What an unforgettable day at Stimson Middle School! On Friday, June 5th, we hosted the first-ever Stimson Independence Cup, combining the thrill of a World Cup-style soccer tournament with an early celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary! The day was a blend of athletic competition, learning stations, and community partnerships, bringing together students, staff, and local organizations.

The morning began with a 16-team soccer tournament on the school fields, featuring student teams representing different countries, with staff members serving as coaches. Stimson principal Mr. Michael Duggan noted that soccer was the natural choice for the competition due to its immense popularity among Stimson students and the global excitement surrounding the World Cup. 

 

Inside, the school hallways were converted into interactive learning stops where students rotated through several activities. In the Passport Adventure, students learned about historic landmarks and collected stickers to complete their “passport.” “We took the idea from Nassau and Suffolk County, who are doing a passport project to visit historic sites for America 250,” said Mr. Duggan. “We loved the concept. So, we created a smaller version. We can't bring all the kids to Ellis Island and the Grand Canyon today, but we have different stations set up for them to visit those places and learn about them on a guided tour. They get a ‘passport stamp,’ which is a sticker, at every stop.” 

 

Students also participated in the Declaration of Independence Experience, where they watched an animated documentary about the creation and signing of the historic document. Following the film, assistant principal Thomas De Martinis unveiled the "Declaration of a Wildcat," a document uniting Stimson students in the spirit of respect, responsibility, and integrity. It reads, in part: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that every student has worth and potential, that every voice deserves to be heard, and that together we can make our school a place of learning, kindness, and opportunity for all.” Students used quill pens to sign the document, which will be proudly posted in The Forum. 

 

Principal Duggan hoped the day would instill the concept of e pluribus unum—out of many, one—in the student body. “The reason we went with the competition between countries is because we wanted to acknowledge the fact that we are all different,” explained Mr. Duggan. “On the field today, you may have heard different languages spoken, yet we're all working together for one cause. Even though they are on different teams, the cause is to have a great time and learn something. It’s the idea that everyone is a champion. We are different, but we are here for a singular meaning.”

 

The day concluded on the pitch as the entire school gathered to watch the two teams that made it to the finals–Mexico and the Netherlands–compete for the Independence Cup title. The Netherlands ultimately took home the big win in an overtime shootout. 

 

This spectacular event was made possible by the generosity of numerous sponsors whose contributions provided team shirts for every player and student. Special thanks also go to South Huntington Nutrition Services for providing a delicious barbecue lunch, and to administrators Dr. William Hender, Mr. Michael Conway, and Mr. Ed Smith, who braved the heat to man the grills. Finally, the district extends its gratitude to the Suffolk County Police K-9 Unit for hosting a live demonstration with police service dogs, and to the School Resource Officers who enthusiastically took on penalty kicks from our students.

 

**Photo Gallery**

 

Students participated in the Declaration of Independence Experience, where they watched an animated documentary about the creation and signing of the historic document. Students used quill pens to sign the Declaration of a Wildcat to be displayed at the middle school. 

 

Special thanks to the South Huntington Nutrition Services for providing a delicious barbecue lunch!

 

District administrators Dr. William Hender, Mr. Michael Conway, and Mr. Ed Smith braved the heat to man the grills.

 

Attendees of the afternoon ceremony had the opportunity to listen to the Stimson Jazz Choir, front and center on stage. 

 

The Huntington Manor Fire Department came to the middle school to display the American flag during the afternoon presentations. 

 

The Middle School Band did a performance of Military Medley during the ceremony. 

 

Guests heard special performances of Amazing Grace and Taps by Tom Butterfield.

 

Congratulations to Team Netherlands on winning the first ever Independence Cup Tournament!