Freshmen win Locust Valley High School float contest at homecoming parade

A 5-foot-tall falcon wearing a top hat helped earn the Locust Valley High School freshmen bragging rights as the winner of the best float competition at the school’s homecoming parade.

The float was constructed of tissue paper and chicken wire and took the students involved about six hours a week, beginning in September, they said.

In accordance with the school’s “Hollywood” theme, the falcon – the Locust Valley mascot – was walking a red carpet.

“It was fun making this float with my friends because it was a great way to start the school year,” said freshman Brian Wright, 14.

Locust Valley High School faculty members scored each float based on relationship to theme, relationship to sports, originality and general appearance. The freshmen earned the highest score.

The sophomore float featured a falcon filming the movie "The Blind Side" while the juniors had their falcon on a field goal post with a purple helmet to represent their football competition Oyster Bay High School. The senior class float showed a falcon being filmed with a video camera on a red carpet.

Locust Valley High School Principal Kieran McGuire said he was thrilled to watch the students show their school spirit and the community come together.

"I am always excited when I see the kids smiling,” he said. “Homecoming brings the community together and so many people like the Parents Council and the Falcon Pride Booster Club are very supportive. It is wonderful to see all the communities come together – Bayville, Locust Valley, Lattingtown, Mill Neck and Brookville.”

The homecoming ceremony featured a parade, marching band, cheerleaders and floats. This year’s homecoming king and queen were seniors John Piscitello and Preston Tansill, both 17.

“It’s an honor for me to be homecoming queen,” Tansill said. “I am very excited.”

The Locust Valley High School football beat Oyster Bay 40-7.
 

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