This past weekend was a memorable occasion for the South Huntington School District as we celebrated Homecoming 2022. Over the course of the week, each building within South Huntington participated in a “Spirit Week”, allowing for the energy to be built exponentially before the start of an array of events and activities, designed to provide our community an incredible weekend.
Friday night’s Homecoming Carnival, where over 2000 people visited, was one like we have never seen before. Inflatable rides, colorful carnival games and entertaining circus performers were all present, providing children of all ages the ability to participate and feel the wildcat spirit. These activities brought a new and unique element to Walt Whitman High School, improving the overall feeling of spirit among all who were present. The carnival concluded with the school’s annual bonfire, monitored and controlled by the Huntington Manor Fire Department, as spectators were segued to the football field for Whitman’s 31st Powder Puff Football Game. It was an electric night as the Senior Girls prevailed over the Juniors while the Junior Boys took the win for their halftime dance performance.
Continuing the weekend of festivities, we gathered again at Walt Whitman on Saturday for the Homecoming Parade. Starting from the high school, students, teachers, administrators, club and community members and elected officials joined in the annual march, showcasing their maroon and white pride. It was such a joy to welcome everyone on the beautiful afternoon in anticipation of a great football game in the evening.
To make the celebratory weekend complete, Walt Whitman’s Varsity Football team had a great 19-8 Homecoming win over a very tough Pat-Med team. Defense led the way with Xavier Ali and Luis Navarro each having 3 sacks and Jacob Somer posting 11 tackles and a sack. Their big goal-line stand in the 4th quarter is what helped to seal the victory for the Wildcats. JT Taylor led the offense going 11 for 22 for 168 yards and a touchdown, Jason Burke had 3 big catches for 73 yards, JD Harrison had 4 for 67 and a rushing touchdown, and Ryan Boutin had 12 rushes for 78 yards and a TD. JT Villella’s clutch 4th down touchdown from Taylor put them up 19-6 in the 3rd quarter. With Villella’s added interception and JD, Cameron Carlson, and Kole Gottesman each having 10 tackles on defense, the Wildcats were able to keep the scoreboard in their favor.
During halftime, the brimming bleachers were treated to a special halftime performance by the Walt Whitman High School Marching Band, showcasing this year’s competition show A Journey in Time. That was followed by high-stepping routines from the Stimson and Whitman Dance Teams.
We were fortunate to wrap up an amazing evening, and overall weekend, with the first ever fireworks show at the end of the game. We would like to thank Empire Automotive Group, South Huntington Council of PTAs and Eliot Lonardo from Signature Properties for their gracious donations to allow us to have the fireworks display. It was a spectacle to behold that will be remembered for many years to come. Thank you to our school district community for making this year’s Homecoming unforgettable!
Photo Albums:
Walt Whitman took to the turf field on Friday afternoon for an energetic pep rally, gearing up for the eventful weekend.
It was great to see all of our participating schools, clubs, community members and local delegates marching in the Homecoming Parade.
We had the pleasure having circus performers from Zabo’s Circus join us at the Homecoming Carnival for the first time.
Spectators of all ages were impressed by the circus performances.
Wildcats of all ages had a try at the inflatable rides graciously provided by Mac Bounce.
Thank you to Walt Whitman’s Senior Class Officers for coordinating the petting zoo by Rocking Horse Ranch for all to enjoy.
Everyone had a chance to play carnival games and win prizes provided by Great Neck Games.
Thank you to the Huntington Manor Fire Department for this year’s blazing bonfire!
The 31st Annual Powder Puff Game was one for the books, with fierce competition between our Junior and Senior girls and ending with a Senior win!
The Powder Puff Halftime Show surely did not disappoint. Great show and halftime win by the Junior Cheerleaders!
Way to go Wildcats on their 19-8 Homecoming victory over Pat-Med!
The Walt Whitman High School Marching Band performed their show, A Journey in Time, during halftime, giving the crowd a preview of their competitive piece.
Our middle school and Varsity Dance teams took to the field to show off their routines.
Thank you to Empire Automotive Group, South Huntington Council of PTAs and Eliot Lonardo from Signature Properties for their gracious donations to allow us to have our first ever fireworks display.