District Convocation Opens New School Year

Huntington UFSD officially opened the new school year with a convocation in the Huntington High School auditorium that drew more than 800 faculty and support staff members. District officials spoke briefly before keynote speaker Gian Paul Gonzalez addressed the large crowd.

“Gian Paul’s message truly aligns with the core values that have been set forth in our Blueprint for Excellence, which has been developed to help to guide our district this year and into the future,” Assistant Superintendent Brenden Cusack said. “Our strategic plan incorporates six core values, including Excellence and High Expectations, Children First, Collaboration and Transparency, Compassion and Empathy, Equity and Inclusivity and Integrity and Respect. All six of these tenets are clearly reflected in the words and actions of Mr. Gonzalez.”

A Union City high school social studies teacher, Mr. Gonzalez is best known for inspiring the New York Giants’ 2012 Super Bowl run with his message of being “All In.” His story has been featured on ESPN, Fox News and CNN, and his motivational talks have made him a sought-after speaker for organizations across the NBA, NFL, English Premier League, MLS, and Fortune 500 companies.

A former NCAA First Team All-American basketball player at Montclair State University, Mr. Gonzalez scored nearly 1,400 points in just three years. After playing in the NBA Summer League and receiving multiple offers to play professionally, he chose instead to focus on working with at-risk youth. He is the founder and executive director of Hope & Future, a non-profit that uses athletics and fitness to bring a message of hope and excellence to inner-city schools and juvenile detention centers.”

Mr. Gonzalez encouraged every Huntington UFSD faculty and staff member to go “all in” for students this year. He spoke about how students look to teachers, coaches, advisors and support staff members for guidance and even a lifeline during tough times in their lives and how the impact the professionals have can often last a lifetime.

As Superintendent Beth McCoy walked to the microphone the song “Unstoppable” played throughout the cavernous auditorium. “It’s an anthem of confidence, resilience, and self-belief,” she told the crowd. “But I didn’t choose it because I always feel those things. I chose it because sometimes I need the reminder and I thought you might need it too. Last year, my first in this role, was one of the most humbling of my life. At some point almost every day, I would hear this song on the radio on my way to or from work — and yes, I’d tear up — not because I felt unstoppable, but because I wanted to be. I knew I could be. I just wasn’t quite there yet. And that word -yet- is so powerful. Because that’s where so many of our students are when they walk through our doors each day; Not confident yet. Not ready yet. Not believing in themselves yet. And truthfully? Many of us feel the same way at times. We may feel that we are not unstoppable yet.

“The word unstoppable means that you will stop at nothing to achieve your desired result. I hope that as you enter this school year you are unstoppable; at bringing your best self to work every day and home to your family every day; at striving to bring out the best in every child that you cross paths with; at bringing our families in this community together to provide the best opportunities for our amazing students; at ensuring that every student has access and opportunity to find their way in this world in every step that we take and every decision that we make. Our students, our families, you, and your family, our community deserve your best self!”

Deputy Superintendent Christopher Hender also gave a short, uplifting address. “As we begin this new school year, we return to the heart of our mission: to nurture the whole child academically, socially, and emotionally,” he said. “In every classroom, every interaction, and every decision, we create the meaningful opportunities that allow our students to grow and thrive. This work matters. It shapes not only their success in school, but the kind of people they will become in the world—compassionate, capable, and ready to contribute to their community. Having either worked directly with you or hired you, there is no better faculty and staff, who continue to go above and beyond for our students and our community. We will continue to support you and the great work you do. Each of us has a vital role in this. Together, we have the power to make this a year defined by purpose, growth, and impact.”

Huntington School Board President Xavier Palacios also spoke as both a current district leader and as an alum about what this district has meant to him in his personal and professional lives and what it continues to mean as the father of two Huntington High School students.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Management Services Dr. Rubie Harris touched on aspects of her position and how the business office team is completely committed to keeping the district in a strong financial position so it can continue meeting its goals and keep innovating.

Associated Teachers of Huntington President Elizabeth Flanagan spoke and assured the community that her organization is all in for the kids of the district, encouraging her members to continue going above and beyond for their students.