Tiger spirit: Dr. James Ruck named grand marshal of upcoming homecoming parade
A 1962 graduate of Northport High School, Dr. James Ruck will return to his roots on Saturday, October 17 as grand marshall of the Northport High School homecoming parade. Photo courtesy NENUFSD.
Northport High School has announced Dr. James Ruck as the grand marshal of this year’s homecoming parade, continuing a tradition that celebrates the school’s history, community and pride.
Now in its third year, the Northport homecoming parade has become a beloved community tradition, bringing together students, alumni, families, staff and residents to celebrate the Northport-East Northport school district. This year’s parade theme is “America 250” and will feature colorful floats, school spirit and performances by student groups.
Dr. Ruck’s selection as grand marshal recognizes his longstanding connection to district schools, as well as his contributions to education and the local community. He began his career in Northport-East Northport in 1968 as a social worker and biology teacher, later serving as an assistant principal and district junior high science chairperson at Northport Junior High School from 1976 to 1978.
Dr. Ruck returned to Northport High School in 2005, as interim secondary science chairman and interim assistant principal. His career in educational leadership also included serving as superintendent of Sachem Central Schools and principal of several high schools across Long Island.
“It is indeed a very special honor to have been selected to be the grand marshal of the 2026 Northport High School homecoming parade,” Dr. Ruck said. “Like all other Northport High School graduates, my family and I take great pride in the education provided to students in the [district]. I know from personal experience how much it means to celebrate a Northport High School homecoming for all the Northport graduates.”
Dr. Ruck remains an active member of the Northport-East Northport community, serving on the Northport-East Northport High School Athletic Hall of Fame board of directors and as president of the organization. He also volunteers with the Northport Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry.
“We are so honored for Dr. Ruck to kick off our homecoming parade as the homecoming grand marshal,” Northport High School Principal Robert Dennis said. “An avid supporter of the Northport-East Northport School District, Dr. Ruck has been a cornerstone of the community for decades – as a student, a proud alumnus, an educator, a member of the Northport-East Northport Athletic Hall of Fame, as a parent and as a grandparent. A graduate of NHS Class of 1962, Dr. Ruck was captain of his football and baseball teams, a member of the marching band, class vice president and a member of the National Honor Society. Dr. Ruck embodies Tiger spirit and shows his stripes as a champion for our school community. As grand marshal, Dr. Ruck will lead this year’s homecoming parade as the Northport-East Northport community comes together to celebrate its schools, students, alumni and the traditions that connect generations of Tigers.”
The homecoming parade will take place on Saturday, October 17, at 11:30am, beginning at the south lot on Elwood Road and ending at Tiger Stadium on Laurel Hill Road. Northport High School invites the entire community to line the parade route, cheer on students and join in celebrating homecoming and the Northport-East Northport community.
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