A Splendid Huntington Homecoming Day

A splendid early fall day was the setting for Huntington High School’s annual Homecoming Day festivities last Saturday. Hundreds marched in a noon parade through the village and up New York Avenue and a huge crowd estimated at more than 1,700 turned out for the afternoon football game.

The festivities capped off a fun-filled week that included spirit days at the school, a Friday afternoon pep rally and evening of float building and a Saturday night dance in the school gym.

The Blue Devil football team scored 20 fourth quarter points to topple Amityville, 27-12 and improve to 3-0. Halftime of the football game saw uplifting performances by the Blue Devil marching band and the Highsteppers, the school’s competitive dance team.

Royal Court members Ben Kocis, Zachary Blog, Zachary Burden, Donovan Richardson, Cynthia Gowani, Alexa Gorzycki, Kristy Delwey and Sabrina Blakley were introduced to the halftime crowd before Mr. Kocis and Ms. Gowani were crowned homecoming king and queen, respectively.

The Class of 2015 won the colorful float competition for the second consecutive year. This year’s theme was “countries of the world.” Juniors cemented their legacy in Huntington High School history with an ingenious masterpiece focused on ancient China, complete with a huge dragon. The sophomore class finished second in the balloting by judges with the seniors and freshmen trailing in third and fourth place, respectively.

Superintendent James W. Polansky continues to see his dream of increased district-wide participation in the Homecoming Day parade take root as hundreds of students, parents and school personnel happily walked along the route.

“This was a day to celebrate and take pride in being part of the Huntington school community,” Mr. Polansky said. “Under bright blue skies, parade participation was unparalleled with outstanding representation from every district school. The high school floats, which served as parade centerpieces, were magnificent. The day was capped off by a Blue Devil football victory over Amityville. Again, simply a great day in all regards.”

Huntington High School Principal Carmela Leonardi and Assistant Principal Brenden Cusack marched in the noon parade along with Mr. Polansky, Assistant Superintendents Kenneth A. Card, Jr. and Sam Gergis, Huntington School Board President Emily Rogan and her fellow trustees.

The parade also included principals, PTA officials, Huntington Foundation members, parents and students, many marching behind banners. The Highsteppers and the Ready Step team entertained the crowd along the way.

Friday afternoon’s pep rally saw uniformed players introduced by their coaches. Some players ran into the gym wearing costumes and most of the teams performed short skits or dance routines. The chamber choir gave a memorable rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner before varsity teams entered to enthusiastic applause as their respective theme songs blared.

The pep rally also featured typically hip performances by the Highsteppers and the Ready Step team and stirring music and pageantry by the Blue Devil marching band and color guard. The event was presided over by English teacher and drama club advisor Michael Schwendemann, who flawlessly handled his responsibilities with typical flair.

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the pep rally came when Huntington High School’s Special Olympics floor hockey team was introduced to the crowd, which responded by giving the teenagers a thunderous standing ovation.

Hundreds of students were on the scene Friday night, building the four class floats behind the school. The teenagers were treated to pizza and refreshments to give them the energy they needed to keep working late into the evening.

The Huntington Booster Club was out in full force at the football game. The organization’s highly recognizable blue and white trailer was well-stocked with Blue Devil gear and goods and there were lines at its food and refreshment concession stand.

Some parents and alumni continued celebrating into the night at area establishments. “Homecoming is always a fun time,” one high school student said. “There’s always a lot of energy and excitement.”