Throughout the week of Oct. 13, Buccaneer pride sailed through the halls of the high school as students, staff and administrators prepared for Homecoming 2014. Spirits remained high on Oct. 18 as school leaders and community members gathered for the parade, ribbon-cutting ceremony and varsity football game.

Led by grand marshal and high school economics teacher Charles Arciello, the annual parade down Main Street featured handmade Disney-themed floats designed by the senior, junior, sophomore and freshman classes. The seniors’ float featured Genie from “Aladdin,” the juniors’ showcased Phineas and Ferb, the sophomores’ featured Nemo and the freshmen replicated Lightning McQueen from “Cars.”

As the parade rolled onto the grounds of the high school, crowds gathered for their first look at the  brand-new turf football field. Superintendent of Schools Susan A. Schnebel and Athletic Director Bob Panariello welcomed the community and thanked them for their continued support of the district as Board of Education members, Assistant Superintendent for Business Michael Zeterberg, Plant Facilities Administrator Dan Leddy and student-representatives cut the ribbon to mark a new chapter in Islip history.   

The eager fans who packed the stands to cheer on their Buccaneers were not disappointed. The Hauppauge Eagles proved to be no match for the hometown Bucs. As the crowd, wearing Islip purple and gold, kept the energy level high, the Bucs were the first to score and ended the game victoriously over the Eagles with a final score of 27-10, improving to a perfect 6-0 record.