Red and Blue 02-27-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

Lindsay Tighe Red Team Co-Captain

aLLie gaLLego BLUe Team Co-Captain

3 Things to Know: Red and Blue

By Kelsie Radziski

For more than a century, the girls of South Side High School have participated in the spirited and highly anticipated Red and Blue each year. With a mix of talent and hard work, each team works hard to fight for their victory, carrying on a long-time Rockville Centre tradition that sends excitement through the community.

1. Origins of Red and Blue

The Red and Blue competition, originally known as "Girls Sports Night," began in 1917 thanks to Elsie Spelman, a groundbreaking advocate for girls’ participation in sports. Spelman, who made history as the first woman to serve on the Rockville Centre Board of Education, fought against societal norms in a time when it was deemed inappropriate for young women to play sports. Her vision helped lay the foundation for gender

pete in a variety of activities.

The event includes a lively mix of dance routines, skits and relay races, along with other spirited activities, all in the name of fun and community pride. The competition’s early popularity even led to it being moved from South Side High School to the Masonic Hall to accommodate the large crowds it drew in, eventually returning to the newly built high school in 1924.

At one point, the event even featured a banquet as part of the celebrations, though that tradition ended in the 1980s. While the competition's format has evolved over time to stay relevant, the passion for the Red and

SOUTH SIDE HIGH SCHOOL RED BLUE

Lindsay Tighe Red Team Co-Captain

aLLie gaLLego BLUe Team Co-Captain

Meet the 2025 team captains

by Danielle Schwab

Grace Iacobellis

Age: 17 Senior

As varsity cheer captain this past fall, Grace Iacobellis knows what it takes to support a team. She stays a team player during the other seasons, running track in the winter and playing lacrosse in the spring.

‘“It’s taught me how to organize the girls to make sure that they're always having a good time and made it easier to get to know some of the girls, because I already knew them,” she said.

Iacobellis also enjoys being part of the Well-Being Club and Cancer Awareness Club. She gained a love of Red and Blue through her older sisters, Emily and Julia, who would teach her the dances when she was younger. As captain this year, her family has been there every step of the way — her mom helps out with costumes at Sewing House and makes sure Iacobellis goes home and gets some well-earned rest.

This year, she is delighted to be part of the disco dance.

“Last year, I was able to be on disco too. It’s so exciting to learn all the different things. I love the dancing,” she said.

To keep everything moving smoothly, communication is paramount.

“Lana and I do a good job of balancing each other and we will divide our tasks, so that way she could do one thing and I can do another.”

Julia Clarke

Blue Captain

Age: 17

Senior

Being captain has been a dream come true for Julia Clarke ever since she saw videos of the event when she was younger.

She’s no stranger to leadership, involved as treasurer of the Student Government Association, president of the Cancer Awareness Club, and president of LEAD Club. Additionally, she runs cross country and volunteers at Camp Anchor and at soup kitchens.

Being captain is a new experience, but one that Clarke is excited to take on.

“It's a great opportunity to improve my leadership skills,” she said.

This year, Clarke will be dancing in Jazz B with her team. Through her leadership role, she’s learned to communicate with a team of 150 girls.

“It's a lot to get everybody to be on the same page, we have coordinators for every position.”

It requires a community effort to get everything done, including participation from Clarke’s mom who has been assisting with costumes.

“My mom's been such an insanely huge help. She’s been helping the costume coordinators (with sewing) and working with other sewing moms.”

Clarke is excited to go on to Wake Forest University next year.

“I think [being a part of Red and Blue] is going to be beneficial and help me in college. Especially talking to a bunch of different people, and hearing their stories and their lives.”

Lana Jewett Red Captain

Age: 18

Senior

Before she was running practices for Red and Blue, Lana Jewett was running the track as captain of the cross country and winter teams, which she has been a part of for four years. At school, she is an active member of the DECA, Well-Being, and Red Cross Clubs. Once a week, she also volunteers at Backyard Players, where she helps out with Zumba and yoga classes for kids with special needs.

Jewett has been on the Red team since she was a freshman, so it’s only fitting she would finish her final year as captain. The previous captains motivated her to take up the helm and give it her all this year.

“They were just great role models, and they really inspired me. It's a lot, but it's also the same time. It's so much fun,” she said.

Jewett’s main goal is to make sure everyone is having fun whether it’s through creating posters, learning the chants, or cheering on each other during dances.

“I feel like sometimes it’s hard when girls are tired after school, but I just want to make sure everyone's having a good time while we're there,” she said.

This year is extra special with Jewett’s two younger sisters, Ava and Kayla, being a part of the Red team with her.

“It's just really fun to be able to do it with both my sisters since it’s my last year of high school and also being captain,” she added.

She hopes to study biochemistry in college, perhaps working with athletes in the future.

Age: 18

Senior

Sofia Leszczynski-Suero knew she wanted to be a captain after getting to know her classmates through her involvement in Red and Blue.

“I moved here freshman year, so I never knew what Red and Blue was and that's how I made a lot of my friends,” she said.

She stays active in school, playing club volleyball and running track.

For Leszczynski-Suero, Red and Blue is all about fostering friendships both old and new.

“Since the teams are split up randomly, Red and Blue allows us to meet people outside of our friend groups. I love working with all the girls,” she said.

Trying new things is a big part of Red and Blue according to LeszczynskiSuero, which is why she is excited to be a part of tumbling and disco this year. She’s thankful to all of the team's effort to make Red and Blue happen.

“I'm really grateful for all the girls that are coordinators that are helping us out, they’ve been beyond helpful.”

In her free time, she enjoys volunteering at SIBSPlace and playing piano and guitar. Next year LeszczynskiSuero will be going off to NYU, but for now she’s savoring the Red and Blue memories with her friends.

“I try to remind myself to really enjoy the moment, because it really is only a few weeks. So I think about balancing everything and trying to cherish it,” she added.

Red Captain

Sofia

Leszczynski-Suero

Blue Captain

What does it take to be a captain?

Red: Lana Jewett

It takes a lot of organization, patience and motivation. It's a lot of girls, so sometimes it's a little overwhelming. So you just have to know how to have patience and just be able to take a deep breath and just understand that it's all gonna work out okay.

Red: Grace Iacobellis

It takes a lot of energy and passion. I feel like if I didn't love Red and Blue as much as I did, it wouldn't be as much of an experience, and it wouldn't be the same for all the girls on the team.

Blue: Sofia Leszczynski-Suero

Leadership is definitely a huge thing. You are managing like 150 girls and that can be really challenging because you want the girls to obviously be the best. I'm really happy that everyone's being so cooperative. I think anyone can really do it if you're passionate about it.

Blue: Julia Clarke

It's really important to be kind because all these girls are looking up to you. And then you also have to be strong in a way, you can't really let your faults down in front of all the girls if you're stressed or upset. And you have to be understanding about everybody's situation.

What’s your favorite part of Red and Blue?

Red: Lana Jewett

I love being able to work with my co-captain, Grace, all the girls and coordinators on my team. I love learning the dance.I love every part of Red and Blue, like being able to

write the skit and just show the girls everything that we've worked so hard on.

Red: Grace Iacobellis

My favorite part is probably the dancing and the relays. Also being able to make so many new friends. I still talk to the girls that were on my dance last year. So it's nice, get to know people that you wouldn't normally cross paths with.

Blue: Sofia Leszczynski-Suero

I love being around girls that are outside of my typical circle. During Red and Blue you're mixing with so many other groups of people, other friend groups that really makes you foster new friendships.

Blue: Julia Clarke

I really like showing all the people on the other team what we've come up with each year. It’s a complete surprise to see my friends on Red, and just like being able to share what you've worked so hard on.

What does it mean to be part of Red and Blue?

Red: Lana Jewett

It's like such a long tradition that South Side has had so it feels really cool to be able to be another captain that just lives on this tradition of girls coming together and dancing. So just being able to be part of this really historical and cool thing.

Red: Grace Iacobellis

It's honestly so much fun. It’s an experience that everyone should have. It’s such a great way to meet new people. And it's honestly so much fun. I just love it.

Blue: Sofia Leszczynski-Suero

Red and blue is an entire team effort, it's not just a oneman show. You can't just do it by yourself. It takes a lot of teamwork and working well together in a group. All the girls do an amazing job of being collaborative, taking constructive criticism, and putting their best foot forward.

Blue: Julia Clarke

It creates a sense of community within the school. It's just so fun to see everybody dressed up on the friendship and spirit days, everyone comes together. It's nice to see everybody in school really share something so special with more than 300 girls. So it's really great.

Tim Baker/Herald

Julia Clarke, Sofia Leszczynski-Suero, Grace Iacobellis and Lana Jewett reflect on being captains of the Red and Blue teams.

Red team prepares for victory

As the 109th annual Red and Blue Extravaganza approaches, anticipation grows over whether the Red team will come back out on top.

Under the leadership of captains Lana Jewett and Grace Iacobellis, the Red team is confident in its collective ability to overcome the challenges ahead. Leading 150 students from South Side High School is no easy task, but Jewett and Iacobellis have embraced their roles with enthusiasm and determination.

In the weeks leading up to the event, the Red team has devoted several hours outside of their busy academic schedules to prepare performances. From meticulously choreographed dances to spirited skits, songs and chants, the girls are ready for the big day.

Though eager to win, the Red team remains committed to having fun and supporting each other. The competition is fierce, but the camaraderie and excitement are at the heart of the Red and Blue rivalry — a celebration of talent and unity.

As the spotlight shines, all eyes will be on the Red team as they aim to win again.

— Kelsie Radziski

Kyla Hover shows off her skills during another dance routine.

Sydney Marshall is focused on taking home the win.

Jenna Pesce, left, Nuala Cashman and Katie Bee jog through the gym as they lead their team in a dance.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Jules Roberts claps along with her teammates during practice.

The Red team is excited for the competition and determined to win.

Blue team aims for another win

As the 109th annual Red and Blue extravaganza approaches, all eyes are on the Blue team: Can they secure another victory?

With the pressure mounting, Blue team captains Sofia LeszczynskiSuero and Julia Clarke remain composed, balancing their leadership roles with unwavering focus.

Despite their demanding academic schedules, LeszczynskiSuero and Clarke have worked hard to manage their homework and assignments while preparing for the event.

Their dedication and resilience are evident as they organize nearly 150 teammates for skits, songs, sporting events, relay races and dance routines.

For the Blue team, LeszcynskiSuero and Clarke highlight the camaraderie and teamwork of the event and the friendships that come out of it. They know the celebration comes with a competitive edge that requires their full commitment, and they are able to work on developing their leadership skills to carry their team to the finish line.

Over the past few weeks, the Blue team has rehearsed tirelessly to perfect their routines for the highly anticipated three-day competition.

Win or lose, the team values the experience, working together to enjoy the excitement and energy of the event while aiming for another victory.

— Kelsie Radziski

Kayla Rappaport looks to perfect her dance routine before the big event.

Riley Perna dressed up in her Blue team gear for the team’s rehearsal.

Molly Lennon, Julia Coles and Tallulah Treanor learn how to ace their dance moves.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Ava Koziarz smiles at she gets ready to practice with her teammates.

The Blue team worked hard practicing their elaborate routines to take home another Red and Blue win.

From one Rockville Centre tradition to another, we salute this year’s Red & Blue teams. Win or lose, you’re making memories to last a lifetime.

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