Hempstead High School celebrated Homecoming, September 19-23. Students and staff kicked off the week with special dress-up days including, pajama day, twin day, and dress as your future career day. During the week the students also nominated their classmates for the 2022 Homecoming Court.
On Wednesday, September 21, the high school invited the community out for a parade and pep rally. More than 50 student groups, staff, and community organizations participated in the parade. The parade began at Bobcat Stadium and ended at the Gazebo. Families lined up outside of their homes to get a glimpse of the parade, which had not been held in more than 20 years. City of Hempstead Mayor Erica Gillum led the parade and served as the grand marshal. Greater St. Peters Baptist Church won the 2022 Homecoming Parade Float competition. They will receive a certificate and bragging rights until next year.
At the end of the parade, a sea of spirited Bobcat fans crowded around the Gazebo for a community pep rally. The pep rally included performances by the Hempstead High School cheerleaders, band, step team, and a very special performance by the Hempstead High Alumni Cheerleaders. Head Athletic Director/Head Football Coach Markeith Wesley thanked the crowd for supporting the football team and encouraged everyone to continue the support by attending the September 23 football game against Corrigan-Camden High School.
Before the big game kicked off fans were invited to a Homecoming Tailgate Party outside of Bobcat Stadium. The tailgate was hosted by the Hempstead Athletic Booster Club. There was face painting, free food, popcorn, snow cones, and games for the entire family to enjoy. As fans transitioned into the stadium, the High School Homecoming Court lined the football field with their family members. Each member of the court was escorted down the 50-yard line, to music played by the Hempstead Bobcat Band. Each student stood in anticipation of the Homecoming King and Queen announcement. After each member of the court was introduced, it was determined that senior student Alexander Manzano was voted by his peers as the 2022 Homecoming King, and Gianna Rogel was named the 2022 Homecoming Queen by her peers.
The 2021 Homecoming Queen, Ariel Mayes, who was escorted by Superintendent, Herbert O’Neil returned to Bobcat Stadium tonight to crown Rogel and Manzano.
Congratulations to each member of the 2022 Homecoming Court:
Freshman Lady: Amyiah Momon
Freshman Lord: Jveon Thompson
Sophomore Duchess: Ariana Salazar
Sophomore Duke: Dontae Houston
Junior Princess: Stephanie Alvarado
Junior Prince: Kewaylon Wilson
Little Princess: Alanna Mata
Little Prince: Jordan Hensley
Queen: Gianna Rogel
King: Alexander Manzano
The stands were full of fans to see the Bobcats play. Alumni, friends of the community, and families came out in big numbers to cheer on the Bobcats. Throughout the game, the Bobcats fought hard against the Corrigan-Camden High School Bulldogs but came up short in the end. The final score was 20-56.
Community members commented on the homecoming activities bringing back a sense of pride for Hempstead. The high school is looking forward to making next year’s homecoming festivities even bigger.