This month, Schreiber students dressed in blue and white filled the streets once again in celebration of their hometown. Pride in Port homecoming weekend kicked off on Sept. 28, marking the twenty-fifth year of celebration.
The Pride in Port festivities began with Spirit Day on Friday. Students and staff decked in white and blue face paint prepared for the afternoon’s pep rally: an hour long event filled with music performed by various student bands, as well as games, competitions, sports, and routines by the Portettes and cheerleaders.
This year, responsibilities for the pep rally were handed from Assistant Principals Mr. Craig Weiss and Ms. Julie Torres to the executive officers of the Student Council: seniors Samiah Bhutta, Sam Crawley, and Ahmed Ismail, and juniors Martha Horowitz and Rana Ismail. The officers, along with social studies teacher Ms. Patricia Dietz, have been meeting twice a week to coordinate the event.
“Our goal for the pep rally this year was to make it more fun than the previous years. Expect more laughs, as well as more student-teacher involvement,” said Ismail.
In addition to the Student Council, members of the Pride in Port committee helped come up with and coordinate events for the pep rally.
“It’s really great getting to help set everything up and plan the events. We’ve come up with some new games that are going to be really fun,” said junior Sarah Sigman, member of the Pride in Port committee.
“I hope there’s another surprise this year like last year when the Portettes and cheerleaders danced to “Thriller” in orange jumpsuits. I was really confused because it was so surprising” said junior John Neil before the pep rally.
Junior Sydney Ronis sang the national anthem, and the Portettes, cheerleaders, and Latin Dancers performed routines. Organized games included a three-legged race, a tissue box challenge, and a scooter race.
The events continued the following day, which began with the Hall of Fame Breakfast, which honors former high school athletes. Following the breakfast was the Pride in Port parade.
The Schreiber Viking Band made its Pride in Port debut. Previously, all members of the concert and symphonic band were required to play during the pep rally, parade, and football game. The Viking Band, a new, voluntary marching band, has taken over the duties. It was designed as a pep band to entertain both the performers and the crowd.
Alongside the Viking Band were representatives from all seven district schools and community organizations, as well as the Portettes, cheerleaders, and homecoming court, who marched up Main Street, Port Boulevard, and Campus Drive for the parade.
“It’s fun being at the parade, whether you’re in the crowd or actually marching,” said sophomore Owen Walsh.
Following the parade, students, staff, and members of the community headed to the turf for the Schreiber homecoming football game. This year, the team played Great Neck South.
“It’s fun playing during the homecoming game because it’s probably the game where Port supports their football team most,” said senior football player Kyle Granger. “Playing with the whole town behind you like that gives you a lot more confidence.”
The halftime show featured the Portettes, cheerleaders, the newly inducted Hall of Fame athletes, and the crowning of this year’s homecoming king senior Will Smith and queen semior Emma Nadel.
“It’s great seeing the whole community coming together,” says math teacher Mr. Anthony Tedesco. “It’s one of those events that everybody wants to be part of.”