Real-Life Lancer Leads Waterford Into Its New School

What better way to kick off the start off the new Waterford High School than a real-life lancer leading the way.

This morning, the school’s students moved into the new addition to Waterford High School, which is part of a $67 million renovation to the property. To kick things off, the school held a pep rally at 8 this morning, which featured everything from songs, poems and a real-life lancer parading in on horseback.

“This is a historic moment, and you are a part of it,” said Waterford High School Principal Don Macrino, who called the new addition “the nicest building in the state of Connecticut.” “And I want you to carry into the new building this idea of Lancer Pride, these acts of kindness and the goodness that you show on a daily basis.”

Right after those words, Capt. Sal Tarantino, the commander of the Second Continental Light Dragoons, came riding in on a horse, dressed as a real-life Waterford Lancer. The students erupted in applause as Tarantino did a lap around the field’s track.

Tarantino then led the students to the front of the school, where they met for another ceremony. There, students raised the American, Connecticut and Lancer Pride flags, the Waterford High School band and chorus performed songs and a student read a poem about change.

At the end, Superintendent Jerome Belair addressed the students, saying, “the community of Waterford has great expectations for all of you as you enter this state-of-the-art learning facility.” Then, Tarantino rode in on his horse, cut a Lancer Pride banner in half with his sword, and students filed into their first period classes.

“Alright, back to reality,” Macrino said, and school officially began in the new building.