Excitement Fills the Air at Finley Pep Rally
The atmosphere was electric as students and staff jammed into the J. Taylor Finley Middle School gym for a fall pep rally. The hour long event went beyond merely celebrating athletic exploits, as students cheered just as loudly when an assortment of academic achievements were announced to the standing room only crowd.
A typically huge percentage of the student body is again participating in the after school athletic program and school spirit is running sky high. Principal John Amato served as master of ceremonies and he hit all the right notes. How many pep rallies feature students applauding their scores on a series of state exams?
There was a deafening reaction when the Finley Falcon mascot performed some dance moves mid-way through the program and again toward the end of it when a student and several teachers joined the feathery creature at center court.
As the event’s DJ, music teacher Frank Battista played a selection of “arena rock” songs that enhanced the afternoon and further revved up the crowd. Mr. Battista and social studies teacher Kim Finneran, who are co-advisors to the school’s student government, helped organize the pep rally. Performances by Finley’s step team and the introduction of coaches, captains and fall athletic team members were all met with a roar of approval.
The Finley pep rally was certainly the place to be last Friday for anyone interested in having good, clean fun. Superintendent John J. Finello stopped by as did retired art teacher Rose Ackerly and Director of Athletics Georgia McCarthy. Team captains were poised and articulate in profiling their squads before the full house. Some students held team posters while others proudly wore their uniforms.
Mr. Amato took the opportunity to promote various community service activities and teachers Brian Reynolds and Denise DeChiaro engaged in friendly banter and put on a memorable show. At one point, Ms. DeChiaro sat on a throne and was crowned queen by her adoring court. The two teachers engage in an annual Thanksgiving food drive competition, which last year resulted in the collection of more than 2,500 items.
One of the highlights of the afternoon came when Mr. Amato announced that he would engage in a free-throw shooting contest with guidance counselor and football coach Phil Lowe. The winner in the best-of-five battle would get to throw a bucket of water over the head of the loser.
As the crowd sat on the end of its seats and the bucket of water waited nearby, the pair headed to the foul line. Mr. Lowe went first, followed by Mr. Amato, who is one of the state’s top boys’ basketball officials and has a golden left-handed shot. After Mr. Amato won in a walk, he chased after Mr. Lowe, bucket in hand, ending up in front of a large section of bleachers. As students ducked to avoid getting splashed, confetti floated out and covered the hysterical crowd as the gym erupted in cheers. The principal got the idea for the stunt from the Harlem Globetrotters. 
Many of Finley’s fall teams are among the Suffolk’s best, continuing a tradition that dates back more than four decades. Several eighth graders are so skilled they are participating on high school teams in their respective sports.
Extra-curricular activities have provided Finley students with meaningful experiences for many years. The school is planning various fun events in coming months, including an evening dance, which will give students additional social and recreational outlets for their energy levels, which are hard to contain.
All graphics, photographs, and text appearing on the Huntington Public Schools home page and subsequent official web pages are protected by copyright. Redistribution or commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. Comments or Questions? email the Public Information Office