It was a week jam-packed with school spirit as the Port Jefferson School District came together to share in the homecoming festivities. Starting with spirit week, followed by a pep rally and bonfire, the celebration culminated at the football game on Oct. 8 at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School.

Spirit week kicked off on Oct. 5, with students showing their school pride by wearing school colors. At the pep rally, Ji-Won Woo and Brian Mark were crowned homecoming queen and king.

Prior to the Royals taking on the Center Moriches Red Devils, the four high school classes showed off their creative sides at the homecoming parade, displaying floats that represented the different elements  – earth, wind, fire and water – as they marched down Barnum Avenue and Main Street.

The rainy conditions didn’t dampen the spirit of the Royals football team as they took an early lead and never let it go. With an eight-point lead going into halftime, the Royals remained strong and won the game 36-20.

After a performance by the Port Jefferson youth cheerleaders, a Wall of Fame induction ceremony was held on the track. This year’s inductees were Irving Wilson Ritch Jr., Class of 1904 and Charles Wilson, Class of 1977. Ritch was a corporal in the U.S. Army during World War I who made the ultimate sacrifice on the battlefields of France in 1918. He was the first Port Jefferson alumnus killed in action. The American Legion Post 432 is named in honor of him. Wilson, a police officer and sergeant, was a 9/11 responder who saved many lives by displaying unwavering courage during the tragic events.