Proudly donning the district's red and white, hundreds of students, family members, staff members, community residents, and elected officials attended Freeport High School's homecoming on Oct. 10 for a day full of football, food, fun and festivities.
Homecoming featured a slate of activities that brought the community together for a celebration of the district's arts and football programs. A family fair provided entertainment, games and food provided by members of various school clubs and elementary PTAs; a parade including Freeport High School's marching band, cheerleaders, class representatives, and members of the Navy Junior ROTC served as a precursor to the Red Devils' big game against the East Meadow Jets; and the homecoming court, comprised of freshman countess Alliyea Bryan, sophomore duchess and duke Alyssa Cruz and Dutch Eldridge, junior princess Ashley Santos-Siguenza, and senior queen and king Yanilsa Peralta and Jaylen Jones, gathered for photos to the cheers of the crowd.
Prior to the game, a special ceremony was held to honor Freeport's varsity football coach Russ Cellan, who earned his 200th career victory earlier this year - a feat only eight other coaches on Long Island have ever achieved. As a result, Coach Cellan was named the New York Jets High School Coach of the Week on Sept 24, and $2,000 was awarded to the school's football program. Coach Cellan was also presented with a trophy by the district's Board of Education and administration.
"September 19 was a special and historic day for all of us in Freeport, but not for this man of honor," Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kishore Kuncham said of Coach Cellan. "For him, it was just another day, and he did not want to share the news of his 200th win with anyone. He said he wanted to keep it low key, but that is not going to happen today. A huge congratulations to Coach Cellan and his amazing milestone!"
"The reason for all of this is these guys right here," Coach Cellan said while pointing to his team. "I've been able to work with great people and players, a family that has been unbelievably supportive and allowed me to do this, and I feel very lucky. I don't feel like I have worked a day in my life. I love being here and I would never want to be anywhere else."
The home crowd, who had filled the bleachers to capacity, enthusiastically cheered the energized football players as they came rushing onto the field. The Red Devils played passionately but ultimately came up short in a nail-biter of a game. The crowd cheered after every excellent play executed by Freeport's players and coaches, and also applauded the efforts of their opponent. At halftime, the cheerleading team and marching band showcased their stellar talents and precision on the field.
Freeport's Homecoming served to unite the community in a festive forum celebrating students' and staff members' athletic, musical and artistic crafts.
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