Huntington Homecoming 2026 is Magnificent

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 decades with a parade down Main Street and an afternoon football game that drew a crowd of more than 1,000. But Homecoming 2026 was much more than just that.

“Huntington was filled with Blue Devil spirit this week,” junior Ava Bencivenga said. “Between the bonfire, pep rally, homecoming parade and game it was amazing to see Huntington come together. Thousands of students, members of the community and alumni came to support. This is what being a Blue Devil is truly about.”

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 a throng consisting of those representing a cross section of the community. Friday afternoon’s pep rally at Louis D. Giani Gym was a high octane affair as varsity teams were introduced to the student body and faculty to applause. Athletes performed short skits. There was also a performance by the Highsteppers dance team.

Saturday 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 during physical education classes. The floats were a big hit on Saturday as the parade wound its way down Main Street and up New York Avenue.

“Homecoming weekend was absolutely amazing from start to finish,” Superintendent Beth McCoy said. “From the community bonfire at the high school to the Friday night games, to the Huntington parade to celebrate our school district and community, and finally the comeback win for the Huntington varsity football team, the weekend couldn't have been any better. Huntington is simply the best place to be!”

Homecoming was organized by the student government, including its school-wide executive board and faculty advisors Sarah Hall and Evelin Vilorio. Individual classes and their officers, members and advisors were also heavily involved in the event, especially the building of the parade floats.

“After rain shut down our bonfire last year and threatened our pep rally, this year’s homecoming festivities proved to be one to remember, Principal Rochelle C. Brown said. “Although it was chilly, it was filled with joy and included an extremely exciting win by our football team. It truly was a spectacular event all around.”

Named Homecoming Day King and Queen were Edgar Castro Anariba and Maddy Falk. The teenagers appeared Louis D. Giani Gymnasium during the Friday pep rally and were formally crowned by Ms. Brown and Mrs. McCoy before the adoring crowd.

The homecoming nominees for king were Cruz Chavez Ramirez, Eli Levi, Edgar Castro Anariba, and Ricardo Berry. The nominees for queen were Nica DiPietro, Yuliana Lopez, Eva Richter, and Maddy Falk.

The homecoming float theme this year was cereal as the seniors chose Fruit Loops, the juniors picked Lucky Charms, the sophomores rallied behind Fruity Pebbles and the freshmen settled on Captain Crunch. The seniors won the float contest with their story of Toucan Sam and his Fruit Loop Forest, followed in order by the juniors, sophomores and freshmen.

Float day was a huge success despite the rain, with all four floats being built inside in the various garage bays in the school. Students from each grade level toiled during physical education classes and along with other students escorted to the proper area by their classroom teachers.

“Homecoming 2026 was so much fun from starting a new tradition of decorating the cafeteria leading up to spirit week all the way through a great bonfire and busy float day and pep rally,” Ms. Hall said. “It was awesome to see the whole district and community come together during the parade and football game and I am already looking forward to next year.”

Alumni spanning eight different decades attended Saturday afternoon’s football game against Newfield. 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.

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.

On the playing field, the Blue Devil football team staged a thrilling come from behind one point victory that came down to the final seconds as Huntington nipped Newfield, 35-34.