Oyster Bay's Ryan Radecki, after surviving car accident, is homecoming grand marshal

After surviving a near-fatal car accident on Aug. 13, 2012, Ryan Radecki feels lucky to be alive.

The Oyster Bay High School sophomore was in a coma for two months.

“I had to learn to read and write again. It’s been hard,” said the 16-year-old student.

Using a cane, Radecki proudly walked to the center of the school gymnasium to thunderous applause during a homecoming pep rally Friday. He will serve as grand marshal for Saturday's homecoming parade, leading up to the football game at 7 p.m. He admitted he was thankful for the support.

“I am glad to be with my friends,” said Radecki.

Students showed off painted faces as a sign of their school spirit. The school's student council advisers Danielle Urtheil and Andrea Pellicane were thrilled to watch the event, which featured seniors Andrew Galgano, 17, and Olivia Agostinello, 17, crowned homecoming king and queen.

“This entire week has been very exciting for the students," Urtheil said. “Every day this week has been a different theme — we had pajama day, children’s cancer awareness day, decade day, character day and sport a jersey day.”

SEE PHOTOSPhotos: High school homecomings across LI

The pep rally also highlighted cheerleaders and a lip-sync competition. Each class had to pick a city for their lip-sync dance routine theme — Miami, Hollywood, New York and Las Vegas. The senior class’ Gotham theme took the victory, earning a trophy and the opportunity to perform at Saturday’s football game during halftime.