February Fever Rally Lifts Blue Devil Spirits
February 26, 2024
Huntington High School’s new Principal’s Advisory Council wanted to create something new; something unique. The group developed an idea for a winter pep rally, but the teenagers envisioned something radically different from the traditional fall one held outside the afternoon prior to Homecoming Day.
Principal Brenden Cusack worked simultaneously with the student advisory council members and a group of faculty to put together an altogether brand new event dubbed February Fever.
A crowd of 1500 students, teachers and staff crowded into the cavernous high school auditorium on the Friday afternoon before the mid-winter vacation and set about creating a new tradition at one of New York State’s oldest high schools.
February Fever brought together 10 varsity teams and six extracurricular clubs in a tournament of “minute to win it” games. There were well-received performances by the Highsteppers and United Amigos.
The winter varsity teams included boy’s and girls’ basketball, fencing, wrestling, indoor track and field, boys’ swimming and diving and co-ed bowling along with the robotics club, mock trial, e-sports, debate club, Highsteppers and Science Olympiad.
Large screens projected a 60 second clock, the tournament bracket and the action on the stage. Music kept the atmosphere lively. The crowd got into the action, singing along with songs, cheering the contestants and performances, laughing along with Mr. Schwendemann’s jokes
Teachers Michael Schwendemann and Jenna Merget served as co-master of ceremonies, introducing athletes and club members and providing play-by-play for the short games. Teams/clubs sent three representatives on stage for each round of the tournament. They were each joined by a volunteer from the audience who was chosen randomly from a pool of students who had signed up in advance.
“We’re here today as ‘Blue Devils all’ to celebrate everything good about Huntington,” thundered Mr. Schwendemann to start things off. “All of us in this auditorium are members of our family; the same family. Together we are doing great things right here in this building; every day.”
The event celebrated sports, clubs, fine and performing arts and academics. Mr. Cusack and several Principal’s Advisory Council members took turns at the microphone in rapid succession as the big event got underway. The organization’s executive officers include co-Presidents Samantha Koepele and Erline Pharius; Vice President Jack Ruthkowski; Treasurer Brooke Parks; Secretary Nicholas Plachta; PR Coordinator Kimberly Panameno and Events Coordinator Jessica Maixner.
“I think the February Fever event went great,” Ms. Koepele said. “I feel like the whole school was able to rally together to create a strong sense of community and school spirit. I hope that it will be a longstanding tradition!”
Superintendent Christian Bowen viewed the action from the balcony, near the command center for sound and lighting. Students in the high school’s video broadcasting program interviewed contestants on camera. Michael Zigon coordinated the stage crew and consulted on all aspects of the production. Anthony Troffa served as the DJ.
Physical education and athletics coordinator Michael Marinello organized the “minute to win it” games and ran the tournament with assistance from senior Riley LaCosta, who updated the bracket and handled the countdown clock.
The winter boys’ track and field team nipped the Huntington Robotics team in the tournament finals. As the game time expired and the Blue Devils celebrated, the 2:20 p.m. dismissal bell sounded and everyone headed for the exits and the mid-winter vacation happy.
“We are all so happy with how this new event turned out,” Mr. Cusack said. “I am particularly proud of the way so many members of our faculty and student body came together to collaborate and create something entirely new. This had many, many moving parts and everyone involved took on their roles with a great deal of enthusiasm. It was beautiful to see everyone working together toward the common goal of creating something fun for our school community to enjoy. I believe that in the future, February Fever will continue get better and better.”
Prizes included Huntington Blue Devil shirts and gift certificates compliments of Jonny D’s Pizzeria. Teacher Kristin Fiorenti worked with students on the broadcasting live feed and interview of contestants coverage.
“I think February Fever was a great success with tons of engagement from the crowd and the teams who competed on stage,” Mr. Ruthkowski said. “Everyone seemed to have a great time. I hope that it left a lasting impression and will continue as a tradition at Huntington High School.”
