'Everyone leaves the event smiling': Students celebrate Victory Day at Memorial Stadium

PORT HURON — The red Hawk Marching Machine played and a flurry of touchdowns were celebrated Friday evening during Port Huron School's 10th annual Victory Day.

The event brings together students of all abilities.

"All of our kids benefit from the relationships built during Port Huron High School's Victory Day. Whether you are a special needs student sprinting for a touchdown, Port Huron Marching Band playing our fight song, a member of the Thunder Hawks cheering them on, a Red Hawk student-athlete on the field or a volunteer - everyone leaves the event smiling and has at least one new friend at school," Superintendent Theo Kerhoulas said in a statement.

Victory Day is described as an “afternoon of education, inspiration and fun on the gridiron for children of special needs," according to a press release from the district.

Anyone ages 5 to 26 participates for free thanks to sponsors of the event.

Each participant was partnered with a Port Huron High School football player or cheerleader who served as their mentor. Each player was announced over the PA system and had the opportunity to score a touchdown with celebratory fanfare while wearing a jersey and hearing the PHHS fight song from the band.

The event was coordinated by Port Huron Schools counselor Tracey Hopp, PHHS Band Director Scott Jones, PHHS football coach Dan Perkins and PHHS cheer coach Katie Breidenich.

This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: 'Everyone leaves the event smiling': Students celebrate Victory Day at Memorial Stadium