Pearl River students, faculty, administration and families gathered under the borrowed lights shining down on the high school football field to recognize the accomplishments of the school district's athletes at fall sports pep rally and bonfire Friday nigh.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Morgano spoke about Pearl River's athletic programs, which includes 1,401 students ranging from varsity down to the modified level, mentioning that 41 athletes in the class of 2013 graduated with an academic average of 90 percent or better and 22 of 25 varsity teams qualified for scholar athlete status.
He also spoke about Pearl River's home game against Nanuet Oct. 19, when the Pirates will try to bring back the Little Brown Jug after losing to the Golden Knights a year ago.
"I know we wall want to see that jug back here where it truly belongs and I want you to join me here on Oct. 19 when we beat Nanuet," Morgano said.
Pearl River football Head Coach Jeff Michael thanked Morgano for the confidence in his team and reminded the crowd that the path begins with the Pirates' Homecoming game 1:30 p.m. Saturday against Peekskill.
Pearl River's returning all-state athletes from 2012-13 were recognized before the crowd. Then Pearl River's coaches called out their varsity and junior varsity athletes one-by-one. As they have in the past, the boys soccer varsity players found tried something different. Dylan Rooney somersaulted over the banner before his teammates ran through it. Each player saluted the crowd as his name was called out.
Once the recognitions were complete, the crowd moved up to the softball field for the bonfire, something the school had not been able to do the last two years. In 2011, the pep rally was moved to the parking lot and the bonfire was called off due to rain before and during the event. Last fall, the event was cancelled along with all other school activities that weekend after the passing of Pearl River High School student Thomas Scognamiglio.
Volunteers with the Pearl River Fire Department were on hand to ensure the blaze remained under control.
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