“Celebration”: It’s not just the theme for this year’s Homecoming; it’s what Homecoming is all about. Elkhart students and alumni will undertake living out this theme beginning Sept. 22. In fact, they are planning a full week of “homecoming” activities that is sure to fill everyone’s hearts–not to mention the stadium and the dance floor!
Executive Principal Phil Shults may be a newcomer to Elkhart High School; however, he is anxious to experience an Elkhart Homecoming as he makes this town and this school his new “home.” “It is important to note that homecoming celebrations and events are driven by the outstanding members of our Student Government–of which Ms. T [Ms. Julie Tyrakowski] is the sponsor,” Shults begins. “I love the fact that student leaders take the initiative to bring this occasion to the community. These are students who are collaborating in leadership, and they deserve all the kudos.”
That said, hope everyone has his or her shirts!–as Aug. 28 was the last day to order. This year’s HOCO logo definitely was worth the $12 and will make a great showing at the game. Likewise, dress-out days will also be used as a way to visually celebrate each day of Homecoming Week. And, a competition will ensue to see which class participates the most. Each day will be as follows:
- Monday: Loungewear (no slippers; keep it school appropriate)
- Tuesday: GOLD and BLUE
- Wednesday: Country vs. Country Club
- Thursday: Anything But a Backpack
- Friday: Class Theme/Color
- Seniors – 4th of July / RWB Tie Dye
- Juniors – New Years / Black
- Sophomores – Halloween / Purple
- Freshmen – Valentine’s / Red
- Staff – St. Patrick’s Day / Green
Kicking off the week of events will be the 6:30 p.m. Dodgeball Tournament in Tubbs Gym on Monday, Sept. 22. Senior Nevaeh Cobb is organizing this event. “Team dodgeball is a great way to show school spirit and get involved with homecoming,” she insists. “It is a fun class event where teams of at least 10 will play against each other. It is so much fun to compete against other teams and show our school spirit!” So, what’s in it for the winning team? “The winners will receive a candy trophy.” It doesn’t get sweeter than that!
“I’m not sure if I am going to participate in the team dodgeball yet,” laments Senior Hayden Dinehart, as she has her own event to spearhead that week. But, that does not alter how excited she is about getting in the spirit of the event. “As for the shirts for this year’s Homecoming, I like the designs, and I know for us Seniors, we get to do tie dye for the Fourth of July and pick out the designs!”
Dinehart will definitely be wearing her shirt on Wednesday, Sept. 24, when the traditional “Clash of the Classes,” more formally known as Class Olympics commences. Grade levels will be identified by the color of their class shirts: Freshman are red; sophomores, purple; Juniors are in black; and seniors will sport a red, white, and blue tie dye motif. The games begin at 7 p.m. sharp.
“I am definitely going to be joining the class Olympics,” Dinehart reveals. “I feel like it would be really fun to participate in!” Dinehart is also looking forward to seeing all her friends dressed up at the dance on Saturday. For Dinehart, it’s more than just a Homecoming; it’s about the memories. “It’s my senior year, and I want some good memories attached to it!”
Homecoming would not be complete without Friday Night Football. This Sept. 26 event will lead off with a festive parade at 6 p.m. from the soccer/softball complex entrance all the way down to Rice Field. The game itself will get underway at 7 p.m. This year’s opponent will be South Bend St. Joe, where the crowd favorite will definitely be the Lions over the Huskies.
But, no HOCO game would be complete without the halftime announcement of the Homecoming Court. Leading up to this event, students in Grades 9-11 will select two princesses and two princes. Seniors, however, will select their top three choices for King and Queen. The court will participate in the parade, pep session, be introduced at halftime, and be treated like royalty at the dance.
Sophomore Abigail Gall explains how the selection process works. “The voting ballot for the Homecoming King/Queen and Princesses/Princes will come out soon. There will be a google form sent out to everybody, and they can vote there!” Gall is proud of how streamlined the process is. “I’m excited for Homecoming, because our Student Government group is ahead this year, and we have so many fun things planned. Being a part of it is so much fun!”
Fortunately, the Homecoming Dance will not occur right after the game this year. Thus, attendees will not have to worry about how to scrub off the blue and gold face paint, shower, and change for the dance in under a minute! Instead, the dance will be held the following evening–Saturday, Sept. 27–from 8-11 p.m. in the Main Campus cafeteria.
”I’m very excited about the Homecoming dance,” exclaims Ta’Zhane Williams, a Junior. “This year, I get to go with my boyfriend, and I’m excited to see my friends, dance, and mingle around. Overall,” she concludes, “I’m excited about making new memories with them!” As a quick after-thought, Williams adds, “I’m also excited about Spirit Week, because dressing up is always fun to do!”
Tickets for the dance are $10 and are available only to current 9-12 students. However, guest requests are available in the SOS hubs, as well as the EFD office. Senior Zoe Brenneman clarifies. “Tickets are available online, but you can also buy them before school, during lunch, and during Impact and Mondays,Thursdays,and Fridays.” On a more personal note, Brenneman adds, “I’m very excited for this year’s Homecoming, because the theme is “Celebration,” which I think is fun…and the decorations will be cute! It’s also the first time that I’m head chairperson for the dance committee, so I’m excited!”
“Homecoming is more than just a ‘celebration’ of the high school itself,” concludes Shults. “In my short time as an executive principal, I can see the pride that the Elkhart community has in all of our amazing schools–elementary, middle, and high school!”
Shults will have a firsthand opportunity to see that all play out in a little over a week. “Elkhart has tremendous history, and I can’t wait to hear stories from our alumni members!”
Best Online Encouragement to Attend Homecoming
The History Behind It:
- “The tradition of homecoming began in the early 1900s at colleges and universities. The purpose of homecoming was to welcome back alumni to their alma mater for a football game and other festivities. In the 1920s, high schools began adopting the tradition of homecoming. Homecoming is an important tradition in high schools because it builds school spirit and pride. It’s also a way for students to come together and show their support for their school and their community.”omelia.com
The Social Aspect:
- “You should go to homecoming because you can hangout with your friends. Homecoming is a huge social opportunity for students, staff, and parents. It’s a big celebration with your community, and it’s a great excuse to put down the cellphones and socialize face to face with your peers. Another reason why you should go is because you can show off your school spirit. Homecoming is known for its spirit week. Many schools get together to create themes for each day to allow students to dress up each time. Homecoming only happens once a year; therefore, you can’t miss out on creating new memories at the event. You could also celebrate your school, because you are spending four years of your life at your school, so why not celebrate? The four years are going to fly by, and you’re going to miss it as much as you think you might not.” myschooldance.com
The Opportunity to Get Involved:
- “Students love homecoming because it’s a fun break from the usual school routine. It’s an awesome time to make memories with friends, dress up for spirit week, and dance the night away. Whether you’re voting for homecoming court, helping with decorations, or just enjoying the event, homecoming helps everyone feel connected and proud to be a part of their school. Whether you just dress up everyday for Spirit Week or just go to the dance, there’s no right way to enjoy it. Some students go all out, and others keep it simple, but both are totally okay!” Careerprepschool.com
The Choice to Have Fun:
- “Homecoming could be one of the best nights of your life or one of the worst. Either way, it’ll be memorable. It can be nerve-wracking and filled with drama. Trust your gut, but try to let things you know conquer the things you don’t know. Don’t let fear and misconceptions keep you from having a nice time. If you expect the worst, you will find the worst. Try to make it the best night of your life, even if it doesn’t match your idea of a perfect night. Life is what you make it.” journal-republican.com
