The high school’s marching band, drum line, flag team and kickline squad performed with honor at the 74th annual Columbus Day Parade in New York City on Oct. 8, prepared and guided by band director James Krais. West Islip’s Marching Lions earned second place in the parade competition.

“I was honored to parade down Fifth Avenue, in front of approximately one million spectators, with such dedicated and impressive students,” said Eric Albinder, the district’s director of art and music. Under the leadership and expertise of Jim Krais, West Islip was truly remarkable. As I've come to expect, every single student behaved in a professional manner and displayed tremendous pride.”