Excitement filled the air as students, faculty, and families from the Westbury U.F.S.D. gathered at Citi Field on September 13 for a day of spirited camaraderie during Westbury Day at the Mets game. The event, which showcased Westbury High School’s NJROTC unit and featured one of its very own decorated varsity baseball players throwing out the first pitch, was a home run for school pride.
The afternoon began with a sea of green and gold as the district’s proud students and supporters descended upon the stadium. One of the highlights of Westbury Day was the outstanding performance by the school’s NJROTC unit, who proudly provided an Honor Guard for the orchestra during the presentation of the national anthem. Junior Kevin Rivas spoke of the experience, exclaiming, “As we walked down the hallway, all I could think about was all the people that might be watching me. As Master Chief [William Caraballo] said, 30,000 people would be watching. As we stepped onto the field, the view of the field made me feel so special. It was so much fun.” Freshman Nathaly Quezada also commented on the immensity of the crowd, admitting it was “nerve-wracking at first, but once I stepped foot onto the field, I felt proud. The experience was so much fun.” Westbury High School NJROTC Chief Richard Immarigeon commended his students, stating, “It was a great opportunity for the kids to be on Citi Field for a performance. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and they did an amazing job.”
Adding to the excitement, Jonathan Cruz, one of Westbury High School’s star athletes and 2023 Baseball MVP, took to the mound to throw out the first pitch. “I felt excited to throw out the first pitch to my dad. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I enjoyed it,” he stated. The atmosphere remained charged as the crowd witnessed their home team’s 7-1 triumph over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Westbury Day at Citi Field was an incredible day of unity, talent, and community spirit. The collective enthusiasm of students, faculty, and families made this event a grand slam of school pride.