East Rockaway rocks at Homecoming

Students, faculty and parents filled the bleachers at Hermanson Field at East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School last Saturday, many decked in orange and black, as the Rocks hosted Friends Academy for their Homecoming football game.

Led by Dylan Henshaw’s three rushing touchdowns, East Rockaway cruised to a dominant 52-20 victory on a day that had several events planned.

“It’s become a richer experience for the community,” said Superintendent Lisa Ruiz about Homecoming. “Aside from the football game and the cheerleading, there were other activities that were available for some of the younger kids.” The activities included face painting, pumpkin painting and sand art, Ruiz added.

The festivities began with a Homecoming parade on Friday. Students walked from Centre Avenue Elementary School to the high school while scores of supporters stood on the sidewalk and waited to greet them as they passed by. During the game, cheerleaders and students in the band performed, while many of the school’s clubs had tables set up to raise funds. The game was preceded by a flower ceremony featuring parents of the senior players.

Several elected officials were in attendance at the game, including Mayor Bruno Romano, Deputy Mayor Theresa Gaffney and the East Rockaway board of trustees.

Ruiz praised interim Principal Neil Lederer, new Athletic Director David Barth and everyone who came together to make Homecoming a success. “It was a real collaborative effort on the part of the East Rockaway community,” she said.