For more than a century, the spirited cheers of students have echoed through the hallways and corridors of South Side High School in celebration of Red and Blue.
This enduring tradition, originally known as “Girls Sports Night” when it began in April 1917, was the vision of Elsie Spelman, a trailblazer who challenged gender norms in an era when society considered it unbecoming for young women to play sports. Spelman was the first woman ever to serve on the Rockville Centre Board of Education, and through her initiative helped make a revolutionary stride towards gender equality in sports.
With the nation on the precipice of World War I, the societal paradigm shifted, laying the groundwork for change as many young men soon found themselves heading off into combat overseas.
Fast-forward to 1972 when Title IX legislation ushered in a new era, affording girls the right to compete in high school sports by prohibiting discrimination in any school district that accepts federal funding.
Nowadays, it’s a well-known fact that girls play sports
time what is now Village Hall, to the local Masonic Hall because it was the only space that could accommodate so many people.
It would continue to be held at the Masonic Hall until 1924, when a new South Side High School — now South Side Middle School — was built on Hillside Avenue.
Initially, the competition was a one-night only affair strictly for junior and senior girls only, however, over the years it has transformed into a three-night-long celebration. Freshman and sophomore girls have also been permitted to participate along with a limited number of boys.
At one point in time the event even included a ban-
Age: 17
Senior
Maggie Miller was cheer captain during the fall season and has done lacrosse and Irish dance for most of her life. “I love dancing, singing, school, basically being active 24/7,” she said.
Last year, she was the dance coordinator for the tap dance. This year, she’ll bring her all performing skills to the tap dance once again.
Leadership is a skill that Miller is glad to have cultivated during her time at South Side.
“I actually never really thought about (being a captain) until late last year. I think it shows how much high school has helped me grow as a person and realize that this is something that I could be really good at and that I’m able to do this.”
Her primary goal is to ensure this a fun space for everyone to be involved. “There’s a place for everyone during Red and Blue. It’s important to me that everyone find that place.”
To juggle school and the responsibilities of Red and Blue, Miller has used her downtime during the day to do homework. Her mom has also assisted to the team, dedicating her nights to helping with costumes for dance numbers.
Her future plans include pursuing a nursing degree in college.
Age: 17
Senior
When Katherine Ahern is not leading the blue team, she’s on the court as a point guard and basketball captain for the South Side Girls varsity team. “Being captain of the basketball team has helped me learn leadership and being part of a team,” she said. It’s not easy work going from one practice to the next, but Ahern says time management is the key to success.
During the fall, she played defense for the South Side girls soccer team. She’s also actively involved in many clubs and organizations, including Best Buddies, Center Stage, and UNICEF. Her another endeavors include summers as a counselor at Camp Anchor, the camp program for children with special needs in Lido Beach. This experience has led to her interest in majoring in special education in college.
“I’m so happy to be captain. Both of my sisters were a part of Red and Blue. It’s always something I wanted to do.” Ahern says she's thankful to have the support of her family with her every step of the way.
For the dance portion, she’ll be doing disco with her team.
“It’s great to see everyone becoming friends,” commented Ahern. “People are asking people for rides, everyone is getting closer.” To Ahern, one of the most important aspects of being captain is creating a positive community where everyone has a positive experience.
Age: 17
Senior
As a member of the cheer team, Sarah Tear knows what it takes to support a team. She is also a part of the Cancer Awareness Club where she helps fundraise money for cancer research. As a young child, she loved dancing and it’s one of the biggest reasons she loves Red and Blue.
“Being a part of a cheer team taught me how to be a member of a team, but now being a captain it's about how to lead your team to victory and ensure that everyone is having fun. You have to be a friend to everyone,” said Tear.
She is thinking of majoring in business in college but is keeping her options open for now.
Tear is excited to introduce the younger grades to the Red and Blue event like she had been years ago. “Red and Blue is a legacy and a tradition that I wanted to be a part of and it was really important to me that I could continue that legacy for younger generations.”
To Tear, Red and Blue is all about inclusivity and being involved every step of the way. Her family has been a tremendous support, including helping out at “the Sewing House” to create costumes for the team.
Tear urges her peers to participate. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s manageable. I encourage everyone to get involved.”
Age: 17
Senior
Ava Gallego is no stranger to danceoffs. During fall, she performed as a varsity cheerleader and choreographed the numbers as dance coordinator for half-times and pep rallies. She is also the social media manager of DECA, a business club, and the secretary of the Well-Being Club. As an athlete, she participates in Athletes Helping Athletes where she advises younger athletes about subjects like ethical behavior and drug avoidance.
Her love of dance sparked from Red and Blue in her sophomore year. Last year, she took on the role of dance coordinator for the Red and Blue’s jazz team. This year she is delighted to be elevated to a captain. “I’ve learned a lot of social skills (through my extracurriculars). Being a coordinator last year, I led a smaller group, so I learned leadership through that,” Gallego said. She’ll be dancing in the disco dance this year.
Although her college plans are not finalized, she is interested in studying business marketing. Who knows? She may even join the dance team while she’s there too. Gallego is excited about what the future holds.
“This is a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to do it since elementary school. I remember seeing Red and Blue in Kindergarten. I instantly fell in love with the idea,” Gallego said. Gallego’s sister was captain in 2019, so she got to experience first-hand what it takes to lead Red and Blue.
“There’s something for everyone to do to be included,” commented Gallego. “It’s something I’ll never forget.”
Year Red Captains Blue Captains Year Red Captains Blue Captains
1975
1976
1977
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
1938
1940
1942
1943
1944
1945
1946
1947
1948
1949
Doris Knapp
Mary
Barbara
Audrey
Joyce
Joyce
Janet Smith
Janet
Janet
Ethel
Susan
Anne
Dolores
Marjorie
1954
1955
1956
1957
1958
1959
1962
1963
1964
Karen
Gail
Barbara
Susan
Marjorie
Nina
Jacqueline
Sheila
Sara
Joan Vosburgh Elaine Stieber
1965 Suzanne Fuller Dale Poretz
Gail Vandergrift Hazel Rothfeld
1966 Amy Leffert Deborah A. Boggs
Donna Silver Barbara Newman
1988
1989
1990
Maureen Satterley Mary Serletti
Mary Anne Kennedy Kerry Horn
Jean Gibbons Nancy Rodger
Jane Kigner Beth Pollak
Randy Repetto Virginia Grimaldi
June Gibbons Cathleen Doherty
Mary Bingham Ellen Lucchesi
Regina MacDonald Candy Cocco
Liz Hunt Ellen Wasserman
Cathy Smith Lisa Cerruto
Kerry Devine Maureen Connelly
Linda Boscaino Tracy Repetto
Mary Moresco Katie Hunt
Mary Kim Somers Sarah Halley
Teresa Hunter Dorothy Macken
Gina Cerruto Kate Goggin
Suzanne Frost Karen Smith
Betsy Kennedy Mary MacDonald
Wendy Wallace Virginia Southwick
Alana Devine Brooke Feldman
Joanie Ragona Bitsy Cronin
Teresa Armellino Lynn Ferrara
Theresa Schuhman Carol McGuire
Virginia Goggin Mary Hill
Karen Pinckney Marypat Burke
Stacey Brockbank Meredith Cohen
Seanne Henkel Tracey Roth
Monica Shulman Dawn Riddle
Shavaun Guinan Lesley Pinckney
Joyce Speight Amy Riddle
Jodi Silverman
Kim Morin Rachel Fischler
Janine Haunss Donna Minelli
1991 Bernadette Ryan Kathleen Kelly
1992
Corinne O’Brien Kristen Mansfield
Kimberly Cosenza Kerrie Morin
Jeanne Bridget Fylnn Susan Baumann
Meredith Ring Tara Tilles
1993 Eramia Makros Tatum Fox
1994
1995
Michele Mansfield Eileen Harkins
Jennifer Schoenfeld Ellie Schuerger
Liz Schimkin Alix O’Brien
Stephanie Delyanis Olita Mills
Teresa DiBenedetto Valeri Alikhan
1996 Rachel Butler Lauren Burke
Marlene Lang Corrin Brancato
1997 Lauren Spezio Jennifer Cohen
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
Brianne Wolff Kristy Herrel
Eileen Tehan Liz Cummings
Bridgette DeVerna Brigitte Paino
Andrea Herrel Sara Quinton
Rachel Fass Cynthia Alikhan
Lisa Gegerson Stephanie Freudenberger
Megan Rowland Vita Schiliro
Karen Wecksler Emily Quinton
Madelena Ryerson Alyse Diamond
Sage Lipkin Jackie Kershis
Katerina Kladias Mackenzie Kaplan
Christina Ferrara Jenna Brucculeri
Meg Guido Natalie Schiliro
Jill Daly Fran Ferrara
Jess Ryerson Nicole Gennari
2005 Jamie Maggio Jessica Brown
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
1967
1968
1969
Heather Greene Ilana Wyler
Jenna Carey Kathryn Kelly
Julianne Valls Maddy Kelly
Lauren Riolo KC Connolly
Elizabeth Roe Katie Remy
Jamie Carey Jackie Femminello
Meg Votke Kelly Reynolds
Jenna Wechsler Meg Lynch
Lauren DeMara Meg Remy
Julie Marazzo Dorothy Caccavale
Gina Quagliata Mersina Onesto
Amanda DiMare Brenna Guinan
Kathryn Sheppard Lauren Rovere
Margo Connolly Taylor Schwarting
Chelsea Portenoy Nicole Testa
Clare Carey Alyssa Quagliata
Becca Law Michelle Small
Erin Chiffriller Barbara Gutman
Caroline Leck Casey Petrone
2015 Phoebe Dacek Tricia Mahoney
Maddy Jaber Caroline Spadaro
Christine Brindley Paula Harvey
Shelley Brenner Patricia Rhodes
Judith Leffert Lynn Simon
Virginia Kasman Diane Tyler
Kathryn Grande de Santis Dolores Edwards
Beborah Lieberman Joanne Meyer
1970 Nicole Grande Caroline Hennig
V. Katz Laurie Ann Marks
1971 Carin Schwartz Cindy Neitz
Donna Sadkin Helen Buschmann
1972 Betsy Lyons Jennifer Galt
Mary Zarba Margaret Caradonna
1973 Kathy Abele Janet Sturm
1974
Robin Smallwood Holly Wulfing
Barbara Armstrong Judith Chiara
Andrea Pennisi Margaret D. Blumberg
2016
2017
2018
Haley McDonald Bridget Leake
Kelsey Schuermann Sarah Richman
Jess Martino Allison Mullooly
Natalie Marinelli Allison Mahoney
Elizabeth Preldakaj Zoe Roman
Olivia Watterson Katie Rosshirt
2019 Lindsay Tighe Allie Gallego
Genna Kopelman Winnie Chiffriller
2020
2021
2022
Jillian Schumacher Nicolina Mauro
Katie Ernst Erin Testa
Montana Mawhinney Ashlynn Beauge
Skylar Deluca Grayce McDonald
Haley Zelles Alex Kearns
Noelle Cairnie Sophie Greenberg
2023 Catie Morgan Maggie Chiffriller
2024
Molly Munro Alayna Marzolini
Maggie Miller Katherine Ahern
Sarah Tear Ava Gallego
With the 108th annual Red and Blue extravaganza approaching, anticipation mounts as the question lingers: Could this be the year that the Red team secures a second consecutive team victory?
Under the guidance of team captains Maggie Miller and Sarah Tear, the Red team seems confident in its collective ability to triumph over the obstacles that lie ahead. Leading a cohort of 150 South Side High School classmates is no simple task and can oftentimes be a challenge within itself, yet Miller and Tear have full embraced their leadership roles with zeal and determination.
In the weeks leading up to the extravaganza, the Red team has dedicated several hours, outside of their busy academic schedules, to prepare their performances. From meticulously choreographed dances to spirited skits, songs and chants, each element has been prepped and ready for the big event.
Despite their fervent desire to emerge victorious, the Red team remains steadfast in their commitment to teamwork and sportsmanship. The competition is always fierce, but the camaraderie and excitement are what the Red and Blue competition is really all about — a celebration of talent and unity.
As the spotlight beckons and the excitement builds, all eyes are on the Red team as they strive to carve their names into history with a second consecutive triumph.
— Daniel Offner
As the countdown to the 108th annual Red and Blue extravaganza draws nearer, everyone is curious to find out: Can the Blue team clinch victory once more?
With the pressure mounting, Blue team captains Katherine Ahern and Ava Gallego maintain their composure, balancing their responsibilities with unwavering focus.
Despite the demanding nature of their academic commitments, Ahern and Gallego remain undeterred, diligently balancing their homework and assignments alongside the extensive preparations for the event.
Their dedication and resilience shine through as they navigate the challenges of organizing nearly 150 teammates in a series of skits, songs, sporting events, relay races and dance routines.
For the Blue team, the highlight of the extravaganza lies in the camaraderie and teamwork, understanding that behind the celebration lies a rigorous competition that demands nothing short of their utmost drive and determination.
Over the past three-and-a-half weeks, the Blue team has been diligently rehearsing to fine-tune their routines in preparation for the highly anticipated three-day competition.
Whether they win or lose, the team embraces the importance of cherishing these shared moments, working together as a team and reveling in the energy and excitement of it all while looking to achieve another team victory.
— Daniel Offner
What does it take to be a captain?
BLUE: Katherine Ahern
It takes determination and encouragement, you have to be hard-working kind, and outgoing.
BLUE: Ava Gallego
It takes hard work, encouragement, determination, positivity … it’s a lot. You have to really want to be captain to do it efficiently. It’s a lot of hard work. You have to put your all into everything you do.
RED: Sarah Tear
It takes a lot of motivation and determination. It’s definitely a lot of work because you have to be in a lot of places at all times, so you gotta be fully in it. You also have to have a lot of ideas to keep everything together and be encouraging to your team.
RED: Maggie Miller
You have to be a very balanced person. It takes confidence, you have to be comfortable in your own skin to stand up and delegate and direct sometimes around 150 girls. It also takes awareness, being able to bounce back and forth between different situations.
What is your favorite part of red and blue?
BLUE: Katherine Ahern
My favorite part is everyone coming together, learning their dances and getting ready to show everyone what we’ve done. I can’t wait to put on the skit and show how hard we’ve been working. Right now, the skit is what I’m most excited about. I love how we can get into character and have fun with it.
BLUE: Ava Gallego
The friends that I have made during this process. With Red and Blue it’s all grades coming together … the friends that I made sophomore year that I’m still friends with to this day. It’s a great way for students to branch out from their friend groups. I’m also really excited for the skit, it doesn’t feel like a chore when we rehearse, it’s actually really fun and different. I’ve never done theatre before.
RED: Sarah Tear
My favorite part is “Song Day.” I love after the five weeks everybody comes together and you see all your friends from the other team and what everyone’s created. It’s a really wholesome experience.
RED: Maggie Miller
I love making new friends. I’ve met so many people through Red and Blue. I also really love dress rehearsal where we go into school that day and see what everyone has been doing for the past four and a half weeks. I love performing in front of everyone for the first time. It’s a very rewarding experience. What is the most challenging part of being a captain and how do you overcome it?
BLUE Katherine Ahern
The most challenging part is getting everyone to listen and keep their attention. We’re all friends, so we can get derailed sometimes, but we just have to make sure we keep the task in mind especially during crunch time.
BLUE: Ava Gallego
I think everyone staying on task is the hardest. It’s a team effort. It’s not only us, it’s the coordinators, the dancers … everyone has a role and everyone has to be working hard. So delegating roles and making sure we are completing them has been important.
RED: Sarah Tear
Staying positive all the time. It can be stressful especially as a captain, so we try our very best to be encouraging and make sure that everyone is having fun.
RED: Maggie Miller
Communication is one of the biggest parts of Red and Blue, but it can also be the hardest. You need to be able to communicate with a large group of people at the same time. It’s also about communicating to my co-captain and my supervisors about my feelings, especially during stressful situations.
The Jillian Daly Foundation
The Jillian Daly Foundation
The Jillian Daly Foundation
The Jillian Daly Foundation
CONGRATULATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS
friends are made for a lifetime
CONGRATULATIONS
friends are made for a lifetime
friends are made for a lifetime
thejillianedalyfoundation.org
friends are made for a lifetime
thejillianedalyfoundation.org
thejillianedalyfoundation.org
thejillianedalyfoundation.org
1973
2009
Crystal Dunn scored three times in the first 20 minutes and had four
Controversy
2010
2014
Billie Jean King defeats Bobby Riggs in straight sets during the second “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match
Red
The Blue Team wins for the sixth straight year, the longest winning streak in the event’s history 1988
Pam Postema is the first woman to officiate a professional sporting event when she umpired a Major League Baseball spring training game
