By Amanda Ojeda
During Homecoming week (September 27 – October 1), students showed their East pride by decorating the halls with a sea of red and gold. Seniors showed up in their best attire, dressing up for the end of the day Homecoming Kickoff Assembly, where the Homecoming Court nominees were announced.
The four categories were acronymized into EAST. E for extracurriculars, such as school clubs, leadership groups, sports, and volunteer work within the community. A is for academics. These students have shown outstanding performances in academics and school involvement. S is for school spirit. Nominees of this category have gone above and beyond for East’s school spirit days, along with cheering on their fellow east students. Lastly, nominees for T, have displayed all of the qualities represented in Carrying the TORCH.
Tuesday was -ER Day. The theme allowed for East students to get as creative as possible, and they did not disappoint. Among the costumes were a quarter, a hunter, and even a Disneyland worker. After school, students participated in the annual Care Walk fundraiser on the track.
Wednesday was Homecoming Theme Day, and each class along with the faculty and staff dressed up in their groups corresponding decade. Freshman were the 2000’s, sophomores the 90’s, juniors the 80’s, seniors the 70’s, faculty and staff the 60’s.
Thursday was a special ode to Buffalo. Since it was Buffalo Spirit Day, it came with no surprise that many Sabres and Buffalo Bills jerseys were gracing our halls. A very eventful night followed shortly after school. Junior and senior girls competed in the PowderPuff game, leaving the seniors with a 35-21 win. Taste of East drew in a large crowd by selling baked goods, drinks, and other snacks. Some of the stands present were the Class of 2023 stand, French Club, Girl Up, Wellness, and Art Club. Food trucks were also catering there, selling shaved ice, grilled cheese, fried dough, and fries. The night ended with a celebratory bonfire, a well-loved tradition at East.
Class Color Day was on Friday. Freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors dressed up in their class shirts wearing white, black, yellow, and red, respectively. At the end of the school day, East had an outdoor Homecoming Closing Assembling for all to participate in. Some of the games played were the chicken catch game, Who’s Louder?, Tug-of-War (in which the Seniors won), and special performances from our East cheer teams. The Homecoming Court winners were also crowned. Kennedy Intihar for E, Ross Mantsurov for A, Max Schneider for S, and Simone Brock for T. Students then gathered after school at Paradise Park to participate in the parade. Each class gathered by their class float and eventually reached the school building where they prepared for the football game.
To end Homecoming Week, East celebrated at the outdoor Homecoming dance the following day. Everyone got a chance to dress up, enjoy the drinks and snacks offered, and dance the night away.
This homecoming gave our freshman and sophomores their first experience of a homecoming at East, and our seniors a proper start to their final year with us. It was certainly one that brought many smiles and happy memories that we will carry with us for a lifetime. Happy Homecoming East!
