All last week, the homecoming spirit began building momentum across the South Huntington School District. Daily activities during all of our schools were energized by our students and staff. It being two years since our district could commence our annual homecoming activities, it was obvious that 2021 would be special. The Thursday afternoon Pep Rally on Walt Whitman’s turf field brought the positivity to the forefront for our high school sports teams, clubs, and student body. The excitement carried over into Friday night’s Powder-puff football game which broke attendance records. Our seniors capped off a great game with a resounding 4th quarter onslaught. The seniors also took the cheerleading competition in grand fashion. The Friday afternoon Homecoming Festival gathered students and staff along with their families from all of our schools for a fun Fall afternoon. The Friday night bonfire was spectacular, and we thank the Huntington Manor Fire Department for their management of a safe and thrilling sight.

Saturday afternoon brought our 6th Hall of Fame induction ceremony which began with a preprandial luncheon that highlighted the district’s revamped Nutrition Services Department in the recently renovated North Cafeteria of Walt Whitman High School. A big thank you to Ms. Sheila Buhse and her amazing staff for a beautiful setup, and to Whitman music teacher Mr. Matthew Hoffman and sophomore Anthony Maraboli for setting the perfect ambiance for the occasion. Our South Huntington School District has one of the longest and most storied histories of any community in the region. Throughout almost a century, our school district has graduated some of the most talented men and women in the country, and we are incredibly proud of the intelligent and empathetic individuals who graduate and cross our commencement stage. Each year, we recognize a sampling of our “Wildcat Superstars,” and these new inductees represent a true cross-section of our school community. Congratulations to the Hall of Fame Class of 2021!

Jimmy Haslip - Musician, producer, composer
Peter Garrido - Retired NYPD Detective, first responder
Davidson Petit-Frere - Fashion designer

Each year the Homecoming parade continues to grow, adding community groups, businesses, and numerous organizations as they close down Jericho Turnpike in an annual showing of true Wildcat Pride.  A perfect afternoon greeted the packed stadium for a football contest to be remembered with our Whitman Wildcats prevailing 34-14 against the Commack Cougars, continuing their season with a 7-0 record. It was a week to remember and a day capped with a win on the gridiron.

“Homecoming is now a dynamic, district-wide phenomenon, which showcases our overwhelming success and unites generations of Wildcats behind one common cause,” shared Superintendent of Schools Dr. Vito D’Elia. “Despite the obstacles placed before our community over the last 18 months due to the pandemic, our community and student body have once again committed to being a part of homecoming with the anticipation of seeing our entire school community come out and support this wonderful event.”

Pep Rally - Photo Gallery

Homecoming Festival - Photo Gallery 1, Photo Gallery 2

Homecoming Bonfire - Photo Gallery

Homecoming Parade - Photo Gallery 1, Photo Gallery 2

Football Game - Photo Gallery 1, Photo Gallery 2

Halftime Show - Photo Gallery

Hall of Fame Induction - Photo Gallery

Thursday's outdoor pep rally gave Whitman's student body major Wildcat spirit.

There was something for everyone to enjoy as students of all ages came out to enjoy the Homecoming Festival on Friday afternoon.

This year's Homecoming Festival featured a petting zoo, live DJ, new carnival games, and more!

Thank you to the Huntington Manor Fire Department for another spectacular bonfire!

The Seniors had an all-around win at the Powder Puff Football Game on Friday.

At the Hall of Fame luncheon and induction ceremony, 2021 honoree Peter Garrido was recognized alongside his family by (left to right) Superintendent Dr. Vito D'Elia, Assemblyman Steve Stern, Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci, Legislator Susan Berland, BOE President Nicholas Ciappetta, and Legislator Tom Donnelly.

The Homecoming parade featured decorated cars and floats with students, staff, parents, teams, and clubs from all our school buildings.

Senior Brandon Ivy had 7 catches for 176 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Commack Cougars.

The Halftime show featured our high school and middle school dance teams joining together as one.

The Wildcat Marching Band showcased their performance 'Dia de los Muertos' during Halftime, warming them up for the NYS Championship competition the following day.

Thank you to everyone who made this the most memorable Homecoming yet!