One of Kennedy’s most beloved and anticipated school weeks of the year is Homecoming – a week to honor our student body and Gael Pride, filled with joy, laughter, and triumph. This year’s Homecoming week was held in early October and featured an array of fun events and activities all leading up to the big game on Friday night.
Homecoming events help each Gael create those essential memories they will carry with them after graduation. The week is kicked off by the Club Expo, during which leaders from each club represent their group and recruit new members every day during homeroom. After school, Student Council organized several events, including the fan favorite Girls Powder Puff Football game (at which the seniors triumphed 21-7 over the juniors) and an all new Boys Powder Puff Volleyball game for which Varsity Volleyball players coached junior and senior boys as they competed. Fall athletes were honored at the Pep Rally and the Gael mascot helped the cheerleaders build excitement for Homeroom Olympics and the Varsity football game the following day. Homeroom Olympics featured the traditional games, relay races, musical chairs, capture the flag, and tug of war, outside on the turf, and of course the seniors emerged as champions.
On Friday October 6th, the Gaels went head to head with St. Doms for the annual homecoming football game. The energy from the crowd was electric, with current students, alumni, and family packing the hill and stands. After the alumni tailgate, kick-off was at 7 pm and the rest was history. The Gaels started strong, with an opening 14-yard run from Israel Centeno Johnson ‘24. After a good drive and successful kick, the Gaels led St. Doms 3-0 at the half. Kennedy took control midway through the 3rd quarter when Carmine Calandrello ‘24 scored on a QB keeper making it 10-0. Matt Lorusso ‘24 capped off a 30-yard scoring drive with a 7-yard TD reception giving the Gaels the lead by the end of the 4th. Kennedy defeated St. Doms for the 8th year in a row 17-7. It was certainly a great night to be a Gael!
For Seniors, homecoming week is a bittersweet time, as it marks the beginning of the end of high school. While there may be a touch of sadness, it’s a time to look back and reflect on all of the accomplishments we have had at Kennedy. The memories we create throughout homecoming are something we have to cherish for the rest of our lives. Ultimately, homecoming is a time to look forward to the future, while knowing we can always return home. Once a Gael, always a Gael!