first half of the game. The Warriors hit the locker room at halftime with a 27-0 lead over the Mariners.

Spectators were treated to a lively half time show that featured a marching band and kickline performance led by band director Brian Wishin, drum majors Nichole Turner, Nahaleth Rolon and Ashley Moreno, and kickline coaches Jackie Hammil and Dawn Levine. The Warrior Cheerleading Team, advised by teacher Tiffany Pesale, also wowed the crowd with a dance routine set to a medley of popular tunes. At the conclusion of the half time festivities, seniors Jamie Henderson and Mico Wong were crowned Homecoming Queen and King, and received heartfelt congratulations from their fellow court members.

The Warriors returned to the field fully prepared for the second half of the game. AJ Watlington played stellar defense, with six tackles in the third quarter and two touchdowns on runs of twelve and six yards. The game ended with the Warriors defeating the Mariners, 40-7. Students and staff celebrated at a Homecoming Dance held in the Warrior Café that featured food and fun, a well-deserved reward to a day that brought the school and community together.





Photos by Joe Turner and Virginia Ricciardi, Syntax Communications