Mepham High School celebrates Homecoming

Mepham pride was in full force last Saturday as the high school hosted its annual Homecoming parade and football game.

It was a beautiful afternoon for the parade, which began at noon at the Jerusalem Avenue BOCES school in North Bellmore. The procession of students, parents, administrators and local firefighters made its way from Jerusalem Avenue to Newbridge Road and south to Camp Avenue before winding down in Mepham's parking lot, just as the football team was set to kick off against Westbury.

Seated at the front of the parade in a silver convertible was Mepham teacher and parade grand marshal Chris Patten, who teaches Participation in Government. “The greatest thing about working at Mepham and being a part of this community is, ‘Once a Pirate, always a Pirate,’” said Patten. “I think in the last couple of years you’ve really seen that Pirate spirit really run rampant."

Next came members of the cheerleading and kickline squads, who performed their own choreographed dances and cheers to pump up the many residents who flooded the streets to watch the parade.

“Everyone is so nice and it’s easy to be so spirited because everybody is so good at what they do,” said freshman cheerleader Kiara Kaylor.

“It was a great experience and I was happy to be a part of it,” said sophomore cheerleader Elyssa Gershman.

Behind the cheerleading and kickline squads was a large array of floats designed by each of Mepham's four classes. “Everyone is so into the parade, and all of the floats are amazing,” said freshman cheerleader Brianna Frobosilo.

The band also entertained the hundreds of local residents who lined up on the sidewalks to support students in the parade.

While the parade allowed Mepham students — and alumni — of all ages to display their school spirit, it was a particularly emotional day for the seniors, who celebrated their last parade as Mepham students. “We’re really going to miss Mepham because it’s been our home for the past four years,” said senior Jennifer Owens. “But we are celebrating all of the great times we’ve had.”

The day could not have gone any better. Until, that was, the Mepham football team took the field and walloped Westbury 48-13.

Not a bay day for Mepham.