North Shore School District holds long-awaited Homecoming

North Shore School District’s 2023 Homecoming Celebration, held on a picturesque day following its rescheduling, was a resounding success that brought together a diverse crowd of Vikings, from toddlers to alumni. The day was filled with an array of activities and heartwarming moments that showcased the strong community spirit of North Shore.

The festivities began with a Homecoming Carnival that drew students, faculty, parents, and district residents, creating an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie. Chris Zublionis, the superintendent of schools, led the charge, riding the trackless train and later energizing the crowd as he cheered on the North Shore Vikings, from the Varsity Football players to the Pulse dancers, cheerleaders and Pep Band.

“It was a very high energy day,” Zublionis said of the event. “We had lots of crowds in the morning for the carnival, and then for the game the stands were packed, so it was pretty crowded.”

The Viking Booster Club worked tirelessly throughout the event, grilling burgers and serving up food to keep everyone fueled for the day’s festivities.

The Homecoming Fan Fest continued with elementary sports clinics, where older students spent time teaching and sharing their skills with their younger peers. The event concluded with the turf ribbon cutting ceremony at the fifty-yard line, celebrating the long-awaited completion of the high school’s new turf field.

Before the highly anticipated football game Dan Agovino, the Varsity coach, honored the senior players, and the Vikings took to the field amidst thunderous applause from the enthusiastic supporters in the stands. Halftime was a nostalgic moment as alumni of all ages gathered on the field for a commemorative photograph, including Mr. Richie Lindlom, a member of the first North Shore High School Class of 1958. The Viking football team gave the crowd a thrilling performance with a 21-12 victory over Island Trees.

The Homecoming celebration was made possible thanks to the dedication and hard work of numerous individuals and organizations, Zublionis said. The Vikings Booster Club played a crucial role in ensuring everyone’s culinary needs were met, while parent organizations and high school classes sold North Shore merchandise to support school programs. The Homecoming Committee, parent associations, Arts Angels, Athletics Department, and the Board of Education, alongside administrators, alumni, faculty, students, and the entire North Shore community, contributed to the day’s success.