Parading across town from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School to the high school parking lot, the Deer Park community celebrated homecoming in style on a cold and crisp Oct. 17.
This year’s floats were created around a video game theme, with entries from the freshmen (Donkey Kong), sophomores (Pac-Man) and juniors (Pokemon) topped by a winning Super Mario Kart float from the seniors on their “last lap” before graduation.
Principal James Cummings and Superintendent of Schools Eva J. Demyen addressed the audience at the football field, praising the efforts of the district’s Booster Club and exhorting the Falcons to win. Also in attendance were assistant superintendents Frank Caliguiri and Marguerite Jimenez and Board of Education members Al Centamore, Donna Marie Elliot, Donna Gulli Grunseich, Bob Marino and Keith Rooney.
Special guests for the day were Babylon Town Councilman Thomas Donnelly, a Deer Park resident, and Suffolk County Legislator Lou D’Amaro, an alumnus of Deer Park’s Class of 1976. “It’s a great day for a football game,” said D’Amaro. “Today I am rooting all the way for the Falcons!” A final speaker was 2001 graduate John Cestaro, the president of the Deer Park Community Association.
Frank Cresciullo and Dominique Guttadauria were announced as this year’s homecoming king and queen, taking a celebratory truck tour around the stadium. Rounding out the homecoming court were Ahmed Abdeltawab, Ryan Brennan, Tara Englehardt, Kayla Rios, Dan Sciabarassi, Alvin Sime, Stephanie Sinka and Kellee Washington.
Performers rousing the crowd included the marching band, the high school and Robert Frost Middle School kicklines, and cheerleaders from the high school, middle school and PAL.
When it came time for football, the varsity Falcons came out strong, staking out a 21-7 lead against Half Hollow Hills East in a back-and-forth contest full of recovered fumbles and interceptions on both sides. While Deer Park came up short in the end, losing a 22-21 nailbiter, the day was an exciting one for the entire community.