Uniondale High School’s Homecoming wasn’t just about football — it was a celebration of community, tradition, and new beginnings.
On Oct. 18, students, alumni and families packed the stands to watch the Knights face off against Hicksville High School – the Commets, with the Uniondale varsity football team securing a decisive 38-14 win.
The victory marked the first career win for new head coach Adrian Barry, a 2014 Uniondale graduate who now teaches at the high school.
“Homecoming, for me is that it’s a big gathering of the community to celebrate something great,” Peter Cardone high school athletic director said. “Obviously it’s to celebrate my cheerleaders and to hear our band, but it’s a great community event to connect everyone in Uniondale.”
The game capped a day of celebration that began with a parade through the community form Gerald Street and Uniondale Ave., all the way to the High School on Goodrich Street. Marching bands, clubs, and filled the streets, including Uniondale’s own Marching Knights and cheerleaders, who performed a halftime dance that drew loud cheers from the crowd.
The theme for this year’s homecoming was “Fulfilling the Promise,” which was a major focus for the school district this year Principal Shawn Brown explained.
“This theme directly ties into our core mission: to ensure every Uniondale scholar is empowered, responsible, resilient, and prepared for leadership, college, and careers,” Brown said.
The preparation focused on uniting the community around the mission, with collaboration from administrators, parents, the PTA, first responders, alumni, the school board, and the superintendent, Monique Darrisaw-Akil.
“Dr. Akil is particularly passionate about ensuring we highlight the talents and efforts of our students as much as possible during this event,” Brown stated. “She believes that homecoming is a vital time for the entire staff to show their appreciation to the community for their support.”
