East Rockaway High School’s long-standing tradition of Rock Rivalry officially kicked off on Thursday, Feb. 13, with the highly anticipated Quiz Bowl. Held in the school auditorium, the event set the stage for an exciting season of friendly competition among the classes, a tradition that has been celebrated since 1936.

Rock Rivalry is a unique intra-school contest that fosters school spirit, camaraderie, and creativity. The multi-event competition includes the Quiz Bowl, a volleyball game, Sports Night, and the much-anticipated Entrance—a spectacular showcase of murals, refreshment stands, costumes, and original 30-minute musical skits. Each class competes for points throughout the events, with the ultimate goal of winning the coveted silver cup.

The Quiz Bowl itself is a test of academic prowess, with students answering questions from various subject areas studied in school. The auditorium was filled with energy as students cheered on their classmates, creating a lively and competitive atmosphere. This year, the junior class dominated the competition, earning a decisive victory and setting themselves up as strong contenders for the rest of Rock Rivalry.

With the Quiz Bowl complete, the excitement now shifts to the upcoming Rock Rivalry events. As students prepare for the remaining competitions, the anticipation builds for the grand finale, where colorful murals, intricate backdrops, and entertaining skits will take center stage.

As always, Rock Rivalry remains a highlight of the school year, bringing together students in a spirited celebration of talent, teamwork and tradition. With the juniors leading the charge, all eyes are on the next round of events to see which class will claim the ultimate prize and etch their name into East Rockaway High School history.

 

 

Date Added: 2/18/2025

On Feb. 14, East Rockaway High School hosted its annual Future Fair in the high school gym, providing students in grades 9-12 with a valuable opportunity to explore post-high school options. Representatives from colleges, trade schools, places of employment, the military, law enforcement, and healthcare organizations attended the event, offering insights into various career paths and summer employment opportunities.

The Future Fair featured a diverse array of participants, including the U.S. Army, U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy and Hofstra University’s ROTC Program for students interested in military service. Local employment and training opportunities were also highlighted, such as the Lifeguard Training Program, Rolling River Day Camp and TSA at JFK Airport. Additionally, students had the chance to connect with representatives from healthcare institutions like Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, as well as local colleges, including Adelphi University and Molloy University. Law enforcement agencies such as the Nassau County 4th Precinct, New York State Troopers and the East Rockaway Fire Department were also in attendance, providing students with information about careers in public service.

To help students make the most of the event, the East Rockaway counseling department provided question guides tailored to each grade level, ensuring a structured and purposeful experience. Freshmen were encouraged to explore different opportunities and discover their interests, while sophomores were guided to start thinking about their future and ways to prepare. Juniors focused on narrowing their interests and gathering specific information for college or career planning, and seniors used the fair to collect final details and prepare for their next steps.

The Future Fair was an invaluable experience for students, helping them engage with professionals across various fields and gain a deeper understanding of the paths available after high school. By facilitating these meaningful connections, East Rockaway High School continues to support students in making informed decisions about their futures.

Click here to view the East Rockaway High School hosts Future Fair for students in grades 9-12 2025 slideshow.

Date Added: 2/18/2025

The East Rockaway High School varsity cheer team brought energy and enthusiasm to Rhame Avenue School on Feb. 3, hosting a special cheer clinic for elementary students.

The event featured two dynamic sessions tailored to different age groups. The first session welcomed students in grades K-3, while the second session was designed for students in grades 4-6. Led by Cheer Coach DeBenedetto, the varsity cheerleaders guided the younger students through an engaging program that introduced them to essential cheerleading skills.

Throughout the clinic, the elementary students learned cheers, jumps, stunts, and pom-pom routines under the mentorship of the experienced varsity cheerleaders. The hands-on instruction provided a fantastic opportunity for the younger students to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the excitement of cheerleading firsthand.

Beyond learning new techniques, the clinic fostered a strong sense of community and school spirit. The younger students had the chance to bond with their high school mentors, creating connections that extend beyond the gym.

Overall, the cheer clinic was a resounding success, leaving participants with big smiles and a newfound enthusiasm for cheerleading. It was a fun and memorable way for students across the district to come together, learn, and celebrate their school spirit.

Click here to view the ERHS Varsity Cheer Team Hosts Exciting Cheer Clinic for Elementary Students slideshow.

 

Date Added: 2/6/2025

The auditorium at East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School was transformed into a delightfully eerie setting on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 as students from across the district took center stage for their production of “The Addams Family.” The musical, known for its quirky humor and unforgettable characters, captivated audiences with outstanding performances, creative set designs and toe-tapping musical numbers.

Directed by Christina Pace, the production showcased the incredible talent of East Rockaway's student body, featuring a diverse cast that included a few talented sixth graders from Rhame Avenue and Centre Avenue schools alongside the junior/senior high school students. The collaboration highlighted the district's dedication to fostering the performing arts across all grade levels.

The musical's plot, centered around the Addams family's interactions with Wednesday Addams' normal boyfriend and his family, offered a perfect blend of comedy and heartfelt moments. Students demonstrated impressive vocal abilities, especially during standout numbers like When You're an Addams and Pulled, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Behind the scenes, the production benefited from the hard work of the stage crew. The gothic-inspired sets and meticulously crafted costumes transported the audience into the Addams' spooky world, while the lighting design added an extra layer of atmosphere to the performance.

The pit orchestra, conducted by ERHS music teacher Noah Luft-Weissberg, provided dynamic accompaniment that enhanced each scene, with music department chair Peter Ceglio adding flair on percussion.

The success of “The Addams Family” highlights the vibrant arts culture within the East Rockaway UFSD, inspiring both participants and audience members alike. Bravo to the cast, crew and directors for bringing this spooky, spectacular show to life!

Click here to view the East Rockaway UFSD Stages Spooktacular Production of “The Addams Family” slideshow.

 

Date Added: 2/4/2025

Join us on Friday, February 14, for our Future Fair—an exciting opportunity for students to explore pathways beyond high school!

Featuring:
- Trade Schools
- Unions
- Local Colleges
- Employers looking to hire East Rockaway students for Summer 2025

Parents are welcome to attend! Please RSVP by Thursday, February 13 here:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdn2uzE0QrWsqQuPIcQIQtEL9jnyAhhGncgK9EDTGTZIcTdcQ/viewform

Don’t miss this chance to plan for your future!

 

Date Added: 2/5/2025

On January 30, East Rockaway High School celebrated its senior cheerleaders during a heartfelt Senior Cheer Night held at Rhame Avenue School. The event was a touching tribute to the dedication, spirit, and hard work of the senior members of the cheerleading squad, honoring their incredible contributions over the past four years.

The evening began with each senior cheerleader being individually announced, as they proudly received sashes and bouquets of flowers. Surrounded by proud family members, the seniors were congratulated for their commitment and leadership within the team. The room was filled with applause, cheers, and heartfelt emotions as the community came together to recognize these outstanding student-athletes.

Adding to the heartfelt atmosphere, the junior members of the squad delivered moving speeches, sharing personal stories and expressing their admiration for their senior teammates. Their words highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and mentorship that have been built throughout their time together.

To lighten the mood and bring some laughter, the sophomore cheerleaders presented a series of humorous superlatives for each senior. This fun segment captured the unique personalities of the seniors and showcased the camaraderie and joy that define the team spirit.

The room was decorated with photos capturing memorable moments from the cheerleaders' journey over the years. These snapshots served as a visual tribute to their growth, achievements, and the lasting memories they've created together.

The celebration concluded with a spirited performance by the squad, demonstrating their talent, teamwork, and the passion that has defined their cheerleading careers at East Rockaway High School.

The senior cheerleaders will be deeply missed, but their legacy of dedication, leadership, and school spirit will continue to inspire future generations of East Rockaway cheerleaders.

Click here to view the Celebrating East Rockaway High Schools Senior Cheerleaders slideshow.

Date Added: 2/3/2025