NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (October 24, 2025) — New Rochelle High School’s Homecoming 2025 unfolded with roaring fans, dancing students and a crowning of royalty despite a 40-20 football loss to Mamaroneck on Oct. 10.
The PTA-sponsored events — a pep rally and Homecoming Dance on Oct. 9, followed by the football game on Oct. 10 — celebrated the school’s spirit and its college and career future culture, drawing students, parents, staff and teachers.
“We appreciate everyone’s contributions in promoting school culture, a college and career future culture, and making Homecoming a huge success,” said Sing Lee Lathan, president of the high school PTSA and vice president of the PTA Council.
The Homecoming Dance, themed “A Night in Rio,” drew more than 350 students to the high school main gym, where food trucks, a DJ and a photo booth set the festive mood. Cordell Walden was crowned King, and Natalia Zaffuto was named Queen.
Earlier that day, the pep rally on Kennedy Field during seventh and eighth periods featured music from the DJ Club, performances by the high school’s percussionists, a national anthem soloist and the introduction of the fall varsity athletes.
Organizers credited a team effort for the success. Assistant Principal Valerie Cadet Simpkins coordinated the pep rally and dance with the Student Government, PTSA and Athletics Department. Maritza Estevez, vice president of the high school PTSA Events Committee, joined thanks to the security team for keeping everyone safe, as well as the facilities and music departments for their critical contributions.
Library Media Specialists Suzanne Tecca and Ryan Paulsen organized senior photos alongside teachers Kalpana Daniel and Kristen Sessano. Athletics Director Joseph Donaldson and Judith Petrone helped showcase the athletes, while the Pep Rally Team — including Andy Capellan, Kevin Austin and Nazar Rabadi — made it all happen.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.
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