The Pride Run at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School brought Huntington together through a variety of colors. (Darin Reed photo
The Pride Run at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School brought Huntington together through a variety of colors. (Darin Reed photo)

A Celebration of Pride in Huntington

June 21, 2024

The first day of public education in Huntington was February 11, 1657. It’s a long time ago, but it’s those same traditions and values that continue to guide the district. Students have always stood tall for who and what they are; with all celebrating the uniqueness of each.

The melting pot that is Huntington UFSD includes every possible group with everyone learning, playing and growing side by side in harmony. Every individual is accepted regardless of differences from the next. All coming together, united in blue and white. It’s nothing new. It’s been this way for hundreds of years.

Different ideas and beliefs; different wants and needs; different likes and dislikes. But the same love for each other and the same pride in who and what each person is and what they bring to the community table.

The origins of Pride Month are traced to the Stonewall Inn uprising, which began in Manhattan on June 28, 1969. A march through New York City was held the following year to commemorate the one year anniversary of the events at Stonewall, which began in earnest the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. But it took 30 years for Pride Month to become official, which occurred in 1999 by virtue of a proclamation issued by President Bill Clinton.

Huntington pride is real. Along with pride comes gratitude. Students are grateful for all the opportunities they have been given; appreciative of the kindnesses and courtesies that have been extended to them and thankful they have been able to learn and grow here in a community that welcomes everyone.

Pride Month has featured many initiatives, including:

Huntington High School’s GSA club kicked off a celebration of Pride Month with a Friday afternoon filled with games, snacks, pizza and fun at Blue Devil Stadium. “It has been an honor to work with these students and work on adding a safe space here at the high school for all students,” faculty advisor Sarah Hall said. “We are fortunate to have a school full of inclusive and kind students, which allows us to have these events with only excitement. We are looking forward to more events in the future.”

At J. Taylor Finley Middle School, students showed their colors during a designated week in observance of Pride Month. Teachers, staff and administrators displayed support by wearing Pride gear. Rainbow ribbons and pride pins were available for those who wished to participate.

The Woodhull Intermediate School and Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School communities came together “for unity” for a Saturday morning color Pride Run.

“All along the path, parents, faculty staff members and PTA volunteers threw a rainbow of colors as students ran by,” Jacks Abrams School Principal Donna Moro said. “Together, the schools raised over $1,700 for Town of Huntington Unity Day”

At Flower Hill Primary School, the June project is designed to help students recognize and celebrate their unique qualities and achievements. “Through a series of reflective and creative activities, students will explore what makes them proud of who they are,” Principal Cindy Siegel said. “The goal is to foster self-esteem, self-awareness and a positive sense of self.”

At Jefferson Primary School, all Universal Pre-Kindergarten through third grade students, faculty and staff shared “something they were proud of from this school year in various ways” Principal Valerie Capitulo-Saide said. “All responses are prominently showcased.”

The completed “Proud to be Me” signs at Jefferson were assembled in an eye-catching arrangement that fanned out from the main lobby area.

Southdown Primary School students and staff celebrated their uniqueness and talents! “We are proud of who we are and what we have accomplished,” Principal Jill Amott-Erwig said. Southdown students started the year drawing self-portraits of themselves. In the ensuing month, students engaged in the process of social and emotional learning to recognize and understand their own feelings and strengths. In June, students drew new self-portraits and wrote affirmations explaining why they are proud of themselves.

Students were involved in conversations where they had to think about what it means to take pride in who you are; who you are becoming and where you belong. “We explored how respecting ourselves and others can promote an inclusive and safe community of belonging,” MS. Amott-Erwig said. “At Southdown, we are proud to be us!”

Washington Primary School focused on the uniqueness of every student, teacher and staff member and how everyone together “makes Washington wonderful,” Principal Michelle Richards said. “We recognized the uniqueness every day and how we make great contributions to our learning environment.”