Washingtonville supports its Wizards at homecoming 2025

Friday night lights were in full effect at Washingtonville High School’s homecoming game on Friday, October 3. Wizards in all stages of life filled the bleachers and spilled out onto the surrounding grassy hills, ready to witness what would become a triumphant evening as the Wizards faced off against the Warwick Valley Wildcats.

Click here to view a photo gallery from the game!

This year, students traded their usual blue and gold spirit wear for an all pink ensemble in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For many, dressing up alongside their classmates is one of the highlights that makes homecoming so memorable. 

Sophomores Maddie Flores and Zoey Saunders agreed that the creative outfits set the tone for the night. 

“It’s nice being surrounded by people who are excited to be here,” Maddie said. “Plus, I get to dress up and it's fun.”

Zoey added that Washingtonville’s student body brings a special kind of energy to homecoming. 

“There is so much pep around homecoming. I would say we have a lot of school spirit,” she said. “Everyone’s willing to go all out and that really separates us from other schools.” 

That spirit was on full display as cheerleaders and the pep band worked in tandem to keep the energy high from kickoff to the final whistle. The cheerleaders delivered a nonstop performance filled with dance routines, tumbling passes, impressive stunts and even a confetti cannon, while the band kept the crowd buzzing with classic game day stand tunes. 

The student section also added to the festive atmosphere with creative signage, silly string and color bombs that sent pink powder swirling through the air. 

For seniors, the evening carried more of a reflective tone. Many saw it as an opportunity to slow down and savor their final homecoming as students. 

E.J. Breslin, decked out in pink from head to toe, described the night as bittersweet. 

“I'm a senior, and it's kind of sad because this is my last year,” he said. “But I love getting together with my classmates. I’m also looking forward to the dance and seeing everyone’s outfits. I love seeing everyone put on their best.”

For younger students, homecoming is an exciting glimpse of what’s ahead. 

Abigail Justafort, a third grader at Taft, came to cheer on her brother, Christian (#26). Nikki King, a fifth grader at Little Britain, was there to support her brother, Travis (#64). Both have been attending homecoming for years. In fact, Nikki counted this as her eighth game. 

As budding cheerleaders themselves, Abigail and Nikki agreed their favorite part of the night is watching the cheerleaders and joining in on the chants. They added that they’re especially excited to one day cheer at their own homecoming games as future high school cheerleaders.

For others, homecoming feels like a reunion. Junior Cheyenne Sampson said one of her favorite parts is spotting familiar faces in the crowd. 

“I enjoy seeing the alums and the teachers who retired,” Cheyenne said. “Mr. Connolly is here, and it's really nice to see him and reconnect.” 

This homecoming marked a full circle moment for former Washingtonville graduate Benjamin Kohn, who recently returned to the district to teach music at Little Britain and Round Hill. At this year’s homecoming Mr. Kohn played trumpet alongside the pep band.

“It’s absolutely amazing – it’s a dream come true,” he said. “I can’t even put into words what it feels like being back in my hometown where I grew up now as a teacher. It's just absolutely amazing.”

Athletic Director Suzanne Lendzian described the night as nothing short of phenomenal – and not just because of the Wizard’s 35-7 victory. 

“What a homecoming, truly,” she said. “It was great to see so many smiling faces and prideful people out celebrating Wizard Nation. And to cap it off with a win from our Wizards was just outstanding. We're really looking forward to opening up our new field with our same amazing community next year.”

Click here to view a photo gallery from the game!