Excitement and school spirit filled the air on Saturday, Oct. 16, as the Bellport High School Clippers celebrated homecoming with a parade and football game that brought the community together.

The celebrations kicked off during the week of Oct. 12 with fun-filled theme days and preparations for the parade. Students constructed colorful floats surrounding the theme of board games. The floats were on full display during the annual parade, which also featured the school’s marching band, class courts, cheerleaders, dance team, and members of the Bellport Fire Department and South Country Ambulance Company.

The stands were full a few hours later for the homecoming football game. Cheers rang out for the Clippers as they took on and defeated Connetquot with a final score of 42-0. The game also featured superb halftime performances by the varsity cheerleaders and varsity dance team.

Bellport High School music students participated in a unique Zoom presentation with the Crane Latin Ensemble on Oct. 1.   

The event, which was coordinated by district Music Chairperson Victoria Hartman, was held in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. It featured live musical performances of “Oye Como Va” and “Para Todo El Mundo Rumba,” as well as a hands-on rhythm instrument lesson and a question-and-answer period.

Making the presentation even more special was the opportunity for Bellport music students to hear from two 2019 Bellport graduates who are members of the Crane Latin Ensemble. Tyler Zapata (trumpet) and Andrew Zimlinghaus (alto saxophone) have been performing with the group after auditioning while attending SUNY Potsdam.

The Crane Latin Ensemble is based at SUNY Potsdam under the direction of Dr. Peter McCoy. According to the university’s website, they have toured in Cuba, Mexico and Canada and are dedicated to promoting Latin American dance music, specializing in Afro-Cuban and Puerto Rican traditional musical styles. The ensemble collaborates with traditional artists, such as former members of the Tito Puente Orchestra, and Los Naranjos, the oldest continuously functioning Son group in Cuba, as well as contemporary artists such as Chris Washburn.

Bellport High School seniors learned more about the many college and military options available to them during an informative college fair on Sept. 29.

During the event, held in the school’s Veteran’s Courtyard, students had the opportunity to speak with more than 100 college and military representatives.

“The Bellport Guidance Department is thrilled to once again be hosting our fall college fair for our seniors,” said Jenna Restivo, director of guidance and counseling programs. “We are very excited and hope that our students will learn more about the colleges and what majors and programs they have to offer.”

Two South Country School District students have been recognized for their musical abilities by the Suffolk County Music Educators’ Association.

Bellport High School trumpet player Leonardo Mignola has been selected by SCMEA to perform in the 2021 High School Instrumental Jazz Ensemble, and Bellport Middle School percussionist Julius Radino was named to the 2021 Middle School Instrumental Jazz Ensemble.

The student-musicians were selected for the honors based on their outstanding musicianship, strong work ethic, dedication and positive attitude.

To mark Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, Bellport High School students have been participating in a variety of activities.

Through the celebration, students have been learning about notable Hispanic individuals during daily announcements spoken in both English and Spanish. Students will also be participating in a virtual Hispanic Heritage Month Town Hall meeting where they will learn more about Hispanic heritage. The month will culminate with a virtual discussion with award-winning author Ibi Zoboi.