West Hempstead Celebrates Homecoming On New Field

The new turf field at West Hempstead High School was the site of this year’s homecoming celebrations as the varsity football team hosted Friends Academy on Sept. 22. The football team returned to their home field during this highlight of the weekend festivities after playing on the road last year due to construction of the new field.

Prior to the game, the district gathered at Chestnut Street Elementary School to embark on the annual parade. The route was led by this year’s Mr. and Miss West Hempstead, seniors Robert Bethune and Autumn Collins. Board of Education members, school principals, district officials, the marching band, spirit squads, varsity football players and other students were among those who joined in the parade that led to the high school.

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting followed the parade at the new turf field to officially introduce the playing grounds to the community members and alumni in the crowd. Also new this year was the school’s initiative to invite alumni to donate a nonperishable item and received a West Hempstead alumni T-shirt in return. The items helped fill a bus organized by the school’s Key Club, which are expected to be distributed within the community at Thanksgiving.

Members of the community and district participated in the surrounding carnival that included an air bouncer, games, crafts and face paint. On the field, the varsity football team was triumphant over Friends Academy by a final score of 32-6 to move to 3-1 on the season.

Photos courtesy West Hempstead School District