Spirit and pride abounded as the district came together to celebrate homecoming 2017 under sunny and warm skies this October.

The event began with an early morning ceremony for the Class of 2017 Hall of Fame inductees. The Ward Melville High School Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the athletic programs at Ward Melville through their participation as athletes, their tireless efforts as administrators and coaches, and their unparalleled support as friends. 
This year’s inductees included Donald Webster (former athletic director), Kurt Ferraro (coach), Mike Gray (Class of 1974), Gerard Arceri (Class of 1982), Rick LeDoux (Class of 1982), Barbara Troiano-Vanbeyrer (Class of 1987), Mary Mullane-Flynn (Class of 1988), Todd Sauerbrun (Class of 1991), Krysta Johnson (Class of 1999), Shannon Watson-Sioss (Class of 1999), Chris Passavia (Class of 2000), Chris Tingue (Class of 2004), Jackie Morrison (Class of 2005), Shaylyn Blaney-Butler (Class of 2007), Steven Matz (Class of 2009) and Georgia Holland (Class of 2010). 

Before kick off of the big game, community members of all ages came together to enjoy a multistationed carnival and show their Patriots Pride. Set up on the back lawn of the school, the event featured games and activities for all ages, including bounce houses and face painting stations. Additionally, the banners created by each elementary school in honor of the event and in celebration of the district’s 50th anniversary were displayed throughout the carnival grounds. 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Patriots logo and team name was painted pink on the stadium field and many players wore the color as part of their team uniform. Additionally, members of the varsity cheerleading team used pink pom-poms as they led the supportive crowd in many cheers. 

When the varsity football team took to the field, a sense of support filled the stadium, support not only for the hometown team but also for the competitors from Sachem East. Ward Melville players led a moment of silence at the start of the game for a member of the Sachem football community who had passed away earlier this year and painted a number five on the visitor’s sidelines to show their support.  

The homecoming game opened with a remarkable kickoff return for a 93-yard touchdown. The Patriots maintained a strong lead over Sachem for the remainder of the game, ultimately winning with a final score of 32-0. 

During halftime, the newly inducted Hall of Fame members were once again honored, Arrowhead Elementary School was named the winner of the banner competition, and members of the marching band and cheerleading teams, including the youth squads, performed.