Bellefonte Area School District

Homecoming activities, events kick off for Bellefonte Area High School

Bellefonte Area High School sophomore Julia Huntsinger still remembers her kindergarten teacher at Marion-Walker Elementary School as someone who always made sure her students were cared for like a teacher – and mother – would do.

And this year, that same teacher, Cheryl DeCusati, is posthumously being honored at homecoming. In 2019, DeCusati lost her battle with cancer, and left an undeniably positive impact on the Bellefonte community and school district.

“She just cared about everybody succeeding and did everything she could to help everybody,” Huntsinger said. “I remember the little things like a schoolhouse she had in her class like a tent that you could go in if you were good.”

Huntsinger added that DeCusati would even continue to follow her students through various events and activities they were involved in long after their kindergarten years.

“She came to my brother’s football game and still remembered me way after I had her (as a teacher),” Huntsinger said.

How Huntsinger is part of the high school’s student council tasked with organizing a ceremony for DeCusati before Friday night’s football game against Huntingdon. Along with that, DeCusati’s husband, Paul, is the grand marshal at the parade, which begins 6 p.m. Thursday starting in downtown Bellefonte and ending at the high school. Classes are also decorating floats with a vacation-type theme, which includes water sports, snow sports and camping.

Unlike COVID-19 restrictions that put a limit on homecoming activities and events last school year, student council advisers said this year includes much more for students to participate in, while still adhering to COVID-19 mandates. There will be a parade with about 50 floats, athletic events and related activities, and a dance held Saturday outdoors. Homecoming court will also be crowned during halftime of Friday night’s football game.

*By Brit Milazzo, public relations director, BASD