Homecoming brings together an entire high school to celebrate school spirit the week of the first football game through dances, pep rallies and even the nomination of the Homecoming King and Queen.
Homecoming is also celebrated through an elaborate parade that showcases many aspects of the high school. Marching bands march through the streets with music following along, teams of extracurricular follow behind to wave and give out treats, and trucks with the homecoming nominees are introduced for the town to witness.
“I would say it is pretty cool, because you get to see everyone up there, excited and with school spirit,” Liliana Romero, Health sophomore, said.
However, many changes come with this year’s homecoming parade.
“Because Homecoming falls on the same weekend as the Fiesta Parade this year, and some other logistical factors with the city, we decided to try it up here at the high school,“ Kylee Hipp, biology teacher, said.
The homecoming parade usually happens downtown, but this year’s parade will happen relatively near the high school. The parade will go through the high school and end at the football field.
“I think that it will be better because it is more centered towards the high school, so it will focus more on the athletes and the activities,” Sydney Bangerter, Health junior, said.
After the parade ends, a pep rally is held to introduce the homecoming nominees and information about them.
“In years past, we ended the parade at Stevens Park and had the pep assembly and then just kind of ended it there,” Hipp said.
With this year’s homecoming parade, the high school will provide various games and activities for students and their families, while food trucks are nearby so people can grab food before or after the parade.
“Because we have the opportunity to host it at the high school, we will go on the field, have the pep assembly as normal, and invite student activity groups to host carnival games just to get involved with our community,” Hipp said.
To end off the evening, a bonfire will be held for the students. Under the supervision of the fire department, the bonfire will come with music, games, and an opportunity for students to hang out with each other.
“I think it is going to be a good change because we are going to get more involved with the community, which is something that we have been wanting to do,” Romero said.
Homecoming brings forth many activities and experiences. With new changes comes new opportunities to make homecoming a memorable high school experience.
“It will make it a lot more exciting,” Bangerter said. “A lot more people will come and they will be more interested and investing in it.”
