Superintendent’s Spotlight: Mackenzie Sciarra and Jenna Grady

Homecoming in Warwick Valley schools is a tradition that brings together students, families, and the entire community to celebrate Wildcat pride. This year, Warwick Valley High School seniors Mackenzie Sciarra and Jenna Grady are helping homecoming advisor and high school English teacher Danielle Bugasch prepare for and execute this year’s festivities.

As homecoming committee veterans, their leadership and dedication are making a big impact on the lead-up to Warwick Valley’s “HoCo `26.” Both students are as excited to be part of the planning as they are to take part in the fun.

Participating in homecoming since before freshman year

Both Mackenzie and Jenna have been involved with homecoming for years, going back to even before they painted their first float as freshmen. And for them, homecoming is as much a family tradition as it is a school tradition. Jenna was inspired to get involved by watching a sibling’s school spirit shine.

“My older sister, she was homecoming committee president years ago, and now getting to do what she did, it’s amazing,” Jenna shares. “And homecoming in Warwick, it’s really like a community event rather than just like an in-school event. Everyone gets involved.”

Like Jenna, Mackenzie has been part of Warwick Valley schools and Wildcat traditions her whole life, and joined in the homecoming parade when she was in elementary school.

“I’ve either been watching the parade or in the parade, like, always,” she laughed. “Now, just to be able to help Ms. Bugasch plan it, and to design our float, our tee-shirt, everything—it’s such a privilege. I love it so much!”

Senior class hopes to repeat as float winners

Outside of their homecoming helper roles, Mackenzie and Jenna are both enthusiastic (to say the least) Class of 2026 homecoming competitors as well, and are helping conceptualize and create their class’s float. This year’s overarching homecoming theme is DreamWorks movies, and the senior class has chosen “Madagascar” for their float. After winning last year’s float vote as juniors, they feel like their class has a serious chance to repeat and defend their title. They work closely with their classmates, who all openly communicate ideas and get creative.

“Our grade is so talented,” said Mackenzie. “And everyone just has, like, a genuine love for homecoming and working together. Everyone has an idea that they put in.”

Embracing homecoming traditions

Among the homecoming traditions within the tradition that Mackenzie and Jenna are planning/looking forward to are the pep rally, powder puff flag football game, and the bonfire, all events that create bonds and build school pride, as well as lasting memories.

“Having that special time outside of school just to spend time with your friends,” Mackenzie said. “Just to get to be in the parade... it’s all such a special privilege.”

“It’s definitely a one-in-a-million event,” added Jenna. “All of the other events around it – the powder puff game, the bonfire – they’re so much fun and bring everyone together.”

Encouraging younger students to join in on the fun

Now that they’re seniors, Mackenzie and Jenna are using their last year to encourage younger students to join in on the fun.

“At orientation, I was telling everyone, that’s the number one thing you should do right off the bat,” Mackenzie said. “Start with homecoming and then see where you are after that.”

They attest and assert that homecoming is a great way for freshmen to feel welcome in high school.

“It’s definitely a great way for underclassmen to get involved and really makes them feel like they’re a high schooler now,” Jenna said. “It uplifts everyone’s school spirit.”

Mackenzie agreed.

“Just seeing the freshmen do it for the first time is wonderful,” she added. “It’s just something so special you can’t even describe how fun it is. It’s these moments that stay with you long after the parade is over.”