The Deer Park community displayed a deep sense of pride at the district’s Sept. 21 homecoming celebration, beginning with a colorful parade primed by the rousing sounds of the high school’s marching band. Serving as grand marshal was former longtime Board of Education trustee Keith Rooney.

Once inside Al Centamore Football Field, Class of 2020 President Emily DeStefano led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, the women’s choir sang, and Board of Education President Donna Elliott paid tribute to Rooney and his many years of dedicated service.

“One of the things we are working on over the next couple of years is bringing a sense of pride back to Deer Park,” said Superintendent James Cummings in his address. “We have a great community and together we’ll make sure everybody knows how great Deer Park is.”

Prior to the beginning of the varsity football game, a Falcons loss to Smithtown East, Deer Park’s kickline and cheerleading teams provided exciting performances to pump up the crowd. Michael Greene was named homecoming king and Julia DiMaio was named homecoming queen. Rounding out the homecoming court were Samantha Giroux, Alex Glancy, Maxwell Hofstetter, Matthew Jacob, Paulina LoGrande and Alexa Skoubas