Eagle pride soared through the hallways of Walter G. O’Connell in the week leading up to Homecoming on October 3. Throughout the week, students showed their school spirit by participating in spirit week activities and dressing up based on the day’s theme. Spirit week culminated on Friday, October 2 with a pep rally for which all of the classes gathered in the gymnasium to cheer on and support their fall athletic teams.
The morning of Homecoming commenced with a parade showcasing students’ floats. They marched from Great Neck Road Elementary School all the way to the High School, and participants included Board of Education members, teachers, administrators, and students who displayed their grade-level floats much to the enjoyment of community residents who lined the streets to view the parade and show their school support. The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade was NYS Champions Girls Varsity Basketball team and their coach, NYS Coach of the Year Carole Olsen. The culmination of the parade was the Homecoming 2009 Booster Club-sponsored Fair, where student and PTA-run organizations set up booths to sell everything from cookies to popcorn. The carnival-like atmosphere provided music for dancing, games, and food that everyone could enjoy.
The bleachers were filled to capacity and it was standing room only when the Eagles took the field against Smithtown East. At the end of the second quarter, the score was Smithtown 14, Copiague 13. The score didn’t stay like that for long, as the Eagles came back in the second half with a vengeance. The final score was Copiague 26, Smithtown East 14.
Halftime entertainment was provided by the high school's nationally ranked marching band and the Homecoming Court was announced. Homecoming King Alex Yake and Queen Johanna Canales were introduced along with their Royal Court, including freshmen Kyle Beck and Ashley Aptacker, sophomores Ron Paulino and Cierra Singh, and juniors Terrick Sims and Raquel Ramirez.
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