Union High School excels equally in academic and non-academic extracurricular areas. More than twenty varsity sports are offered and Union's teams are consistently strong contenders. Union High School offers exceptional programs in music and art. Yearly musicals and performances of original plays highlight the Theater Arts programs. More than forty-five academic, special interest, and service related clubs provide students with an opportunity to develop their talents and leadership ability. Students compete successfully on the regional, state and national levels in oratory contests, competitive exams, academic, scientific, musical, and technical competitions.
Clubs/Student and Team Distinctions:The Future Business Leaders of America Chapter was recognized at the regional, state and national levels. The UHS Chapter earned the Gold Chapter Award. Individual members earned Gold Member and Gold Officer Awards.
The Swing Choir has won annual nationwide competitions for the past fifteen consecutive years with 1st place - Gold-Superior ratings. Swing Choir placed in the top 5% throughout the United States and Canada and has performed in both Disneyland and Disney World.
The Musical Theater Department has received many nominations in the Papermill Playhouse Rising Star awards competition that recognizes excellence in Musical Theater in New Jersey. Awards received include: Best Musical; Best Musical Director ; Best Orchestra (2x); Best Scenery (3x); Best Graphic Design (3x); Best Leading Actress (3x); Best Supporting Actor; Best Hair and Make-up Design; and Best Ensemble Group. Their annual productions have been among the best in New Jersey.
The Union High School Marching Band and Color Guard is recognized on the local, regional, and national level. The band has won the prestigious Yamaha Cup at MetLife Stadium, winning caption awards for Best Visual Performance, Best Music and Best Overall Effect. The band has won awards for best Music Performance at the USBands National Championship. The band won the Group 3A New Jersey State Championship at the US Bands State competition and placed 2nd in the TOB Atlantic Coast championship. The band has competed at festival disney and marched at the head of the Main Street parade. Both the color guard and the marching band were awarded first place with superior ratings at numerous Heritage Festivals. Our performing groups were also awarded the Festival Sweepstakes Overall Championship Award and several students have won Festival solo awards.
Art students designed and created murals representing the school's diversity using grant money received from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
Union's Army Junior R.O.T.C. unit is ranked in the top 5% nationwide and was designated as an Army Junior R.O.T.C. "Honor Unit With Distinction" for the 23rd consecutive year. The Army Junior R.O.T.C. Drill Team ranks first in New Jersey, second in the East Coast and eighth in the nation. The Color Guard ranks first in the state, second in the East Coast and fourth in the nation.