Rocky Point unveils new field, track at homecoming

This year’s Rocky Point homecoming celebration was not just a kickoff to the high school sports season, but a chance to show off a fresh look for the athletic program.

A new turf field along with a new track was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday following a homecoming parade.

Rocky Point High School Principal John DeBenedetto was in the center of a long line of ribbon-cutters, including student athletes and local politicians.

“It’s great to have the field in the shape it is,” he said. “Hopefully, it will give our athletes a boost, a sense of pride and tradition.”

The $2.2 million facilities — which also included the cost of new science classrooms — were paid for by a combination of state aid and the district's capital reserve fund, according to school officials.

Rocky Point Board of Education Vice President Diane Burke said her favorite part of the new field is its availability to the community.

“I have passed here everyday and there are always kids playing on the field,” she said.

SEE PHOTOSPhotos: High school homecomings across LI

For the parade, the student council chose a breakfast cereal theme, which included a Wheaties-themed senior class float with a uniformed football player serving as the box cover star.

The newly crowned Rocky Point royalty were homecoming king Mike Rotunno, 17, and homecoming queen Reagan Lynch, 17, both seniors.

While Rotunno was soaking in his newest honor, he said he was humbled by the appreciation his fellow students showed.

“I was surprised,” he said. “It’s nice to know people notice you.”