By Michael Ganci
Despite the wet, windy weather, the Smithtown High School East community came out in full force to celebrate homecoming 2015.
Starting at St. James Elementary School, members of the High School East cheerleaders, Whisperettes, DECA, robotics club, band, homecoming court, administrators and Whisper the Bull paraded down Lake Avenue and onto the Smithtown HS East track to greet fans in the grandstands.
The week leading up to the big event featured numerous opportunities for individuals to let their school pride shine, as students and staff members participated in theme spirit days and attended a pep rally.
Members of the homecoming court were cheered on as they rode in vehicles along the parade route. This year’s nominees for homecoming king were Christian Demarzo, Liam Waring, Kevin Keese, Graham Cono and Kevin Nguyen. Competing for homecoming queen were Antonina DeStefano, Laura Burns, Gina Figliozzi, Johanna McElroy, Jacquelyn Keegan and Victoria Joscelyn.
Following the parade, the varsity football team took to the field against Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School. With no points on the scoreboard for either team in the first and second quarters, Copiague scored the first touchdown halfway through the third quarter. HSE answered back right away, scoring its first touchdown of the game. With the score tied 8-8 at the end of the fourth quarter, the game went in to overtime, and despite their best effort, the Bulls were defeated by a final score of 14-8.
The halftime show was led by the 16-time award-winning kickline team, the Whisperettes. Following their performance, the up and coming younger Whisperettes took the field to show off what they learned at a recent clinic held by the varsity team. Kevin Keese and Victoria Joscelyn were crowned king and queen.