The annual Homecoming pep rally is a tradition that puts LHS spirit on display like no other. This year’s pep rally was held on Friday, Oct. 10, and it celebrated the senior athletes as well as crowning the 2025 Homecoming king and queen.
The event began at 2:02 PM when students and staff flooded into the gymnasium to showcase their school spirit. Shortly after all the students were seated, the LHS band, led by band teacher Zachary Rifkind, Drum Major Elin Kim, and Assistant Drum Major Lyla Gaffor, began playing the “Star Spangled Banner.” Following the band’s performance, Social Studies Teacher John Cornicello and Social Worker Samantha Lancaster began emceeing the event by announcing the 2025 senior Homecoming court: Leah Pisano, Ella Carroll, Addison DiFiore, Angelina Macchia, and Natalie Kehoe for Homecoming queen; Chris Mangeiri, Kaden Rodgers, Luke Pignataro, Mason Cofer, and Cooper Cordes for Homecoming king.
Following the announcement of the Homecoming court, the varsity cheerleading team took the mat, led by coaches Nina Sasso and Shayiah Smith. Flyers Marisa Tavella, Gabby Mysiuk, and sisters Heidi and Shayla Ben led the crowd and contributed to the overall electrifying atmosphere.
The varsity kickline closely followed with its performance to mashup including “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. Senior Julia Palay was front and center, leading the team to another compelling routine, exhibiting their signature kicks and astonishing the crowd by ending their kicks segment with jump splits. Kickline team member and Teresa Gerbi, sophomore, explained, “I was excited and nervous to perform, but the applause and affirmation from the crowd immediately assuaged my nerves.” The kickline team also performed alongside the band as the final entertainment aspect of the event.
The pep rally progressed and began to honor the Class of 2026 varsity fall athletes such as Payton Stalter, Kaden Rodgers, Molly Doran, and Hayden Rosa. Cheer Captain Rosa commented, “[As] the only senior on my team, I am sad this is my last time being able to perform at pep rally. Although I prefer to perform at competitions, pep rally has always been something I have enjoyed throughout the years. It was bittersweet leaving the mat at the end of the performance knowing it would be my last time.”
As the pep rally continued, Cornicello and Lancaster introduced a competitive game in which four students from each grade and two teachers were selected to compete in front of the audience. Empty pizza boxes were provided for each of the players. Cornicello explained the instructions, which consisted of knocking over another contestant’s pizza box while balancing his/her own in another hand. If knocked over, the player was to be eliminated. The game became increasingly intense with players swinging and dodging at each other, entertaining the audience, and producing laughs amongst many. The Class of 2027 secured the win with having the last two players remaining.
The events of the afternoon ended with the announcement of the Homecoming King and Queen, Cooper Cordes and Addison DiFiore respectively. Olivia DiMarco ,sophomore, reflected, “Addison DiFiore is such a talented artist and athlete. I was overjoyed when she was announced the 2025 Homecoming queen.”
As seen every year, pep rally is a tradition that brings the school together to celebrate classmates and capture what it truly means to be a student at LHS.
