Football Victory and Magnificent Parade and Performances Highlight Patchogue-Medford Homecoming

MEDFORD, NEW YORK—The Patchogue-Medford School District recently held its annual homecoming parade and game, highlighted by spectacular performances and floats, meaningful grand marshals, and a resounding football win over Bay Shore High School.

The parade kicked off the festivities and featured District students and staff adorned in school spirit attire, passionate community members, and remarkable parade floats. Each Patchogue-Medford High School class constructed a float representing a different Disney Channel Original Movie. The seniors represented High School Musical, the juniors were Teen Beach Movie, the sophomores depicted Halloweentown, and the freshmen portrayed Zombies. These floats were made possible by the dedicated efforts of the respective classes and the high school Career and Technical Education construction trades students, as well as the contributions of the Academic and Career Explorers (ACES) of the Raider Bean.

“This year’s homecoming celebration was dedicated to the incredible students and educators of the ACES life skills special education program, who built the Raider Bean, a successful school-based coffee and cookie business,” said Patchogue-Medford High School Assistant Principal Garrett Comanzo. “The Raider Bean began as a vision of our ACES teachers to create inclusive, meaningful opportunities for students to gain hands-on work experience and connect with the larger school community. What started as a way to teach skills has become a way to build futures, fostering confidence, friendships, and independence.”

The ACES students decided to use the funds they earned through their thriving business to empower the entire Patchogue-Medford community and support homecoming festivities for generations to come. They purchased trailers for the homecoming parade floats, which debuted in this year’s homecoming parade and will be used annually, helping to cut District costs and boosting community joy. In recognition of this meaningful contribution and their remarkable school-based business, the ACES students and educators were honored as the grand marshals of the homecoming parade.

After the homecoming parade, Patchogue-Medford High School students performed entertaining skits in the high school auditorium. Each class presented a skit about homecoming using the characters and content of their respective Disney Channel Original Movie. The performances combined music, dance, and humor while showcasing the students’ creativity and school spirit.

Following the skits, the community proceeded to Raider Stadium for the homecoming game. Attendees were treated to outstanding performances by the high school band, cheerleaders, and Raiderettes dance team, as well as an exhilarating victory for the Raiders. The Patchogue-Medford High School football team triumphed over Bay Shore High School with a final score of 35-28.

For more information about the Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pmschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PatMedSchools/. #PatMedPride.