Second Chance at Homecoming

After bad weather rained out Plainview-Old Bethpage (POB) School District’s John F. Kennedy High School’s first attempt at a homecoming celebration, students added their homecoming activities to this year’s Coaches Vs. Cancer Game. The annual homecoming parade and crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen, in addition to American Cancer Society Fundraisers, brought together the Plainview community, students and alumni as they shared school pride during the football game against Farmingdale High School.
The parade featured student designed banners celebrating various amusement parks such as “Soph Splash,” the sophomore class’ take on the water park, Splish Splash. Each grade competed against each other in hopes judges would claim them as the grade with the best banner. The high school cheerleading team, band and student groups also marched in the parade.

After the parade, hundreds of fans dressed in pink to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month and gathered to watch the football game and halftime show. During halftime, the high school band, cheerleaders and PAL cheerleaders performed. After the performance, Assistant Principal Sharon Lasher announced this year’s homecoming king and queen, two special education students Cara Hayman and David Lieberman.

“I was shocked and honored,” said Homecoming King David Lieberman when asked how he felt when he was crowned. His Queen echoed his reaction saying, “I will never forget this night, it was the best night of my life.” “It means I am respected and liked,” continued Homecoming Queen Cara Hayman. Teachers nominate students for the court and students vote for their top 12, the two with the highest votes are chosen as King and Queen. Both students are involved in the School’s Best Buddies program.

“This event accurately displays the values instilled in Plainview-Old Bethpage students and the spirit shared by the entire school community,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lorna Lewis. “For students to vote for two students who truly deserve the recognition and donate their time and efforts toward helping find a cure for millions of cancer patients throughout the United States, is truly a reflection of our school’s success.”

In preparation of the Coach’s Vs. Cancer game, students and staff fund-raised throughout the past week in an effort to reach a $5,000 goal in total donations.

For more information about the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District and district happenings please visit the district’s website at http://www.pob.k12.ny.us.

Photo 1: Two special education students, Cara Hayman and David Lieberman, led the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District’s John F. Kennedy High School Homecoming Court during the school’s homecoming make-up game after festivities were previously cancelled due to inclement weather. The students also fund-raised and wore pink for the American Cancer Society and marched in an Amusement Park themed homecoming parade.