football

From pajama day to victory: Uniondale High School’s memorable spirit week

A weeklong celebration of Uniondale pride

Posted October 13, 2023
The Knights defense wreaked havoc all night long, such as this one play where seniors, Kashawn Jarman, 61, and Luis Lizama, 54, made a tackle on one of Westbury’s backs and stopped the ball with force.
The Knights defense wreaked havoc all night long, such as this one play where seniors, Kashawn Jarman, 61, and Luis Lizama, 54, made a tackle on one of Westbury’s backs and stopped the ball with force.

By Brandon Cruz

Uniondale High School recently wrapped up their jam-packed Spirit Week, which included the Knights football team’s big game and Homecoming Pep Rally — leaving students and staff with cherished memories of a week filled with excitement and school spirit. From Sept. 25 to Sept. 29, the halls of Uniondale High School were filled with creativity and enthusiasm as students showcased their school pride.

As always, this year’s Spirit Week was a vibrant celebration of school spirit and unity, with each day bringing a fresh theme for students to eagerly embrace. It is not everyday that the opportunity to express their unique personalities while coming together as a community is presented in such a fun and exciting way. From pajama day to decades day, the entire week was full of student’s showcasing their creativity, laugh with friends, and above all else, celebrate a deep sense of pride for the Uniondale community.

The grand finale of Spirit Week however, the Homecoming Pep Rally, took place on that Friday, Sept. 29. The entire school, including students, faculty, and community members, came together to support the school's sports teams and prepare for the big football game that weekend. The atmosphere was nothing short of electric, with spirited cheers and high-energy performances from different school musical groups and clubs that ignited the crowd.

The Homecoming Pep Rally was more than just an event to this student body — it was a testament to the strong sense of unity and camaraderie that defines Uniondale High School and the community as a whole. Students proudly rocked their school gear and colors, and filled the air with excitement and anticipation for the kick off of this year’s Homecoming game.

Due to the ongoing construction of a new field for the Knights, this year’s Homecoming game was held at East Meadow High School's campus that Saturday, Sept. 30. The stage was set for a competitive showdown as the Knights took on the Westbury Green Dragons on the gridiron.

The Knights delivered an outstanding performance, with teachers, students, administrators, and community members on their side as they slayed the Dragons 23-0. But for the coaches and student-athletes involved, this game was not just about winning — it was a celebration of teamwork, perseverance, and the indomitable spirit of this community.

“This year’s pep rally was a great event and the football game on Saturday was a great success as we competed against Westbury High School and came out victorious,” said Peter Cardone, Uniondale’s director of health, physical education, and athletics.

“I would also like to thank the East Meadow School District and district athletic director, Jason Supple, for allowing us to use their great facility — it was a great atmosphere for our fans and student-athletes and we are looking forward to next year's homecoming on our brand new field,” Cardone concluded.

This year’s Homecoming Pep Rally and Spirit Week showcased the youth’s vibrant pride, school-spirit and the administration's commitment to fostering a sense of pride and togetherness within the student body. This week will undoubtedly continue to be remembered as a shining example of the strong bonds that tie Uniondale High School together, and it will continue to inspire school spirit for years to come.