Blue Devil Gymnasts Honored on Senior Day

Elizabeth James and Valerie Ferreira have been dynamic members of the Harborfields/Huntington varsity girls’ gymnastics team, helping the squad gain respect around Long Island. The duo and four of their teammates were honored on Senior Day earlier this week before a near capacity crowd..

Ms. James and Ms. Ferreira are both skilled competitors and they have helped make the joint venture between the two school districts a complete success. The team practices and competes at Harborfields High School in a second gym that houses gymnastics equipment.

Finley Middle School seventh grader Khloe Bedell is a third Huntington UFSD in the varsity team’s starting lineup. She, too, is a contributing member who helped the squad win five meets this fall.

A gifted vocalist, Ms. James sang the national anthem on Senior Day. Head coach Matt Canty spoke about each of the seniors as Huntington coach Jackie Lazzarini stood nearby. There were photo posters affixed to the gym wall and gifts for all of the teenagers. The camaraderie among team members is extraordinary, especially for a combined team.

“It was such an exciting experience for me to compete in gymnastics on a varsity team like Huntington’s combined one with Harborfields and John Glenn,” Ms. Ferreira said. “It required me to challenge my physical and mental boundaries as it was both thrilling and nerve-wracking to step out onto the mat knowing that I haven’t competed in over a year. The excitement of competition day, the relationships I developed with my teammates and the satisfaction I had from a good routine and high scores were all very fulfilling. I learned the value of diligence, persistence, and the strength of teamwork from it. I will always cherish the teachings and memories I gained from competing in varsity gymnastics!

Ms. James has been a great competitor, too. Harborfields/Huntington overwhelmed visiting Connetquot on Senior Day, 161.925-132.55. It was a great way to end the regular season.

“Competing on the Huntington/Harborfields gymnastics team has been the most amazing experience of my high school sports career,” Ms. James said. “I’ve made so many incredible friends along the way and it’s been such a blessing to get back into the sport I truly love after six years. The support and camaraderie from my teammates and coaches has made every moment unforgettable. Ending this journey on the best note possible has been such a rewarding and fulfilling experience. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to rekindle my passion for gymnastics!”