Saturday, November 8, 2025
John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore celebrated its homecoming with several days of festivities, capped by a 34-0 football victory over Friends Academy-Roslyn on Sept. 20.
The week featured time-honored traditions such as hallway decorating, a spirited Friday pep rally, and a communitywide festival leading up to the game. Members of the CHAMP program helped energize the crowd by operating the outdoor snack shack under the guidance of teacher Meredith Ober, while the Student Government Association sold spirit wear to boost school pride.
Senior Mikella Rahim opened the game with a powerful rendition of the national anthem, followed by musical performances from the Kennedy High School Pep Band, directed by Walter Avellaneda.
At halftime, the cheerleading squad and kickline team delivered lively routines that kept the energy high. Seniors Logan Cohen and Rahim were crowned homecoming king and queen, respectively. The school also hosted its annual Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony, welcoming alumni honorees Dr. Ben Abruzzo, Dan Brous, Patrick Burford, Dr. Carol Eisenstat, Dr. Justin Kaner, Dr. Jordan Rush, John Schmeyer and Art Squillante.
On the field, Anthony Scali led the Cougars with six carries for 177 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Dylan Babek rushed for 95 yards, passed for 30, and threw a scoring strike as Kennedy evened its record at 1-1. Johnathan Mazzio added a touchdown, while C.J. Siegler tallied seven tackles and a sack. A.J. Herlihy also notched seven tackles, and Demetri Christopoulos and Jonny Cohen each had interceptions.
This year’s celebration included a special Hall of Fame induction honoring Robert Soel, former science and STEAM chairperson, as part of the school’s inaugural class. Soel retired at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
