The Garden City Public Schools community came together on Sept. 19 for its annual homecoming celebration, bringing students, staff, families and community members together for a day filled with school spirit, tradition and Trojan pride.

The excitement began during Spirit Week, as students and staff showed off their school spirit with a variety of themed days. Monday was Pajama Day, followed by Tropical Day at the primary and elementary levels and Twin Day at the secondary levels on Tuesday. Wednesday brought America Day, while Stratford students celebrated Dress to Impress. Thursday featured Tie-Dye and Color Wars, and the week wrapped up with Spirit Day on Friday. Across the district, classrooms and hallways were filled with creativity, enthusiasm and school spirit as everyone geared up for the weekend’s festivities.

Homecoming celebrations continued on Sept. 18, when senior varsity athletes and members of the marching band visited the district’s primary, elementary and middle schools to participate in pep rallies and build excitement for the weekend. At the high school, students decorated their bleachers by class year before gathering for their own pep rally, which featured student skits, activities and a celebration of senior athletes.

The next day, the homecoming parade brought the community together as colorful class floats made their way through Garden City. Students, families, parent organizations including the PTA and SEPTA, the Garden City Police Department and members of the board of education all joined in the celebration.

Serving as this year’s grand marshals were retired Garden City Police Commissioner Kenneth Jackson and retired GCHS Principal Dr. Suzanne Viscovich. The parade also welcomed Garden City Mayor Edward Finneran; Assemblyman Ed Ra; State Senator Siela Bynoe; Nassau County Legislator John Giuffre; Nassau County Councilman Thomas Muscarella; Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti; Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray; Chamber of Commerce President John Wilton; and Garden City Village Deputy Mayor Judy Courtney and trustees Jessica Tai and Vincent Muldoon.

Before the parade began, GCHS senior Clare Gardner performed the national anthem. The parade concluded at Garden City High School, where the Trojans faced MacArthur High School in the annual homecoming game.

The energy continued throughout the game, with the marching band, color guard, cheerleaders and kickline squads taking the field during halftime for a series of performances. With the stands filled with students, families and community members, the Trojans capped the celebration with a 35-7 victory over MacArthur.

“Homecoming was a wonderful opportunity for our schools and community to come together and celebrate what makes Garden City special,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kusum Sinha. “The enthusiasm shown by our students, the dedication of our staff and the tremendous support from our families and community made this year’s celebration one to remember.”