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HERALD $1.00 $1.00
Student goes far in science contest
Kennedy starts season strong
N. Bellmore gets taste for reading
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Vol. 24 No. 39
SEPTEMBER 23 - 29, 2021
Mepham girl’s TD makes L.I. history By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com
Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
WEllINGToN C. MEPhAM High School wide receiver Sofia LaSpina made Long Island history last Saturday as the first female football player to score a touchdown.
Wellington C. Mepham High School football player Sofia LaSpina made Long Island history last Saturday, becoming the first female to score a touchdown. The Pirates went on to win the game against Roslyn 49-21, giving them a 2-0 start for the season. After the game, LaSpina, a 15-year-old junior wide receiver, said she didn’t initially realize her 4-yard reception for 6 points was such a momentous
occasion. “I just wanted to make sure I caught the ball,” she told the Herald. Her teammates, she added, “were all so happy for me. They were all cheering me on and stuff.” “As soon as she caught it, our sideline went crazy,” said coach Anthony Cracco. “They were so excited for her, and I was as well . . . I was just thinking, from a Mepham perspective, how huge it was, and then it turned into a really big deal.” The catch, of a pass thrown by quarterback Peter Mayo, was no simple one, either. Continued on page 14
Kennedy High School to unveil Athletics Hall of Fame By ANDREW GARCIA agarcia@liherald.com
A years-old idea to create a hall of fame to honor standout John F. Kennedy High School athletes through the decades is finally becoming a reality. On Saturday, the JFK Athletics Hall of Fame will be unveiled, to give lasting recognition to alumni with myriad achievements in a range of sports. Many of them will be in attendance. The inductees will also be honored at halftime of Kennedy’s Homecoming game against Valley Stream South on Saturday.
T he conce pt sparked renewed discussion during the tenure of for mer Principal Lorraine Poppe, who retired in 2018 and died in 2019. Her successor, Gerard Owenburg, along with coaches Brian DeGaetano and Craig Papach, were enthusiastic supporters. “Twenty-five years ago, we wanted to do this, Rich but it never came to fruition,” said DeGaetano, who is in his 28th year at the school. The Hall of Fame, featuring
a total of 53 athletes, will be in the foyer of Kennedy’s gymnasium. “It’s a privilege and an honor to be included,” said Morgan Kitton, a 2011 graduate, a former captain of the girls’ soccer and lacrosse teams and a member of the basketball and track teams. “It’ll be great to see where everyone is at lubell today — and I’ll be initiated with my sister, Fara, who is 10 years my senior.” Kitton had a stellar career,
named All-County MVP and AllState in soccer. She went on to play at LIU Post, where she was captain of the soccer team and an All-Conference player. “Being a leader was the best part,” she said. “I’m an attorney, so it’s helped me be more personable. Also, I like helping others succeed.” Stephen Cavayero, a three-
time Nassau County champion wrestler and a high school AllAmerican who graduated in 1976, also said the recognition was a privilege. “I’ll be honored to be there,” said Cavayero, who will be inducted alongside his brothers, Harvey, Richard and Keith, all wrestlers. “We were the premier team,” Continued on page 10