Huntington showed its proud community spirit as residents, families, and local organizations from across the township came together at the annual Unity Fun Day on Saturday, September 19th. First launched in 2010 by the Huntington Station Enrichment Center, the event celebrates the strength, unity, and diverse heritage that make the Town of Huntington such a special place to live. The South Huntington School District has been proud to host the celebration for more than a decade. 

The festivities kicked off with a parade led by the Color Guard from American Legion Greenlawn Post 1244 that started at Jefferson Primary School and marched south along Oakwood Road to Stimson Middle School. Spectators cheered on the lively procession featuring the marching bands from Walt Whitman, Huntington, and Commack High Schools, and a diverse mix of school, community, and service organizations including the Walt Whitman High School Latino Heritage Club, Huntington High School’s United Amigos, the South Huntington Public Library, the Huntington Historical Society, Free Mom Hugs, Tri CYA, Huntington Assembly of God, and the Helping Hands Rescue Mission. 

This year’s celebration recognized three outstanding community members who served as the parade’s Grand Marshals. Pastor Dan Rivera from the Huntington Assembly of God was recognized for more than a decade of dedicated ministry and advocacy in Huntington Station, helping underserved residents and working with young people. 

Judy Goris-Moroff, Director of Bilingual Programs and World Languages for the Huntington School District, was celebrated for driving equity and inclusive opportunities for multilingual learners and their families.

Reginald “Reggie” Betts, a proud graduate of Walt Whitman High School (Class of 1988), was honored following his retirement after more than 30 years of dedicated service as Head Custodian in the South Huntington School District. His commitment to supporting students, families, and colleagues has made a lasting impact on our community.

The Unity Fun Day Committee was also happy to present four $500 scholarships to deserving students: Emely Aguilar Ortiz and Michael Eastwood from Walt Whitman High School, and Marilyn Mendoza Virula and Chloe Donovan who attend Huntington High School.

Following the award presentations, the celebration continued on the grounds of Stimson Middle School with a fun family fair. There was something for everyone including bounce houses, sports clinics, and the Kidz Kaos Gaming Bus. Food trucks served up delicious treats throughout the afternoon, while neighborhood families were able to connect with local health and wellness resources from Huntington Hospital and the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island.

Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this year’s celebration a success: Two Brothers Printing, Huntington Station BID, Huntington Chamber of Commerce, Pancho Villa’s, Jonny D’s Pizza, Northwell Health, ACES Youth Sports Organization, Huntington Human Service Institute Inc., South Huntington School District, and Gabriel Law Firm, P.C.

 

A special thank you goes out to the South Huntington Facilities team for their hard work behind the scenes at Stimson Middle School. They helped ensure that Unity Fun Day ran smoothly for all our families and visitors.

 

See more photos from this year’s event here.

 

Congratulations to Walt Whitman High School scholarship recipients Michael Eastwood and Emely Aguilar Ortiz!

 

 

The annual fair featured games, concessions, and local health and wellness resources for families to engage with. 

 

We were so grateful to have the opportunity to recognize 3 honorees for their contributions to our community. Pictured here is Pastor Dan Rivera being recognized by invited dignitaries. 

 

Walt Whitman High School’s Marching Band led the way in the Unity Fun Day Parade. 

 

Bluey was a welcomed surprise guest for our youngest visitors!