For the first time in over 20 years, the Patchogue-Medford High School General Organization held a pep rally in preparation for homecoming.  

On Friday, October 3rd, over 2000 students and faculty gathered at Raider Stadium full of anticipation for the long-overdue celebration.  

Almost like a reverse two-hour-delay, everyone reported to the building at their regular arrival time, but periods were shortened to 27 minutes. This allowed for enough time at the end of the day for the entire school to celebrate the approach of homecoming on the football field. 

Outside, a large inflatable football helmet was set up, and the cheer team, Raiderettes, and marching band lined up beside it to welcome the entrance of every fall sports team, signaling the start of the rally.  

As each team was introduced, cheers erupted from the bleachers, elevating the energy and showcasing how much Patchogue-Medford pride the student body has for their fellow peers. Our 26 homecoming court nominees also walked onto the field wearing special sashes. 

The Raider Bean, named the Grand Marshals for Homecoming 2025, were also celebrated for their impact on the school community. Founded by Ms. Scalzo and Mr. Taylor, the Raider Bean began as a small student-run coffee shop and has grown into a symbol of inclusion, connection, and Raider pride, showing the importance of compassion and community in a school setting.  

Class of 2027 president and member of the Boys Varsity Volleyball team, Nazih Dandrich, expressed his thoughts on this school-wide celebration.  

“The pep rally was definitely a new spin on Raider pride. Nonetheless, it was a fun experience to be a part of.” 

“I can see this boosting school spirit tremendously in the years to come,” Nazih added. 

The rally also included entertaining performances by some of the school’s most talented performers: The marching band, cheer team, and the Raiderettes. 

The marching band, led by Mr. Carroll, demonstrated their skill to the entire school community with the precision of their steps, intonation and rhythm. 

After, the cheer team was backed by a Disney Channel Original Movie music medley featuring hits from High School Musical and Teen Beach Movie, representative of the 2025 homecoming theme.   

The Raiderettes then prepared an incredible choreographed number full of energy, raising the level of excitement in the crowd.  

To close the pep rally, the much-awaited new school mascot was announced after two years of voting among students, community members, and faculty.  

Three students – Colin Jennings, Joseph LaMartina, and Joseph Coppola – dressed up in onesies resembling the mascot choices: a buffalo, a wolf, and a horse respectively, and raced each other on the football field.  

In a theatrical tussle between the students, with fake tripping and fighting, the buffalo won the race, welcoming a new chapter of Patchogue-Medford school spirit and tradition.  

The pep rally was a celebration of unity, pride, and the revival of a long-lost tradition, reminding the community what it truly means to be a Raider.   

With the success of two spirit weeks leading up to the event, the re-introduction of the school’s pep rally served as the perfect kickoff to homecoming weekend and a renewed era of school pride. As the crowd left the stadium that afternoon, it was clear that the pep rally had marked the start of homecoming, but also the return of Raider spirit that’ll stay for years and years to come.