New Hyde Park Celebrates Homecoming

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It was a memorable day from start to finish for New Hyde Park Memorial High School students, staff and members of the community at the annual homecoming celebration on Oct. 21.

Beginning with a parade that featured incredible superhero floats and culminating with a football showdown against visiting Manhasset, the day was a rousing success. Money was raised in the fight against cancer, and students patrolled the crowd to sell cotton candy, as the Gladiators were victorious against the Indians, 21-7. Josh Destin led the way for New Hyde Park with 233 yards rushing and two touchdowns, while Nick Lopez capped off the scoring with the final touchdown of the game.

For the first time in New Hyde Park Memorial High School history, there was a tie for homecoming queen, as Ninabeth Palces and Logan Ward were named co-queens. Homecoming king went to Matthew Wong. Awards were also given in different categories based on class floats, and the Class of 2018 took home the best overall float honor for their Batman-themed creation.

The halftime show featured performances from the New Hyde Park Twirlers, the Romanettes, the Step Team and the varsity cheerleaders. All performances, which were superhero-themed, focused on this year’s “coming together in unity” message.

Story and photos courtesy of the Sewanhaka Central High School District:

1. New Hyde Park Memorial homecoming king Matthew Wong is pictured with queens Logan Ward (left) and Ninabeth Palces.
2. Members of the Class of 2021 created a Captain America–themed float for Homecoming.
3. New Hyde Park Memorial seniors (l-r): Mackenzie Griffin, Danielle Schwartz, Emily Stampfli and Lauren Levkulic showed of their Gladiator pride.
4. New Hyde Park Memorial cheerleaders posed with the “Batmobile” prior to the parade.
5. Members of New Hyde Park Memorial’s marching band performed with excellence throughout the parade.
6. New Hyde Park resident Nick Nuzzo drove New Hyde Park Memorial Principal Dr. Richard Faccio (right) and Sewanhaka Central High School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ralph Ferrie.
7. New Hyde Park Memorial’s Romanettes performed to perfection at homecoming.
8. The Gladiators defeated Manhasset High School at homecoming.
9. The New Hyde Park twirlers wowed the audience at halftime.
10. New Hyde Park Memorial English teacher Katie Kaspar and Principal Richard Faccio selected the winning raffle ticket during halftime. The winner won a quilt created by New Hyde Park faculty members, with materials donated by the school’s Dads’ Club.