Homecoming Home

Gates Chili’s annual homecoming celebration returns Oct. 14-17, bringing together students, families, alumni and community members for a week filled with spirit, tradition and fun.
From athletic contests and pep rallies to the parade, football game and alumni recognition, homecoming is an opportunity to show support for our Spartans and celebrate what makes our school community strong.
Wednesday, Oct. 15
Thursday, Oct. 16
Friday, Oct. 17
Homecoming week at-a-glance
Throughout the week, students, families, staff and alumni can cheer on Gates Chili athletic teams, honor our newest Hall of Fame inductees, and come together for events that showcase our school community.
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Girls junior varsity soccer – 5:15 p.m. at Spartan Stadium (grass side)
Boys varsity volleyball – 5:30 p.m. in the Spartan Field House
Girls varsity soccer – 6:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium
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Boys modified soccer – 5 p.m. at Spartan Stadium (grass side)
Girls varsity volleyball – 5 p.m. in the Spartan Field House
Junior varsity football – 5:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium
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MS pep rally (during the school day)
Alumni Hall of Fame assembly for high school students (during the school day)
Alumni Hall of Fame meet and greet (inductees and families only) – 3 p.m.
Powderpuff game – 2:15 p.m. at Spartan Stadium
Girls modified soccer – 5 p.m. at Spartan Stadium
Boys modified volleyball – 5 p.m. at Gates Chili Middle School main gym
Boys junior varsity volleyball – 5 p.m. in the Spartan Field House
Boys varsity volleyball (Senior Night) – 6:30 p.m. in the Spartan Field House
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HS pep rally (during the school day)
Homecoming Parade – 5:30 p.m., starting at Neil Armstrong Elementary School and ending at Spartan Stadium (approx. 1 mile)
Varsity football vs. Greece Athena – 7 p.m. at Spartan Stadium
Induction of the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 – during halftime of the game
Gates Chili High School Marching Band Performance – during halftime of the game
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Homecoming dance (high school students only) – 6-9 p.m. in the Spartan Field House
Soccer alumni game – 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium
Safety and expectations
Homecoming is a celebration for the entire Gates Chili community, and we are committed to making it a safe and welcoming experience for all. To ensure a positive environment, elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian throughout the evening. All guests are expected to follow the Gates Chili Code of Conduct and Support and demonstrate the Spartan Way values of respect, responsibility, compassion and hard work.
By modeling the Spartan Way, we can keep the focus on school spirit, community pride and fun.
To keep Homecoming safe and fun for everyone:
- Elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
- Follow the Gates Chili Code of Conduct and Support at all times.
- Show the Spartan Way: respect, responsibility, compassion and hard work.
Thank you for doing your part to make Homecoming a memorable night for all.
Homecoming night events
Homecoming is more than a football game — it’s a night when the entire Gates Chili community comes together to celebrate Spartan pride. From the parade through the streets to the pre-game activities and the big game under the lights, families, students, alumni and neighbors are invited to share in the tradition and excitement of one unforgettable evening.
Homecoming Parade
The evening begins Friday, Oct. 17, with the return of the Homecoming Parade!
📣 Starting at 5:30 p.m. at Neil Armstrong Elementary School, the parade will travel approximately one mile to Spartan Stadium. Students marching in the parade should report to Neil Armstrong no later than 4:30 p.m. to line up.
🎉 Students, families, alumni and community members are invited to line the route, cheer on the participants and show their Spartan pride.
Pre-game Festivities
After the parade arrives at Spartan Stadium, the celebration continues with food, fun and family activities.
🍔 Guests can enjoy concessions from the Gates Chili Sports Boosters as well as a variety of food trucks.
🏁 Younger children will have the chance to burn off some energy while they play on the stadium’s grass side. Please note this field will close at the start of the varsity football game.
📸 Everyone is encouraged to stop by the photo booth to capture memories and take a picture with Spartacus before the game begins.
Homecoming Game
The highlight of the evening kicks off at 7 p.m., when the varsity football Spartans face off against the Greece Athena Trojans under the lights at Spartan Stadium.
Halftime will feature:
🎶 A spirited performance from the Gates Chili Marching Band
🏆 The induction of the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 (read more information about this year’s inductees below or on the Gates Chili Hall of Fame webpage)
Class of 2025 inductees
We are proud to introduce the Gates Chili Hall of Fame Class of 2025. This year’s inductees exemplify the Spartan Way — respect, responsibility, compassion and hard work — through their careers, service and contributions to their communities. These distinguished alumni will be honored during Homecoming Week from Oct. 14-17.
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Vice President of Mark’s Pizzeria, franchise owner, and community champion recognized for his business leadership and commitment to giving back through Junior Achievement and local sponsorships.
Marc Parina (‘09) is Vice President of Mark’s Pizzeria and the owner of two franchise locations in Gates and Fairport. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2013, graduating with honors. Marc has been recognized with the ACT for Education Community Champion Award and continues to give back through volunteerism and sponsorship. He volunteers with Junior Achievement at Gates Chili High School and sponsors numerous local events through Mark’s Pizzeria. Marc credits teachers and coaches like Mr. Marco, Mr. Luciani, Coach Benham, and Coach Jeffers for shaping his journey and instilling values that prepared him for success. Reflecting on his time at Gates Chili, Marc says, “I think students often don’t realize how easy it is to make a difference with the right amount of effort and initiative.”
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Principal Attorney with the Mental Hygiene Legal Service, volunteer, youth coach, and community leader dedicated to supporting families and advocating for kindness.
Neil Campbell (‘04) is Principal Attorney with the Mental Hygiene Legal Service of the New York State Courts. He graduated from SUNY Geneseo in 2008 and earned his Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo Law School in 2011. Neil opened his own law practice in Gates before joining the Mental Hygiene Legal Service, where he now leads the Rochester office. He has served on the board of Patrick Place Comfort Care Home and has volunteered with the Sons of the American Legion, as well as coaching local youth sports. Neil and his wife, Helen Stefanovic, his high school sweetheart, are raising three children. He credits Gates Chili teachers, staff, and classmates for shaping his character and believes strongly in the power of kindness.
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Chief of the Gates Police Department, Gates Chili School Board member, and leader across Monroe County law enforcement and community organizations.
Robert Long (‘98) is Chief of the Gates Police Department. He earned a degree in criminal justice from Gannon University in 2002 and completed the Monroe County Police Academy in 2003. Promoted to Chief in 2022, Long also serves as Vice President of the Monroe County Chiefs of Police Association, President of Gates Chili Community Connections, District Representative for the NYS Association of Police Chiefs, a Gates Chili school board member, and a BOCES Criminal Justice Advisory Board member. Long fondly remembers teachers who made a lasting impact and encourages students to take advantage of every opportunity. He and his wife, Sarah Allen (‘98), are proud parents of a future Spartan from the class of 2029.
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Emmy Award-winning producer, internationally acclaimed vocalist, and entrepreneur with a career in media, music and live performance, as well as mentoring and advocacy for small business owners and creatives.
Toni Dolce Bove (‘97) is an Emmy Award-winning producer, internationally acclaimed vocalist, and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience in media, music, and live performance. She is the founder and CEO of Purple Critter Media, a New York City–based agency specializing in media production and strategy for clients across music, finance and the arts.
Toni’s extensive performance career includes collaborations with world-renowned orchestras and conductors, national television appearances, and the release of a critically praised classical crossover album. She also completed musical theatre training at the American Music and Dramatic Academy in New York City and earned an Executive MBA through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.
Beyond her artistic achievements, Toni is committed to mentoring small business owners and emerging creatives, advocating for entrepreneurship, and fostering community through leadership roles such as Business Networking International Chapter President. She has also supported numerous cultural and charitable events through volunteer performances.
Married to fellow musician Andrew Bove, Toni blends her passion for creativity with a commitment to inspiring others to grow personally and professionally. She credits Gates Chili with giving her a new canvas on which to dream bigger, perform boldly, and develop perseverance, self-belief, and creativity. Active in student government, NYSSMA competitions, and musicals, she found a safe haven in the music department and learned the power of expression. Toni remembers her teachers — Jacqueline Uncher, Dean Ekberg, Bruce McFarland, and Candice Carlo — as key influences on her path. Her advice to today’s Spartans is:
Lead with curiosity. Limit distractions from your phone and social media so you can focus on what matters. Expand your networks and nurture genuine relationships. Keep learning new skills that will serve you for a lifetime. Celebrate others’ successes as much as your own. Ask good questions and listen deeply. Take care of your health so you have the energy to pursue your goals. Be a conscious consumer — of ideas, media, and everything you allow into your life.
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Rochester City Firefighter, athlete, and volunteer remembered for his service, generosity and dedication to helping others both locally and abroad.
Elvis Reyes, a 1986 Gates Chili graduate, is being honored posthumously as a 2025 Gates Chili Hall of Fame inductee. A 1990 graduate of Keuka College, Elvis played basketball and later for the Minnesota Twins Farm Team before returning to Rochester, where he served as a city firefighter. He was a tireless volunteer, raising funds and lending support to organizations including Holy Childhood Church, the Red Cross during Hurricane Maria relief, and local efforts such as the Mount Carmel golf fundraiser, RFD school supply drives, and firefighter exchanges with the Dominican Republic. He also coached Little League and quietly supported local restaurants by donating money so they could feed those in need. Known for his generosity and belief in giving one’s all, Elvis lived a life of service that touched countless people. His mother shared, “Elvis was taken from us too soon. His smile is always in our hearts, and his love of life will always be the goal to achieve.”
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Community volunteer, record-holding Gates Chili athlete, and longtime Little League board member and coach, as well as a volunteer firefighter and Assistant Chief.
Jeff Fisher, Class of 1984, is a lifelong community volunteer, athlete, and family man. A graduate of Erie Community College, Jeff played baseball and was invited to the Baltimore Orioles Spring Training before an injury ended his professional hopes. He went on to a successful career and devoted much of his life to service, including more than 20 years as a Gates Chili Little League board member and coach, and 18 years as a volunteer firefighter, rising to Assistant Chief. Jeff also holds the Gates Chili record for most pitching wins in a season and is a lifelong bowler with 19 perfect 300 games. Inspired by teachers and coaches, he lives by the motto: “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”