Maroon and White Gets Into the Holiday Spirit at Raider Pride Event

On Friday, December 12th, Scarsdale High School welcomed a burst of Raider Pride during the Maroon & White Pride event, held after school from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. With winter settling in and the holidays approaching, the event offered students and athletes a moment to gather, recharge, and celebrate their school community.

The Pride event featured a food stall with free treats, including cupcakes, muffins, chicken sandwiches, and a variety of snacks. Conveniently located outside the gymnasiums, the setup could not have been better timed. Winter sports athletes were already in the area for picture day, making it easy for students heading to or from the gym to stop by, grab food, and connect with teammates and friends.

Organized by the Maroon & White Spirit Committee, the event was led by co-chairs Jenn Pappalardo, mother of Joey ’26 and Ava ’27, and Jen Fischer, mother of Ivy ’28. The Spirit Committee is part of the Maroon & White Booster Club, a parent-led volunteer organization that supports Scarsdale athletics, physical education, and student health while promoting school spirit throughout the Scarsdale community. Through fundraising, the Booster Club helps provide equipment and resources not covered by the school budget, strengthening Raider Pride across SHS.

According to the co-chairs, these Pride events take place each season during Raider Pride Week to recognize student-athletes and our community who support them. With students balancing long school days, games, and extracurriculars, offering free food was a simple way to show appreciation. The response from students was enthusiastic, with many lingering to talk and enjoy the festive atmosphere before heading to their next commitments.

Pappalardo said, "Leading the Maroon & White Spirit Committee is honestly my favorite role because it’s so fun and student-facing. Getting to be around the kids and see their smiles and their energy is the best part. I can’t believe I’ve known some of them since kindergarten! Working with our new Athletic Director Cindy Parrott is fantastic, she super supportive!"

The event reflected SHS values by bringing together students, parents, and staff to celebrate teamwork and unity beyond the playing field. While planning required careful coordination around busy athletic schedules, the Spirit Committee worked closely with the athletic department to ensure students could participate.

For the organizers, the experience was particularly rewarding. Seeing students relax, smile, and spend time together made the effort worthwhile. Athletic Director Cindy Parrott’s active involvement further highlighted the SHS administration’s commitment to student life and school spirit.

Looking ahead, the Maroon & White Spirit Committee plans to return in the spring with hopes of expanding food options, adding giveaways, and increasing student involvement. As the holiday season approached, this Pride event offered a timely reminder of a strong sense of community, shared pride, and plenty of maroon and white spirit.