Deer Park Community Parades With Pride At Annual Homecoming

DEER PARK, NY - Gray skies could not deter a proud Deer Park community from showing its pride with a terrific parade, marching with gusto on Oct. 20 from John F. Kennedy Intermediate School to Al Centamore Football Field.

Leading the revelers was Superintendent of Schools Eva Demyen, the parade’s grand marshal.

Demyen, who has led the district since 2009, will be retiring after this school year.

A highlight of the parade was a fantastic float foursome based on the theme of superheroes.

The sophomore class took first place with their Batman float, the juniors came in second with a Spider-Man effort, the freshmen took third with a Hulk creation, and the seniors’ Superman float finished fourth.

The sophomores also won the Spirit Week competition and a class fundraiser competition, earning them the chance to hit Principal Charles Cobb in the face with a pie at the homecoming kickoff party.

Student Council President Katherine Cho, the high school’s upcoming valedictorian, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guest speakers included Suffolk County Legislator Tom Donnelly, a graduate of Deer Park’s Class of 1984, and retired Babylon Town Clerk Carol Quirk.

After demanding some “real Falcon cheering” from the crowd, Quirk recognized Demyen and presented the superintendent with a certificate of appreciation.

“I’m truly honored to have been appointed as grand marshal, but I am more honored to have served this awesome community.” Demyen said. “I love this place so much. Where else can you find such an outpouring of people who are so zestful for life and committed to the children of this district? Thank you for your support.”

Performers for the afternoon included the high school’s marching band and women’s choir, the high school and middle school kickline teams, and a talented array of cheerleading squads including the high school’s varsity and junior varsity as well as younger Robert Frost Middle School, competition and PAL teams.

Before the start of the varsity football game, Sammy Ahmed was named homecoming king and Gianna Minerva as homecoming queen.

The homecoming court was rounded out by Ryan Hegney, Charlie Jacob, Joe Leon, Alyssa Shindel, Isabella Vene and DeAnna Vento.

In the football contest, a valiant effort by the football Falcons fell short, with the team falling to Newfield, 49-38.

Photos courtesy of the Deer Park School District