Oct. 9 was steeped in tradition throughout Garden City as the community celebrated the 2021-22 school year’s homecoming. Energy was abundant as many students, staff members and families marched in the parade while others cheered from the sidelines. They then headed over to the Garden City High School field to watch the Trojans take a 49-0 victory against Valley Stream Central High School.
The parade featured the high school marching band, color guard and cheerleaders as well as various organizations from throughout the district and community. Members of the board of education and administration also joined the walk from Seventh Street to Merillon Avenue, and Homecoming King and Queen Liam Olcott and Sophia Hill donned their crowns and rode on a golf cart driven by Principal Kevin Steingruebner.
The Garden City Police Department and Fire Department kept the roads safe and Jim Malone served as the Grand Marshal. Meanwhile, on the sidewalks, students displayed a homecoming banner embellished with artwork representing the primary schools. All three of the primary buildings created celebratory banners that were displayed the day prior during their mini-pep rallies.
The game kicked off at 2 p.m., and bleachers were filled with spectators who cheered on the football team. Families also came out to support the marching band, color guard, varsity and junior varsity kicklines and cheerleaders, all of whom took the spotlight during the talent-filled halftime show.
The excitement began the day prior when a pep rally held in the high school gymnasium celebrated the senior class with performances, team introductions, skits and announcement of the homecoming court. Earlier in the day, some seniors visited the primary and elementary schools for the outdoor mini-pep rallies. Each of the district’s buildings held spirit week activities leading up to homecoming, which boosted school spirit and unity with special activities and themes.
—Submitted by Garden City Public Schools
