Homecoming Day is always a special time at Huntington High School and throughout the district. It brings together generations spread across many decades as folks of all ages take pride in their community.
Last Saturday continued a tradition that stretches back to the Great Depression with a parade down Main Street and an afternoon football game that drew a crowd of more than 1,500.
Homecoming Day Queen Hope Bilkey and King David Chavez-Hernandez with Mr. Blue Devil (Darin Reed photo.)
Special event days were held in the district throughout the week in the run-up to Saturday’s festivities. Thursday night’s bonfire and festival at the high school drew thousands of every age. Friday afternoon’s pep rally at Blue Devil Stadium was a high octane affair as varsity teams were introduced to the student body and faculty to applause. Athletes performed short skits and the Blue Devil marching band and color guard put on an awesome display. There was also a performance by the Highsteppers dance team.
Saturday’s gorgeous weather drew hundreds of participants to the parade, including students and parents from all eight schools in the district marching behind banners. The Blue Devil marching band performed along the parade route, drawing merchants and customers out of stores and onto sidewalks.
Each of the high school’s four classes built parade floats over a five hour period Friday night. They were nourished by periodic slices of pizza. The floats were a big hit on Saturday as the parade wound its way down Main Street and up New York Avenue.
“Our homecoming festivities could not have been more spectacular,” Principal Brendan Cusack said. “We had record numbers at our third annual bonfire; each class created excellent floats for the parade at float night; the pep rally was a huge success; the parade was phenomenal and school spirit was on full display throughout the week and weekend! The Class of 2023 really stepped up their game and won the school spirit competition. It was a true outpouring of school and community spirit and I could not be more proud.”
Homecoming was organized by the student government, including its school-wide executive board and faculty advisors Danielle Raguzin and David Moriarty. Individual classes and their officers, members and advisors were also heavily involved in the event, especially the building of the parade floats.
Named Homecoming Day King and Queen were David Chavez-Hernandez and Hope Bilikey. The teenagers appeared on the Blue Devil Stadium track and were formally crowned by Principal Brenden Cusack and Superintendent James W. Polansky before the adoring crowd.
Royal Court nominees also included Sammy Mac Arner, Riley Ackerman, Samuel James, Chloe Northrop, Rachel Morina and Alondra Landa Cruz.
The Class of 2023 ran away with the float competition, amassing 421 points to outdistance the juniors (389), sophomores (375) and freshmen (370).
The four classes also competed for the new School Spirit Week Award, which was also captured by the senior class following by the freshmen, juniors and sophomores.
“We could not have scripted a better week and weekend,” Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “The weather was perfect throughout. Our high school students enjoyed a week of fun and spirited class competition. Thursday’s bonfire was the biggest and best yet. Saturday’s parade was a true community celebration, with an abundance of cheers all along the parade route. The Blue Devils fought hard on the gridiron, showing their mettle throughout and leaving it all on the field. The Blue Devil marching band and Huntington Highsteppers, once again, impressed a capacity crowd. Congratulations to all members of the Homecoming Court and to King David Chavez-Hernandez and Queen Hope Bilkey. Huntington pride on display from beginning to end!”
Alumni spanning eight different decades attended Saturday afternoon’s football game against Connetquot. The group of graduates included more than a few from recent classes.
The huge turnout included many members of the district’s administrative and teaching corps along with Huntington School Board trustees. Many marched in the parade while others attended the afternoon football game.
Mr. Blue Devil (eighth grader Brendan McNulty) also made an appearance. The Booster Club manned the Blue Devil Stadium field house and an adjacent trailer filled with Huntington apparel. Club members offered an assortment of food and beverage choices, including grilled sports fare.
Despite the Blue Devil football team dropping a 23-13 verdict to visiting Connetquot, it was a splendid day for Huntington and a Homecoming Week to remember.
“I am so grateful for the efforts of everyone who came together to make this a truly great experience for all of our students and their families,” Mr. Cusack said.
