A volleyball flew across a net, a kickball soared to the outfield and runners dashed across the field in relay races during Locust Valley Middle School’s first-ever Falcon Fest. The field day, initiated and sponsored by Falcon Pride Athletic Booster Club, allowed sixth-graders to bond with their teammates, some of whom they had not met before entering middle school.
Falcon Pride Board members John Johnson, Rick Pisciotta and Gary Terrell, along with club member Joe Gallo, arrived at the school’s upper field early on Sept. 14 to set up. They offered support and encouragement to participants who were smiling, cheering and having a great time in their team colors of red, blue, yellow and green.
Dr. Danielle Turner, Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, said she was thrilled to be part of Falcon Fest. “The success of Falcon Fest 2018 was a direct reflection of just how special the Locust Valley community is. In addition to support from faculty, administrators and grounds crew, Falcon Pride took the lead and went above and beyond to ensure that our sixth-graders were all smiles to start the year with their new classmates.”
John Johnson said the objective of Falcon Fest was to build unity within the sixth-grade class as the students begin their middle school/high school years together. “This was also a great way for the parents, teachers and athletic coaches to meet one another and form bonds that will benefit the students as we all work together to support them.”
Middle School Assistant Principal Michael LoGerfo said that Falcon Fest was a huge success. “The students had a great time and felt connected. This was a wonderful teambuilding activity to bring them together and provide a foundation for success throughout the year.”
Falcon Pride has provided support to the Locust Valley schools in a number of ways over the years, including through donations of big-ticket athletic items that the school district would otherwise not be able to purchase. The organization’s generous donations include, but are not limited to, the Wall of Fame, the concession stand, scoreboards, tennis courts, golf cart, wrestling mat, dugouts and signage.